Theme Camp or Join?

[LeonardPotato]

My first burn was 2017 and I went solo.

For my next burn, I am thinking about setting up a theme camp. Would be relatively small, only open 3 days, but I don't want to return without making a contribution. I think my setup would be inexpensive, so cost is not a concern. What I am trying to determine is if doing a new camp would be a better experience than joining an existing camp? Anyone start a camp and regret it? Join a camp and regret it? Have a snarky comment that doesn't advance the conversation?

[Elderberry]

Personally, I don't think of a theme camp as open a limited number of days or being a one year endeavor. I'd suggest you join an existing theme camp and get a better idea of how they are set up and run.

I'm assuming when you say "theme camp" you mean a placed camp. And having a three-day camp will not qualify for placement. If you are thinking of just getting a bunch of people together, pulling up on the playa and setting up in an open camping area, that might be the way for you to go.

[LeonardPotato]

Hey! Thanks for the response.

My meaning by open 3 days would be limited scheduled events. Always "Open". I would limit it simply to have a proof of concept vs going big year one and not attracting any attention or having a flop of a camp. Not sure where the 1 year thing is from, but I would love to keep it going if it was a success. I thought any camp that made the WWW was considered a Theme camp, perhaps I have the terminology wrong. I don't think it would qualify for placement and would be more of a show up and set up. I would just want to be in the WWW so people knew there was something planned. I am definitely open to joining an existing camp though if I am under estimating the scope of what it takes.

[Jackass]

Be careful about putting an event in the book unless you're completely ready for a possible massive influx of people descending upon your camp, depending on what you're offering of course... Maybe just try the immediate neighborhood and passers-by see how that goes.

My small camp did a grilled cheese party in the www book once...

We were ill-prepared for what would happen next.

[Ratty]

Here is one way to do it. Find some friends and plan to camp together. Plan for everyone to be self sufficient if necessary. Have everyone participate in your 3 events. They can share in the preplaya prep work or expense. You don't need the www to be a hit. If it works out you can ask for placement in the future, name the camp, plan events together, share a shade structure and grow. We chose to stay small. No drama no dues.

[torrey.smith]

Some friends and I started a little camp a few years back.

It's a rabbit hole.

Do you go in? The choice is yours.

FYI, you can't go back out, only through.

edit: photo credit to Duncan Rawlinson

[Zubeneschamali]

I come from the "Try & Succeed, Try & Fail, just as long as you Try" school of thought. So I say go for it.

Failing spectacularly out on playa? Well, that's how legends are made.

And yeah, if you're giving away free food and/or free drugs and put it into the book, expect an onslaught of demand. For perspective, we did a meet & greet event in the 2018 book with no food or drugs, and got about 20 to show up.