Hello Everyone...
I've grown determined to not let life pass me by, so I've decided that I'm going to finally get to Burning Man this year... I've been dreaming about it since high school.
But I'm growing a little intimidated, as I don't believe any one I know will want to go out there with me. I'd like to stay for the full 6 days. I'm reading all the material on the website, but I'm still a little uncertain about camping alone.
I'm currently in Sacramento, but will be going down from Reno of course. I've got my own wheels (a mini-van), and will bring all my own stuff. (including food and water, of course)
I'd like to get to know some new people. I'm only 20, but I'm well-mannered and intelligent. I'll pull my weight, and clean up after myself. (I promise.)
Are there any groups of people planning on camping together that wouldn't mind an addition?
Single, first-timer looking for a camp
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MikeVDS
- Posts: 1899
- Joined: Tue Sep 26, 2006 2:10 pm
- Burning Since: 2006
- Camp Name: Tiki Fuckos
- Location: Tiki Fuckos, Upland CA
- Contact:
You are going to find lots of groups that will welcome you either before or during the event. You may not want to jump at the first camp that offers you a spot. There are many aspects to a camp. Their personality, organization, drama level, infrastructure, etc. You should make sure their goals match with yours. I personally like my freedom. We are doing a camp that is very organized that I probably will rarely be at. We're doing one event, then everything else is unorganized. No cooking together unless it just happens on the spot, etc.
At burningman the people you camp near will be your camp, regardless of if you knew them beforehand or not. Going alone could be fun. If you're a camper or outdoors person at all you should do fine alone as long as you are prepared. 1 gal of water/day (2 if you shower), food, shelter/warmth, clothes for hot and cold weather, good shoes and socks, goggles, and a bike. You probably want to bring more but if you get the basics down then you've taken care of your survival needs and can have fun!
Anyway, more people will be recruiting closer to the event, so stick around and repost later and be discriminating with your camp. Find out what they do as a camp and compare that to your expectations from a camp.
At burningman the people you camp near will be your camp, regardless of if you knew them beforehand or not. Going alone could be fun. If you're a camper or outdoors person at all you should do fine alone as long as you are prepared. 1 gal of water/day (2 if you shower), food, shelter/warmth, clothes for hot and cold weather, good shoes and socks, goggles, and a bike. You probably want to bring more but if you get the basics down then you've taken care of your survival needs and can have fun!
Anyway, more people will be recruiting closer to the event, so stick around and repost later and be discriminating with your camp. Find out what they do as a camp and compare that to your expectations from a camp.
[quote="MikeVDS"]You are going to find lots of groups that will welcome you either before or during the event. You may not want to jump at the first camp that offers you a spot. There are many aspects to a camp. Their personality, organization, drama level, infrastructure, etc. You should make sure their goals match with yours. I personally like my freedom. We are doing a camp that is very organized that I probably will rarely be at. We're doing one event, then everything else is unorganized. No cooking together unless it just happens on the spot, etc.
At burningman the people you camp near will be your camp, regardless of if you knew them beforehand or not. Going alone could be fun. If you're a camper or outdoors person at all you should do fine alone as long as you are prepared. 1 gal of water/day (2 if you shower), food, shelter/warmth, clothes for hot and cold weather, good shoes and socks, goggles, and a bike. You probably want to bring more but if you get the basics down then you've taken care of your survival needs and can have fun!
Anyway, more people will be recruiting closer to the event, so stick around and repost later and be discriminating with your camp. Find out what they do as a camp and compare that to your expectations from a camp.[/quote]
Thanks for the advice! I guess I've just gotta get all friendly and put myself out there.
So how is it determined where everyone camps? Like when I get there, do I just drive around and find spots that are available?
Woo hoo... only 6 months to go.
At burningman the people you camp near will be your camp, regardless of if you knew them beforehand or not. Going alone could be fun. If you're a camper or outdoors person at all you should do fine alone as long as you are prepared. 1 gal of water/day (2 if you shower), food, shelter/warmth, clothes for hot and cold weather, good shoes and socks, goggles, and a bike. You probably want to bring more but if you get the basics down then you've taken care of your survival needs and can have fun!
Anyway, more people will be recruiting closer to the event, so stick around and repost later and be discriminating with your camp. Find out what they do as a camp and compare that to your expectations from a camp.[/quote]
Thanks for the advice! I guess I've just gotta get all friendly and put myself out there.
So how is it determined where everyone camps? Like when I get there, do I just drive around and find spots that are available?
Woo hoo... only 6 months to go.
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MikeVDS
- Posts: 1899
- Joined: Tue Sep 26, 2006 2:10 pm
- Burning Since: 2006
- Camp Name: Tiki Fuckos
- Location: Tiki Fuckos, Upland CA
- Contact:
I'm not sure if the guides tell you that detail, but if you haven't read them, I suggest that you do.
But to answer the question, registered theme camps are given a plot of land to set up on. You'll see flags or something in these areas. All other areas are for unregistered campers. You can set up anywhere that is not reserved. It's nice to ask the people you're camping next to, how much land they are going to use, so you don't get in the way of their kitchen they haven't set up yet, etc. Some people will mark out their area in unregistered territory. This annoys some people because people sometimes end up leaving big areas of unused space until their friends come in during the last couple days.
But to answer the question, registered theme camps are given a plot of land to set up on. You'll see flags or something in these areas. All other areas are for unregistered campers. You can set up anywhere that is not reserved. It's nice to ask the people you're camping next to, how much land they are going to use, so you don't get in the way of their kitchen they haven't set up yet, etc. Some people will mark out their area in unregistered territory. This annoys some people because people sometimes end up leaving big areas of unused space until their friends come in during the last couple days.
Theme camps for this year will be listed after May 31. Just click on
"theme camps" near the top of the home page. There is a contact person listed for each theme camp. Read the descriptions of each camp and if you see one that you think you would like to join, email the contact person. Some camps welcome new members, some don't. Some camps are very structured, some are not. Some are loud, some are quiet. Lamplighters and Hushville are long running camps that take new members. Just keep researching the website, keep communicating with people, and I'm sure you will end up camping where you belong.
If your first experience is anything like mine, everything will be
different than you expected (but better) and everything you
planned to do won't happen (but something better will).
So don't worry about it too much, just go with the flow.
But DO read the survival guide and pay attention.
"theme camps" near the top of the home page. There is a contact person listed for each theme camp. Read the descriptions of each camp and if you see one that you think you would like to join, email the contact person. Some camps welcome new members, some don't. Some camps are very structured, some are not. Some are loud, some are quiet. Lamplighters and Hushville are long running camps that take new members. Just keep researching the website, keep communicating with people, and I'm sure you will end up camping where you belong.
If your first experience is anything like mine, everything will be
different than you expected (but better) and everything you
planned to do won't happen (but something better will).
So don't worry about it too much, just go with the flow.
But DO read the survival guide and pay attention.
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experienceclarity
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2006 3:12 pm
- Location: Sacramento, CA
Hey there!
Hey, my name is Heather and I also live in the Sacramento area. If you want to get together some time, I will explain everything you need to know. I've been going since 2000 so hopefully I could pass some wisdom to you. Just email me!!!! Can't wait to meet a fellow burner.