Cub Scouts' hike through nude beach shocks parents

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- A California Cub Scout pack's hike that took the young boys through a nude beach angered some parents, but officials said "proper protocol had been observed."

Diane and Erik Lekven, who accompanied their fourth- grade son and San Diego's Pack 766 on a Jan. 24 nature hike through Torrey Pines State Park, said they were shocked when Pack Master Desmond Wheatley led the group through Black's Beach, a well-known clothing optional beach.

"When I got up there I said, 'Hey what are you doing? We're in the middle of a nudist beach.' He said, 'This is a naturalist beach, and my family and I go through here all the time. It's not a big deal.' And I got really angry," Diane Lekven told KFMB-TV.

The couple said they filed a complaint with the Boy Scouts of America but were told the incident did not violate its policy.

Boy Scouts of America, San Diego-Imperial Council, addressed the incident in a statement Monday:

"During a planned hiking trip at Torrey Pines State Beach, a local Cub Scout Pack encountered some individuals who were inappropriately dressed. This outing, involving both parents and adult volunteer leaders, was quickly rerouted to protect the youth. Following the trip, both San Diego-Imperial Council and Pack leadership met with parents to discuss the events and determine if further action was needed. Together we concluded that proper protocol had been observed and appropriate steps were taken in this matter."

A Black Beach sunbather who asked only to be referred to as Michael told KGTV he did not believe the hike was "quickly re-routed." He said it would have been apparent to the pack leader that naked people were nearby well before it became too late to turn back from the nude beach.

"They could not have reached where we were without having gone a significant distance next to naked people," he said. "It was very uncomfortable thinking about what they were going through as well."