Bare Bodies, Big Hearts: Inside Sun Clad 2026

This July, Easton Mountain Retreat Center welcomes naturists back to the land for Sun Clad 2026, a weeklong GBTQ-affirming naturist retreat happening July 27 through August 2 in Greenwich, New York.

We spoke with Sean McLaughlin, also known as DJ Sean, and Freddy Freeman, Easton Mountain’s Programming Director, about what makes Sun Clad more than just a naked getaway.

Go Naked: Sean, you’ve been part of Sun Clad for many years, but this is your first year stepping into a host and organizer role. Freddy, you’ve helped shape Sun Clad at Easton for the past several years. What does this year mean to each of you?

Sean: Sun Clad has been one of my favorite Easton events for years, so stepping into a host role feels really special. I’m also one of the organizers of Capital Area Nude Socials in the Albany area and a frequent attendee at GNI, so naturist community is a big part of my life.

What I love about Sun Clad is that it has the fun and freedom naturists are looking for, but also the depth of a retreat. We’re eating together, going to workshops, sharing conversations, dancing, laughing, sitting in the sauna, and building real community over the course of the week.

Freddy: I’ve been helping shape Sun Clad for the past several years, and I’m always moved by the way the event creates both play and belonging. It is joyful, silly, sensual, creative, and full of heart.

For me, being in a naturist environment is a way of pushing back against the messages of body shame I’ve received over the years as a larger man. That connects directly to my work with Bear Your Soul and Loving Our Bare Bodies, where we celebrate bodies of all shapes, colors, sizes, and ages.

Go Naked: For naturists who already have a lot of options, why Sun Clad?

Sean: I think the answer is Easton itself. Sun Clad is not just a resort week or a social weekend. Easton Mountain was created by gay men as a place of sanctuary, and you can feel that on the land. It is a GBTQ-affirming space where all body types are accepted, personal boundaries are respected, and people do not have to hide any part of themselves.

There is also a great mix of people. Some are longtime naturists. Some come from GNI or local nude groups. Some are Easton regulars who love the spiritual, playful, or body-positive side of the retreat. That mix creates something warm and welcoming.

Freddy: What makes Sun Clad special is that it holds both joy and meaning. Yes, there are workshops, dance parties, nature hikes, sauna time, playful activities, art, delicious meals, and time to relax on the land. But underneath all of that, Sun Clad is about what becomes possible when we stop hiding, gather in community, and let ourselves be seen with warmth and acceptance.

Go Naked: What are some of the highlights people can expect this year?

Sean: We have a really fun team coming together, with a great mix of returning favorites and new energy. David Dietz and Jack Miller always bring playful camp energy, with things like naked Twister, water balloon fights, and activities that get people laughing and connecting.

David Jarvis will be back with his beloved naked piano bar on the deck, which has become one of those classic Easton moments. We’ll also have dance parties, evening gatherings, small groups, good meals, and plenty of time to enjoy being naked together in a beautiful place.

Freddy: We are excited to welcome some new facilitators to Sun Clad this year. Boréas will bring ritual and earth-based spirituality. Theo Rabii will offer movement-based workshops and naked yoga. Gianni Caminiti will bring his work with mindful and spiritual eroticism.

We’re also glad to have returning facilitators like Moss Tidd, who will bring his Playful Touch workshop and lead labyrinth walks, and Steve Sallis, whose flower arranging workshop always brings a creative and beautiful touch to the week.

Go Naked: What role do small groups and workshops play in the week?

Sean: Small groups are one of the reasons Sun Clad feels like a retreat and not just an event. They give people a place to check in, share what they are experiencing, and make real connections.

Freddy: The workshops add another layer. Some are playful. Some are creative. Some are about touch, movement, spirituality, naturism, or embodied connection. We are not trying to make everyone have the same experience. We are creating a week where people can find their own rhythm.

Go Naked: What should people know about staying at Easton for the week?

Freddy: Easton has a range of housing options, including tent camping, glamping tents, cabins, bunkhouse space, and shared guest house rooms. Rates vary depending on housing type, and they are all-inclusive. Your registration includes housing, meals, workshops, circles, activities, evening programs, celebrations, rituals, snacks, tea and coffee, and the full Sun Clad experience. Rates start at $695 per person.

Sean: Go Naked readers have a special invitation. When you register, be sure to mention Go Naked and use the code GONAKED26 to receive 10% off any housing type, including the newcomer rate.

Go Naked: Final invitation?

Sean: If you love naturist community and want something with more depth, more heart, and a little Easton magic, come to Sun Clad. Bring your towel, your playfulness, and your willingness to connect.

Freddy: Come celebrate your body, enjoy the land, meet wonderful people, and spend a week remembering that being naked together can be joyful, healing, creative, and deeply human.

Sun Clad 2026 takes place July 27 through August 2 at Easton Mountain Retreat Center in Greenwich, New York. To learn more and register, visit: https://www.eastonmountain.org/events/nude-26

photos by Dave Dietz: www.davedietz.net