ePlaya

Hi all. 2013 was first time and I LOVED it but it wasn't quite the experience I was hoping for. I camped with my bf and the people he has been camping with for the last ten years. It's a big camp (80+), not a registered theme camp but with big fun art car. The people were super nice but I didn't really feel much of a click and so I'm hoping to find a different group for next year. I figured I'd make a list and hopefully someone can recommend people to contact.

Reno (or 100 mile radius) based. I'd like to have friends/camp mates nearby. Also, hard to work on projects when you are super far away.
DIY! When everyone else is showering every morning in their RV it's hard not feel like the dirty poor kid. I like being dirty and plan to make all (or most) of BM clothes for next year and would love to connect with people that are very hands on and not so concerned with being default world acceptable in appearance. Should this matter? No, but it did so there ya go.
I am a long term, daily, unapologetic "Phish fan." I would enjoy camping with like minded people.
No sober or quiet camps.
A big art project or camp theme would be fun and I feel like I missed out by not participating in the creation aspect of BM last year. I work hard and thrive in such environments.
Noise doesn't bother me.
My bf will still be camping on the 9 side and I'd like to be over there for ease of visiting but it's not a big deal.
I'm an introvert with a lot of trauma induced social anxiety and it's really hard for me to wander around and go into fun camps alone. My bf had to spend a lot of time babysitting the art car, so I didn't really get a chance to wander and meet people and I'd like to camp with a mix of intro and extro.
I am a vocal feminist and speak out/attempt to educate when confronted with problematic behaviors relating to sexism, racism, homo/trans phobia, ableism, etc.
I don't care about group meals, a hibachi and 3 dozen hot pockets to cook on it is FINE for me. I eat weird in the default, why do I need three squares at home?

Do I expect a perfect camp? No. These are just the things that I have been thinking about since I got home. Any and all suggestions welcome!

Wow, seems incredibly early in the season for a 'where do I camp?' thread... I recommend you connect with your local regional group. Meet people, participate in events, and then find a camp in your area to join (or like-minded people interested in forming one up with you).

I live in Reno. We don't have a regional. And big projects take a lot of work and time, sorry you don't approve of planning ahead.

You might have already answered this, but why didn't you click with the previous camp?

Were all 80 into RVs and morning showers and non-homemade clothes? Do you just want distance from your bf at times? What was it in that group that didn't work for you, so as to know what it is you aren't looking for. What's the experience you were looking for that wasn't there?

there are a ton of groups in and around Reno. Seems contacting some of them might give you some ideas of camps and such. Lots of individuals, too, to connect with. All types.

@RenoTerror, I think you're misunderstanding a few things. First, I'm not being judgmental - I'm simply remarking that it's really early to start seeing a 'where do I camp?' thread. Typically, those who start planning early are pretty radically self reliant, and do some reading and research and figure out how to join or start a camp. We don't generally see these kinds of posts until late spring. Another thing you misunderstand is the regional group situation. Reno does have a regional group - you can find out about it here. You may also want to look them up on Facebook. They don't do a regional campout (neither does San Francisco), but they do have a number of official regional events throughout the year, plus various camps and groups do fun and amazing things there all throughout the year.

Boy you guys are model fucking burners. Tell me again how I'm doing it wrong and too early.
Also, it's suuuuuper helpful to suggest to people with social anxiety that they just buck up and join a group. I asked for suggestions so that hopefully, someone that actually that read what I wrote might point me in a specific direction because you can't just google "people that will be nice you if you are scared of other people Reno Burning Man" Oh, I have internet access and can get to eplaya but it never occurred to me to google. And for the record, I do go to Reno BM events but I don't know anyone....because......I bet you can figure it out. Or could have if you had actually read what I wrote the first time.
I really appreciate the toilet seat picture too, thanks! It feels really nice to be mocked.

I really hope you all feel great about your responses. You had the opportunity to say nothing because you can't answer my question, instead you chose to make suggestions that clearly illustrate that you didn't read what I wrote (or got bored halfway through) or make fun of me. So three cheers and hats off to you!

Trilo, I think it was 'tongue in cheek'. I loved that he said it rather than the usual snarky replies that a post like this draws.

Reno Terror, Put on your flame resistant suit and dive in. If this is actually your 3rd post ever maybe you should browse a bit before you post again.

This isn't Matchmakers. com.

Hi RenoTerror!

I'm in reno too. If you havent checked out the Reno burners fb page,do. Lots of links to events, groups, etc. I try to go to as many events as possible but sometimes work, etc gets in the way. My kids are burners too (24 & 25) My daughter goes to some things with me sometimes but my son rarely does. It's always easier when you have someone to go with. Even though I do know some Reno burners, I can also be a bit shy.

I camp with Dye with Dignity within the Barbie Death Village over on the 3:00 side. I know that White Trash Superstars are out of Reno and they have a fb page. I'm trying to rack my brain to remember any other Reno based camps...

It can get rough up in here, but hang tough! After all you are from Reno . It does get easier around here. I've seen some people get ripped up but they've hung in and it usually ends up in a greater or at least grudging respect.

Anyhoo, you can always pm me if you want. And if i can remember other Reno based camps I'll keep you in mind.

Sorry about the toilet seat photo, it wasn't meant to mock you, but when I read the title of the post, I added my own wishlist. At first I thought this thread might be about Christmas wishlist, that's all. I do enjoy humor and absurdity, so not really much of a model anything... All I can say is, I read your entire post, you didn't say what was wrong with the group you were with, the one with your bf and his friends of 10 years... Did they not like Phish? Join in with the social group here, give and take a joke, don't tell us we are against planning and aren't helping when we are trying. One thing that is often mentioned is that bringing expectations to BM leads to disappointment. Also, I'm introverted and so I go with a small, very small, group, go out on my own and do what I do, run a bar to force myself to mingle. i don't try to join a huge group of strangers and expect to fit in. That's just not me. And if I did, everyone would complain about me being a jerk....

Eplaya is also a place to meet people. We have a meet and greet. I expand my group of friends in leaps and bounds each year I post here, and meet in person at Burning Man. If you stick around, or go back and read the volumes of threads, you'll pick up a lot of tips on how to have areas of difficulty and get out there anyway. People want to help out, but a shopping list puts me off, for one thing. Ripping this group for disappointing your expectations of a filled shopping list isn't a great start, but believe me, we've seen worse starts that became friends here. Read the ten principles, and think of how you'd like to work with them. I've been a solo camper, and found my neighbors easy to meet, wherever I ended up. I'm not an outgoing person, but I can say hello, and "what did you see today?" and those two things can lead to a very companionable experience. Burning Man can be a way to overcome some of your anxieties, it has been for me. I try not to lead with my weaknesses, that works best for me.

You should be damn grateful that nobody started in with the "well, what do you offer that a camp should take you on?" answers that this question usually gets. And your touchiness is a poor tactic to persuade someone to camp with you--you might be a drama magnet. I know it's hard. It's very hard. but maybe you need to find a better way to protect yourself while you're doing this search. This doesn't seem to be working for you.

RenoTerror wrote:Hi all. 2013 was first time and I LOVED it but it wasn't quite the experience I was hoping for. I camped with my bf and the people he has been camping with for the last ten years. It's a big camp (80+), not a registered theme camp but with big fun art car. The people were super nice but I didn't really feel much of a click and so I'm hoping to find a different group for next year. I figured I'd make a list and hopefully someone can recommend people to contact.

Reno (or 100 mile radius) based. I'd like to have friends/camp mates nearby. Also, hard to work on projects when you are super far away.
DIY! When everyone else is showering every morning in their RV it's hard not feel like the dirty poor kid. I like being dirty and plan to make all (or most) of BM clothes for next year and would love to connect with people that are very hands on and not so concerned with being default world acceptable in appearance. Should this matter? No, but it did so there ya go.
I am a long term, daily, unapologetic "Phish fan." I would enjoy camping with like minded people.
No sober or quiet camps.
A big art project or camp theme would be fun and I feel like I missed out by not participating in the creation aspect of BM last year. I work hard and thrive in such environments.
Noise doesn't bother me.
My bf will still be camping on the 9 side and I'd like to be over there for ease of visiting but it's not a big deal.
I'm an introvert with a lot of trauma induced social anxiety and it's really hard for me to wander around and go into fun camps alone. My bf had to spend a lot of time babysitting the art car, so I didn't really get a chance to wander and meet people and I'd like to camp with a mix of intro and extro.
I am a vocal feminist and speak out/attempt to educate when confronted with problematic behaviors relating to sexism, racism, homo/trans phobia, ableism, etc.
I don't care about group meals, a hibachi and 3 dozen hot pockets to cook on it is FINE for me. I eat weird in the default, why do I need three squares at home?

Do I expect a perfect camp? No. These are just the things that I have been thinking about since I got home. Any and all suggestions welcome!

Take Lucky's advice. Everything will flow from there. You'll be able to get a read on the rest in person, locally. Working with local people seems to be the priority and the way to find out about the other things that are important to you. The fact that you don't need quiet, a meal plan, daily showers--and are willing to work hard--means you have more flexibility than most.

I support your idea of aiming for a more down-to-earth camp, and taking charge of your feelings about being the "dirty poor kid". As a nine-time tent camper myself, I will say that some of the onus is on you to replace that self-image with "bad ass" or "rock star", and have pride in your abilities. No one has ever seemed to look down their nose at me for just doing a tent and shade, and I take considerable pride in my various systems . . . (even though I'm thinking about camping in a box truck for my 10th). Maybe it's that I have skipped camps with fees. People who are very concerned with status probably gravitate to very expensive camps.

. . . Btw, what does being a "long term, daily, unapologetic "Phish fan" entail? Do you just wanna bring a boom box and blast it every day during lunch, or you want a camp with a sound system that'll let you play it daily, or? . . . Inquiring minds & all that.

Savannah
If you ever want to know what being a long-term, daily, in-your-face fish fan is (besides a bunch of dashes), just ask.
Ditto for long-term, daily, in-your-face fantail fish.

I hope all this involves a fan dance.

A fantastic fan dance.

theCryptofishist wrote:A fantastic fin dance.

Fixed it for ya.

No offense Reno but into would like to know why you didn't click with the group. You posted what you wanted and who you are, and I'm not going to lie, from what it seems like you seem brash and a little needy. That could be why you had issues. Everyone burns int here own way and to call people out like you state you do could be causing your problems. I have to agree with trillo. It's a bit early. If I was you I would get involved on here, Facebook and reach out to regional contacts, also looking at the who what when guide from last year for camps from Reno. All placed camps are listed. If I was you I might try to dial it back a bit and instead tell camps what you can do for them. Just a piece of advice from a camp mayoress and chooses camp members.

I don't think she gives a shit

Man I can relate to the social anxiety thing. I do much better meeting one on one and having smaller scale interactions. My sweet husband gets incredibly anxious, to the point he never posts on here. I can see how it could feel like you were treated poorly after sticking your head out and taking a risk, but I do know trilo and the others and don't believe the intent was harshness.

All I can do is echo the advice given above and I can also tell you that lucky420 and her kids are three of the most fabulous people you can ever hope to meet.

my apologies to ken if it was me, i'm sorry...

gimme a heads up next time when your very sweet, very kind husband decides to come back...







sometimes........i bite the wrong head off in a feeding frenzy but if you were to put, say, i dont know, some kind of day glo orange vest on him, then i'll at least know to swim away...

Simon of the Playa wrote:my apologies to ken if it was me, i'm sorry...

gimme a heads up next time when your very sweet, very kind husband decides to come back...







sometimes........i bite the wrong head off in a feeding frenzy but if you were to put, say, i dont know, some kind of day glo orange vest on him, then i'll at least know to swim away...

Simon, we remain your loyal friends and snark mates.

theCryptofishist wrote:You should be damn grateful that nobody started in with the "well, what do you offer that a camp should take you on?" answers that this question usually gets. And your touchiness is a poor tactic to persuade someone to camp with you--you might be a drama magnet. I know it's hard. It's very hard. but maybe you need to find a better way to protect yourself while you're doing this search. This doesn't seem to be working for you.

This. Is. A. Perfect. Response.

FIGJAM wrote:

theCryptofishist wrote:A fantastic fin dance.

Fixed it for ya.

For the record, I'm into it.

Under Wish List for me, finding Savannah, that's about right........