How to Burn without a Theme Camp

[*Kat*]

The Captain said it all:

Well here's how it USED to be done:
You and your friend GO to Burning Man, set up camp, have a ball, and make friends.
Most likely you'll meet people you want to camp with the next year.
There seems to be a perception that you have to "join a camp" at Burning Man.
I can't see any reason to need or want to camp with complete strangers. You will of course show up in Black Rock Desert with everything you need to sustain yourself... like the Burning Man Survival Guide says... right?

You do not need to be in a theme camp. Just come to Burning Man with all the resources you need to survive. Find nice neighbors. Set up. Instant success!
You also do not need to join a theme camp to participate in the community: http://www.burningman.com/participate/
Some volunteering you'll have to sign up for, some camps are constantly looking for spontaneous volunteers (e.g. Lamplighters, Recycle Camp, Post Office).

[GreyCoyote]

Kat: can we camp with you? (((-ducking-)))

[unjonharley]

I would imagine most theme camps have a "theme" or agenda...

With some of the big sound camps they need lots of grifters to pull it off..

Other are art, music, performance and bar themed..

I have notice "theme" camps with the only agenda is to be rude.. Interactive within.. " I've got mine, screw you."

Have heard of camps recruiting slave labor.. You end up on camp duty in prime times.. Working in place of $dues$. Or working to belong..

A few theme camp that have been there from the first.. They get so self centered and prickly no one go's near them twice..

I would not join a camp unless I were in on the planing...

[Sunbeam56]

I think we are too small to be a theme camp
My cattle brand, duly registered, is "Fish out of Water". Im using the brand for BM becuz it seems topical - desert, after all.
No agenda. No schtick. No dues. No hostility.
I will feed you...

[FIGJAM]

[unjonharley]

It may not be a theme camp.. But I'm ready for Taco Tue.. With the Figjam..

[AntiM]

Last year my theme camp had seven people in it. This year we will be at bare minimum, but since we are in a village, it doesn't matter much.

[ygmir]

Last year my theme camp had seven people in it. This year we will be at bare minimum, but since we are in a village, it doesn't matter much.

do you have an idiot yet? I'm looking for work in a village............

[Elorrum]

Ygmir, I hear the job is hereditary, and hard to break into. (unlike dj-ing?)

Show up and your neighbors might be nicer than your friends, or camp organizers. No history, no baggage. No expectations, no obligations. I don't think I could have planned to have as nice neighbors as I've had by happenstance.

Then next year, you might think, "hey that was a real cool place," and come back there, and your neighbors might too. I had the same neighbors for 5 years running. After the third year, we just planned on it. Didn't really keep in touch all year through, but really enjoyed each other's company at the burn. I hope they make it back soon.

[*Kat*]

All of those sentiments echo my own experiences with theme camps (not that I don't love them - generally speaking).


So, to give a little more background information on where to camp:

1. Familiarize yourself with the BRC layout. http://survival.burningman.com/brc-infr ... 3CbtF4dLwI
2. Are you looking for something specific?
- I want to party like there is no tomorrow: find a camping spot in the 9:30-10:00 or 2:30-2:00 area. This is where the big sound camps are. Expect not to get too much sleep in the night.
- I prefer quiet nights: generally speaking it gets quieter and less densely populated the further you get away from Esplanade. Don't pitch your tent right by a road. Watch out for neighbor's generators. Also consider camping in Hushville*.
- I am looking for solitude: consider camping in the walk-in-camping-area (no cars or RVs allowed and hence sparsely populated)
- I am bringing kids: kids are welcome almost anywhere in BRC. Want to keep them away from nude camps & big sound camps? Want to give them the opportunity to make friends with lots of other kids? Consider camping in Kidsville*.

Other things to consider:
- proximity to porta-potties
- proximity to center camp (6:00) & civic plazas (9:00 & 3:00) - ice sale, emergency service, Black Rock City rangers


Generally speaking all the ground that is not claimed once the gate opens is a place you can camp at (within the city, of course). Still, it is nice to ask your neighbors first - maybe they are still waiting for friends. Help each other with setup and you'll instantly make friends.


*Camping within a village might require prior registration.

[*Kat*]

Last year my theme camp had seven people in it. This year we will be at bare minimum, but since we are in a village, it doesn't matter much.

do you have an idiot yet? I'm looking for work in a village............

Ygmir, I hear the job is hereditary, and hard to break into. (unlike dj-ing?)

[media]

[Christian The Jew]

[media]

[/quote]

Good Morning! I enjoyed this as I just got into work here. LOL Thanks for that.

[Eric]

I think we are too small to be a theme camp

You might be surprised - our camp averages about 10-12 people now, but we've been as small as 4 (and as large as 40). As long as you're bringing an interactive element to the table, you can apply to be a theme camp (our newspaper, AntiM's Wayward Art, etc)

The Captains way is the right way to approach it, as long as you can logistically get yourself to the playa. Build your own camp & grow from there (or don't). Not having a theme camp can make it a lot easier to enjoy the event without being tied down, and there are plenty of volunteer opportunities to help you participate.

[gaminwench]

I'm looking forward, after umpteen years in theme camps, to having all of my playa time as mine own this year.

I think this means I get to be a virgin again, wheeeeeee!

[shroom]

I've only been once and was not in a theme camp, and when I return next year I also don't plan on joining a theme camp. Just go!

[unjonharley]

When you find that spot... Suggest you talk to the nearby campers before you plop your shit down.. And for shits sake don't just going ahead and moves someone border markers.. I have needed an alley to turn the MV around.. If asked I have always made room for another camper..

One year three car loads of student wanted to camp by me.. They wanted to be closer in the city..They moved in so close they tied of to my van and trailer.. They played all night and slept all day.. Left right after the burn and left it clean..

[Ratty]

I've never been part of an organized camp. Hey. Food, water, shade, tent. I'm a greeter but like to plan my own time on vacation. I've made friends and one guy and I camp next to each other so we have someone to lean on for a forgotten item or moral support. It's not complicated. Bring too much of everything. Gift it or bring it back home. Simple.

Last year he forgot his backpack. No problem. I've got extra. Hell. We put out all the chairs and benches and could accommodate 12. I like his shade and table. He likes my crackers, salami and cheez whiz. Go it alone if you are a 'loner'.

[trilobyte]

It's probably worth pointing out that for every registered/placed theme camp, there are 5 theme camps out there that aren't registered (registration is only necessary to get size/location allocated and for early arrival to get a jump on setup). And for every registered/placed theme camp, there are probably 5-10 camps out there that are neither registered nor have any kind of elaborate art theme. There are also art support or vehicle support camps in that mix.

None of it's required, participate at whatever level that you want. As long as you're having fun, being respectful of your neighbors, and cleaning up after yourselves there's no wrong way to do it, is there?

[TryptaNim]

I'm looking forward, after umpteen years in theme camps, to having all of my playa time as mine own this year.

I think this means I get to be a virgin again, wheeeeeee!

That's exactly what I've been thinking of doing. None of the camps I've been with have really done anything I was too enthused with. But their proximity to the Esp and the fact that I've always had a few friends in each camp has made me lazy and complacent!

[Lonesomebri]

Life Of Brian.jpg (71.54 KiB) Viewed 3242 times

My theme is always the same, dirty guy over his head in dusty desert.

[gaminwench]

mmm, I've loved each of my Theme Camp families, and the inherent 'work' that goes into making the week fabulous, for the camp and its guests.
If any were producing this year, I would be there.

But, after 15 years of commitment to hosting during the event, it's nice to contemplate an experience of (relative) leisure.

I may even get to the Daft Punk trash fence show this year!

[FIGJAM]

Once you go slack, you never go back!