How to Join a Theme Camp

[theCryptofishist]

There are, and always will be, arguments about if going with a theme camp is worth it, and do you want to be with a placed camp or just a group of friends with a project that you'll meet up with on playa.
However, we do get a fair number of newbies asking how to join a camp, and we are forced to type and re-type the answers for lack of a comprehensive place to send them for information. So, I am suggesting that we try this, and if it works keep doing it.

So, Here is Our Opinionated (and Possibly Snark-Infested) List of Things to consider and do while shopping for a theme camp.

1--Be Prepared: Get your tent, water, and read the survival guide. A theme camp is not a babysitting service. Also, know what you have to offer to a camp, so that their legitimate questions about letting you in have ready answers.

2--Don't Be Offended: Some theme camps are full. Or maybe they were never for more than a core group that knows each other well. Or maybe they were burned last year. This is a "Don't Keep your Eggs All in One Basket" deal.

3--Start with Last Year's List: There are a lot more theme camps than are represented on this board. Go to the list of placed themecamps from last year and read through it. Find 3-6 and email them at the contact address and ask them if they are looking for people this year and what they are looking for in those people.

[gyre]

The fancier the shower, the less likely it will be working.

[Isotopia]

Damn if that isn't the truth.

[thisisthatwhichis]

4 -- You do not have to join a Theme Camp to go to BurningMan. Theme Camps are placed, but most of Burningman is first-come, first-served, open camping.

5 -- If you join a Theme camp, expect work and additional costs. Theme camps only get placement because they are highly interactive, and return something to the community, so there is work involved. Most Theme Camps also have camp taxes to help pay for infrastructure and activities.

5.1a -- Don't use the showers at Gyre's camp.............