Code of Conduct...
Code of Conduct
Member Agreement
Eden Ranch is a Christian focused, family-friendly naturist retreat. We strive to create an environment where member visitors can live the core principles of Naturism.
Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature characterized by the practice of communal nudity with the intention of living as God originally intended, encouraging self acceptance and love for others.
While most people come to naturism with the right motives, there are occasionally some that have the wrong idea or have been misled about what naturism is truly about. In order to prevent misunderstandings, we have put together this agreement that outlines the terms of your relationship with Eden Ranch. Please review it carefully as your presence at Eden Ranch signifies your acceptance of this agreement. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask any of the staff of Eden Ranch.
Legal Jurisdiction
This may seem obvious but some jurisprudence suggests that we need to make it clearer for some people. When you visit Eden Ranch Family Naturist Retreat you are in Livingston, Texas and you agree that only the laws of the State of Texas and of the country of the United States of America will govern your dealings and your relationship with Eden Ranch Family Naturist Retreat. We are certain that there are some very nice laws in other countries but we would prefer not to have to deal with them.
Christian Focused
Eden Ranch is a Christian Focused naturist retreat. Meaning, that although we are not exclusive to Christians, we are certainly a Christian owned and operated retreat and as such we cater to the Christian naturist community unapologetically. If you are not a Christian you are free to enjoy the property as much as anyone else, but you need to know up front that we are a resort that holds Christian values in a high regard. You will see Christian artwork displayed prominently, you will see Bible verses displayed proudly and you will hear Christian music over the speakers. On Sundays we will have Christian church services in the chapel. If you find Christianity offensive then our advice is for you is to not avail yourself of our facilities.
Family-Friendly
Eden Ranch is a family-friendly retreat, meaning that not only are children allowed, but you are encouraged to bring the whole family to visit. We are intentionally building an environment where your children will want to join you at our retreat and will want to come back over and over again. It is our desire to promote God honoring, family-friendly naturism to the future generations by making Eden Ranch a place where your children want to visit. The playground, pool, hiking trails, etc. are all being designed with the whole family in mind.
Behavior
Eden Ranch is a place where we encourage people to respect each other. The vast majority of naturists understand what that means. In general, naturist conduct is about having the same manners that polite people in the textile world would exhibit.
If you have any questions on what behavior is inappropriate, please ask.
If you feel that you have been the victim of inappropriate behavior, it is important that you tell us.
You agree to abide by Eden Ranch’s Anti-Harassment Policy. (see below)
Remember to respect other people’s space. A solitary member or visitor may be looking for seclusion. Please be mindful of this possibility when approaching him or her.
Hazards
Eden Ranch likes to maintain a natural environment; therefore, you may encounter unsafe surfaces and potentially hazardous environments. For example, none of the water features whether natural or manmade, are supervised. By using the Eden Ranch grounds, you agree that your safety is your responsibility and that you will not hold Eden Ranch liable for harm or injury you, your children or your guests may suffer while on the property.
Children
We love to see children and families enjoying themselves at Eden Ranch. If you bring children to Eden Ranch, whether as a parent or as guardian, you agree that you are completely responsible for their actions and their safety. If you are wondering whether a naturist retreat is a place for children...please read the page at www.NakedAndUnashamed.org on children and naturism.
Dress Code
While naturism is more than just taking your clothes off, being nude is the philosophy’s principal method for living as our Creator intended as well as achieving respect for self, others and the environment. Nudity is the norm at Eden Ranch. Clothes should only be worn when necessary for warmth or for protection from the environment. Nudity is welcome everywhere and at any time. While we understand that people new to naturism need some time to adjust, nudity is still required at all times in certain areas. Some guidelines:
Clothing should be worn only for protection.
In the textile world, clothing is often used to denote status, to entice others or to alter a person’s appearance. These reasons are intolerable in a naturist environment. In particular, revealing or suggestive clothing should never be worn.
Bathing suits are never appropriate.
Underwear by itself provides no protection and should not be worn alone.
Experienced naturists know that most body heat is lost through the upper half of the body. When cool, naturists put on a shirt – not pants.
Be careful how you wrap towels and sarongs around yourself, as it might suggest you are ashamed of parts of your body.
Absolutely no clothing is permitted while swimming, using the saunas, whirlpool or showers (except for young children who are not toilet trained...they may wear a swim diaper).
Women who are menstruating may choose to wear something except while swimming or when using the saunas, whirlpool, and showers. Please make sure that the item of clothing is consistent with naturist values. In other words, it should not be enticing or suggestive. It should not serve as a fashion accessory. Please select an item that is subtle and functional.
For new people who stay clothed during their adjustment period: please be respectful of others. Be discreet and avoid public spaces.
Sexuality
We know that a healthy sex life is an important part of a marriage relationship. Furthermore, what a husband and wife do in the privacy of their own relationship is no one else’s business. That said, true naturists understand that naturism is not about sexuality. While we do our best to root out those with improper motives...occasionally an individual may slip through the cracks and end up visiting because they have been misled about the sexual nature of naturism. In order to make things clear to those rare individuals, to maintain a true naturist environment and to protect our reputation as a true family-friendly naturist destination, you agree that:
You will not partake in any overt sexual behavior.
You will not try to recruit or invite anyone for a sexual activity.
You will not promote – either internally or externally – any sexual activities at Eden Ranch.
You will let us know immediately if you witness or experience any of the above.
Violation of any of these are grounds for immediate removal from the property.
Privacy
We respect your privacy. Your personal information will remain private except if you give us permission otherwise or when we must divulge it for legal reasons.
Photography
Naturists, in general, are sensitive to having their image exploited. Objectification and exploitation of the human body go directly against naturist principles; therefore, the use of photographic equipment (or any other image recording device) is extremely limited. You may only take pictures/video of people who have consented (or whose guardian has consented in the case of children under 18) and then only if there is no chance that someone will misunderstand your intent. Anyone surreptitiously recording images or videos will have their equipment confiscated. If you choose to take photos/videos, you agree to turn over all your image recordings to Eden Ranch management upon request so that we may review them. Furthermore, you agree that Eden Ranch management has the right to decide, at its sole discretion, to permanently confiscate any image recordings that it believes violates any of the above.
Motorized Vehicles
Use of bicycles, golf carts or ATVs are allowed at Eden Ranch, but must be operated at low speeds and with respect for other visiting members. No loud vehicles will be permitted. Quiet times are between 10pm and 8am.
General Regulations
For safety, comfort, and convenience, there are a number of directional, informational, and instructional signs at Eden Ranch to guide you. As a member visitor, you agree to abide by the directions and instructions on them. Here are a few specific regulations that apply throughout Eden Ranch:
Obviously, no illegal activities will be tolerated. Any illegal activities will be reported to the police.
Firearms are permitted, but we ask that you keep the firearm concealed unless needed to defend one’s self or others, then all that we ask for is good marksmanship.
Pets must be kept under control (i.e. on their leash) at all times and owners must clean up after their pets. Pets are not allowed in the pool, indoors, or near people who are uncomfortable in the presence of animals.
No smoking is allowed indoors in any building, guest room or cabin. Outdoors, smoking is only allowed on your campsite and in specifically designated areas. When smoking outdoors, please take care that your smoke does not bother others and that you use an ashtray.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the common areas of the retreat and must be limited to your home or campsite area. Any drunk or disorderly/beligerent behavior will be grounds for removal from the retreat.
Genital and Breast jewelry is expressly forbidden at all times anywhere on the property. We find that these adornments do not adhere to the naturist mindset as they draw attention directly to a specific body part rather than the person as a whole. This jewelry will not be tolerated and any violation of this policy will result in immediate removal from the retreat.
Please exercise caution around the lakes, ponds, pool and hot tub; and follow the posted safety regulations.
No glass drink or food is allowed near or in the ponds, lakes, pool, hot tub, or saunas. Because many people like to walk barefoot around the property, drinking from glass containers anywhere on the property is not allowed.
Children who are not toilet trained must wear a diaper/swim diaper.
When nude, always sit on a towel when using a chair, bench, or saunas.
Use trash containers and ashtrays for all your refuse.
Please park courteously, using minimum space and only in designated areas.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. However, excessive noise that disturbs others is never appropriate.
Eden Ranch Anti-Harassment Policy
Eden Ranch wants to provide each person with a comfortable, naturist experience. To ensure this, Eden Ranch enforces the following anti-harassment policy.
It is not our intention to prohibit mutually acceptable, affectionate gestures within individual relationships or to govern the private acts of consenting adults. However, harassment in any form will not be tolerated at Eden Ranch.
Eden Ranch defines harassment as:
Unwanted advances, remarks, suggestions, solicitations, propositions, gestures, threats, ridicule or jokes of a crude or sexual nature.
Persistent attempts to engage another person in a clearly undesired conversation.
Unsolicited comments about someone’s body or specific body parts.
Persistent staring, stalking, following, voyeuristic positioning, or crowding of personal space.
Aggressive acts or threatening body language.
Offensive, abusive, demeaning, humiliating, threatening, or intimidating communication or behavior.
Intentional touching of another person without prior, mutual consent.
Public sexual behavior, sexual acts or displays.
Member visitors are encouraged to immediately report any situation that seems like harassment as defined above. Eden Ranch staff will investigate, respond, and take appropriate action.
Confirmed acts of harassment will result in expulsion and, if appropriate, criminal prosecution.
As this is a members only retreat we reserve the right to refuse access to anyone at anytime for any reason.