Stag Camp

Somnivore · Post by **Somnivore** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 1:07 pm

Yup, that's what I did last year -got in early that is. You have to give one shift on the burn weekend even if you do your other shifts pre-event. Looking in to maybe doing medical again and see if I can get my first few shifts in for pre-event...it kind of messed up the first few days by doing those night shifts on Mon and Tues. Glad to hear Stef is making a return trip w/you. Now, if Red and Gigi chime in we'll get more of the OG Staggers back in the mix

. I'll try and drop Alex and his girl an e-mail...

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 5:23 pm

Yeah i talked to danny on the phone and he said he would love to do the greeters thing with us so he is in for it.... Larry said he is coming and staying stag this year.... so that is good.... have to ask him about if he wants to do the greeter thing as well.... :) btw melancholy harlot good luck with the peace corps.... tough work there tough work... sounds like interesting work though....

melancholy harlot · Post by **melancholy harlot** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:44 am

Alert:

Nikki is drunk. Nikki is posting on eplaya.

Nikki would like to make a statement of thanks. The visit of David Opie to Chicago has reinvigorated in her the spirit of the burn. Since then, like David, she has been experiencing spontaneous smile syndrome.

Nikki is also thankful that she is learning, six months and several thousand miles from the playa, two important lessons: how to lead and how to follow.

Confession: I have never been a natural at group work.

I know how to follow when a project is clearly and strongly claimed. Like David's land grab or shower structure. Like SAM's very founding of this camp. But right now what I'm learning is graceful and voluntary *teamwork*, is *trusting* in companions, is delegating *to each other* to say, "you get this done for us, while I get this done for us." I'm also learning to say, "here is where I'd really like to be of service, can I play a role?" And I can't think of a community I'd rather give to...

Tonight, for example, of this seemingly abstract concept. My dear, dear love Stefanie, who I barely knew before last burn but drove 3000 miles with and have felt for like a sister since. Two things. One: that bitch can sew. (Sorry I called you a bitch, love.) We've been scheming on projects for costumes for the whole camp lately, and I know that I am hesitant to relinquish control in a lot of areas of my life. But tonight, before bed, I sent her off with a treasure trove of fabric (much of which comes from the foresight and generosity of David Opie), saying, "You are good at this. You can make this happen. I want to work with you, and I want you to teach me." I don't think I've ever said that before. At school. At work. Even at home. "I want to work with you."

What a fucking blessing.

The other thing. Stef got super excited about volunteerism, has really done her research into giving back to the playa. She will be coordinating volunteer efforts for Stag Camp, will help you connect with the right group for you (which so important and rewarding), will spearhead efforts to schedule a Stag Camp Greeters shift. I am happily comfortable in her competent hands.

Perhaps this all seems like drunken drivel. But, for someone who has spent the duration of college attempting to get out of group projects, to find that it is a joy to cooperate, that it is fulfilling, that it is even easy, is one of those blessings that the playa sends from afar and that is beyond value. Once again I am grateful and humbled.

And thankful for SO, SO much.

Somnivore · Post by **Somnivore** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:30 am

"But, for someone who has spent the duration of college attempting to get out of group projects, to find that it is a joy to cooperate, that it is fulfilling, that it is even easy, is one of those blessings that the playa sends from afar and that is beyond value. Once again I am grateful and humbled."

Yeah, but at college you can't volunteer for many projects drunk and half naked

twinwitin · Post by **twinwitin** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:48 am

Mel(nikki),

Believe me, it is very comforting, in a group. Sharing work is what makes volunteering easier to repeat. I understand about the "trust" thing, it can be hard to release the thinking of "If you want it done right...", or "I don't want to take the time of others" "I want to rely on my own resourses..." on and on...

I have a big family, and we all live in a small town. I have always done things in groups, so please just let me commend you on your independence and self reliance.

Like I said, groups are great, but it has only been in the last few years that I have found courage of self, as I call it!

So, sit back sister and we'll all share the load which will leave more time and energy for fun and fellowship!!

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 5:02 pm

Hey Hey!!! i got in touch with Alex and he said that him and his girlfriend would do the greeters shift with us so...

there are 2 more people.... well guess what
Good news

1. Uncle Sam might be giving me a bit of tax free money every month for the rest of my life....from what i was told by the VA anywhere between 117 to 348 a month maybe more... maybe less.... but here is the....

Bad news

....
The reason why i am getting the money....

1. Permenant Hearing loss
2. Permenant ringing in my ears
3. Joint and back problems
4. possable nerve damage in my left arm
5. Scaring- one on my figners 3 on my arms...

So yeah... everything has its ups an down....

But yeah WOW there is a lotta stuff that i did not even know that i could get because i am now getting out and am considered a Vet.... all sorts of loans tax breaks medical benfits etc.... the list goes on and on.... actually shell i might have to talk to you as well i know you were in the AF so hell if i can help you out learn more about some of the stuff you can get now a days that you did not know when you got out way back when then that would be cool.....

Post by **AntiM** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 5:37 pm

I pull disability from the military, and so does MyLarry. He's also retired, so that's not extra money, just a bigger untaxed chunk. Between the two of us, our combined disabilities are a large enough percentage that we don't pay property taxes. Varies by state and county, you'll need to check with your county for what exemptions you're eligible to receive.

And the VA sent me to school for a teaching certificate, but I never could find a decent job with it. Teacher shortage my ass.

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 5:41 pm

Yeah that is what they told me in the TAP/TAMP classes i took this week is that it all depends on the place you plan to live after you get out of the military and to look online at VA.gov and stuff like that to find out all the things you rate in your state and the different levels of things you can get depending on your disability rating....

timkelly1986 · Post by **timkelly1986** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 8:33 pm

Got room for another Aussie? Melbournian here.

It'll be my first time and Stag sounds like its the one for me. No rules beyond what common sense suggests. No insane amount or organisation.

I am doing a big adventure with no real plans and a BM ticket is my anchor to the US for later this year.

I'm a 22 year old dude. Somewhat prone to wandering off and not coming back for a few days.

So... yeash...

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 8:50 pm

Well let me be the first to say Welcome stranger :) looks like we are going to have a few aussies this year... Ozzie ozzie ozzie oi oi oi!! lol i stoped off in Perth/Freemantle on my way home from iraq last year it was one of the ports we hit for supplies and maintance..... WOW that was a blast.....i had a great time and for some reasion Australian women love american men i dont know why but they do :)

plowman · Post by **plowman** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:29 pm

When I was in the Phillapines, I met some people from Australia. They were on "holiday". It was March. Couldn't think of a holiday in March. Found out later what "holiday" meant. Was talking to a girl who kept telling me she was Randy, found out later, Randy wasn't her name. She kept telling me she was pissed, so I kept apologizing for what ever I had done (didn't have a clue) found out later, she wasn't mad at all.
I said some things they didn't quite understand either but we had a fantastic time. And come to find out they spoke Australian and I spoke American. And neither one is English.

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:39 pm

LMAO

DOH!!!! yeah see that is why i love being up on some of that stuff cause the first little hot blond i started drinking with told me she was randy and wanted to go some place else i smiled and we went to her place

she was shocked that i knew what she was talking about the same with pissed and a few other words she used... paid off in the end to know what they ment though

is all i gotta say about that night..... i love Australia.. good food 2 ohh man i would kill for a beef and Guinness pie! WOW such good times.... Singapore was amazing as well.... lol odd country though.... you can't be seen holding porn in public or you can be arrested and fined a lot of money or caned depending on your offense ....... but you can go into bars and buy hookers and it is total legal.... lol go figure right....

plowman · Post by **plowman** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:49 pm

In the P.I. prostetution is illegal but every bar had "Hostesses" or two or twenty.
Another new American word "Hostetute".

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:50 pm

LMAO!!! yeah i heard about that.... actually hey sheldon ring ring dude

timkelly1986 · Post by **timkelly1986** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:03 pm

So thats it? I'm in?

Im still intrigued as to what "holiday" meant.

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:45 pm

Yup your in it is that simple.... holiday a lot of British and Canadians and Australians say it means they are on Vacation.... But they Say " Oh we are on Holiday here"

my girlfriend says it all the time when we go out camping in the desert or do road trips.

brokenscene · Post by **brokenscene** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 4:27 am

Hey all

As Nikki so beautifully stated it, teamwork (although it generally sucks with the masses of uncooperative people especially in a college environment) works wonders out in the playa. Volunteering is one of the more rewarding ways to experience teamwork as well as give back to the larger playa community outside of glorious stag camp....

As far as the greeter shift goes... I emailed the guy once and hopefully the right person.... although it was a bit hard to track down... point is, i'm working on it and hopefully will have it all resolved within the week.

I have a loose list of people willing to sign up for the greeter shift. I'm going to private message those people via tribe to double check (within the next day or so, I'm tired).... and otherwise, I'm going to move all volunteer information and exchange to the tribe website. I feel as though it is slightly more private...

if anyone wishes to get ahold of me on tribe. my name is stefanie (for those who don't know). nikki and i trekked down to burning man last year and will be trekking (although not the whole 3000 miles in a car) out there this year with more costumes, handcuffs, and glowing shit than the year prior (as if that is possible)... miss you all terribly and to those i haven't met, i'm pre-missing you... as i'm sure i'll miss you terribly after this year's burn

much luv...

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 8:12 am

Timkelly,
Make sure you read the survival guide a bunch of times so you will know how to be prepared for the playa. Bring extra sunglasses and don't forget the chap stick. Feel free to shout out questions you have here and anywhere else on eplaya. Many old threads have a slew of good advice for whatever your transportation and camping situation may be.
Welcome!!

I thought all of you might like this.

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:48 am

Yeah i think dave likes this one better lol cause remember motski the power is vested in YOU MAN!!!!

here is another good video

Stag camp dust storm

Another good one

Thank you Nikki!!!!

timkelly1986 · Post by **timkelly1986** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 9:47 pm

Cheers guys. Cool videos. Love the panoramic one, I really dig it when people have shit technology and still do amazing stuff with it.

I am currently working out whether I am going to be Stagging it up or paying $100 and joining the Black Rock International Burner Hostel. If I join up with them I will have a couple of things covered such as food and cooking gear. And I think I'll be able to get a ride in with them with all my water, back pack and a bike if I get one.

What I am really worried about is that I don't have a car and I need to get enough food, water and bike action onto the playa so I can have my BM cherry popped with as little drama as possible.

What do you guys reckon? Burner Hostel or try and use the forums to bum a lift of someone? I will be pretty happy to go anywhere in California to meet someone for a lift.

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 1:29 am

You can try the forms there is a section for ride shairing.... also you can look on www.tribe.net that is how i found a ride last year

Â¡Niers! · Post by **Â¡Niers!** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 1:43 am

Well, it's official......purchased my ticket today!
I'm definately gonna be a stagger!
You all might not be hearing much from me for a while cause I'll be pretty busy for the next couple weeks.
So excited to get my ticket in the mail though.

That was an awesome video, Opie. That must have taken alot of time to make.

I am considering volunteering as a greeter, but as a virgin maybe it would be a good idea if I paired up with a non-virgin-stagger. Also, since it's my first year, I'm not really wanting to comit to too much.

ok

Somnivore · Post by **Somnivore** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:25 am

"more costumes, handcuffs, and glowing shit "

mmmmmm handcuffs

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:45 am

i have to agree hand cuffs work... i am bring about 40 feet of rope

might come in handy... also going to bring about 4 or 5 lengths of rope at about 6ft a piece

it always good to have rope around

also this year trying to bring about 2000 to 4000 glow bracelets,neck lesses,and sticks combined... also looking for bulk sales of glowley LED stuff or EL-Wire... E-bay rocks for anybody wanting to buy mass quantiles of glowing bracelets and neck lesses

.... to bad we cant have BB guns with the biodegradable BB's on the playa or i would get a whole bunch of cheap ones and make the burning man militia lol.... there ya go the American dream right there!

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 5:41 pm

iNiers!,
Awesome!!!! I got my ticket a little bit ago and really enjoyed the lemon head that came with it. I almost put the ticket in the glove box of my box truck just so I won't forget it but it is on the fridge to look at. Don't worry about the greeter thing. If the time comes around where the Stags are Staggering off to do the greeter thing and you want to go along then by all means do. If you are off doing something else than thats fine too. I think the plan is to do it as a group so you are covered there. I'm thinking about staying late again and maybe working exodus and then tear down if I still have the energy. Volunteering is completely optional and either choice is respected especially for a virgin.
I really like the mix of continuity and randomness in that clip.

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 5:47 pm

I've heard tales of woe from a burner (don't recall just who) who'd placed their ticket in the glove box, then the car was broken into and it was stolen. Same goes for wallets, I've heard that incident. And someone had theirs on the fridge and it was taken during a party. That sucks!

Mine are safe and sound, and since we yell "ticket check!" before rolling, always in hand to get from here to there.

melancholy harlot · Post by **melancholy harlot** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 5:55 pm

I kept mine in the secret stash that holds my checkbook and passport when not in use. Says something about priorities in life?? ;)

plowman · Post by **plowman** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:23 pm

Mice!!
Glove boxes are great mice attractors. They will shred your ticket to make a nest. Unless you live in the city, then all you have to worry about is, Rats, four legged nesting types and two legged thieving types.
I keep mine on my bullitin board above my computer so I see it every day

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:37 pm

I keep mine in a secret stash as well but to tell its contents well... lets just say i have my passport... some emergency money... emergency lead protection ( aka kevlar) .... and emergency lead thrower (aka boom stick).... along with soon to join it burning man ticket... and some other things... hey can never be overly prepared is my motto

I mean you never know who might be after your burning man ticket... lol it must be protected at all costs

!

plowman · Post by **plowman** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:52 pm

Looks to me like, if they get your ticket, they also get all they need for a quick, safe getaway.
I think you better build some B(.)(.)BY traps.

Stag Camp

Room for another Australian?

Thanks