Burner in need of a Family

[LittleElephant]

2018 was my first burning man and it was truly outstanding. I got a lot of flack from the burner community when saying I was going alone to my first burn ever and it was the big burn at that.. I survived and had the most wonderful experience! I was prepared, I didn't burn out, and I learned all sorts or new tricks.

As 2019 gets started, I have reflected on life and realized that for as much as I love the burn scene, I do not have nearly enough burner family and I sure don't participate in the ways that I should. So this year is about networking and volunteering. I have absolutely no time constraints and a van I live in... I'm looking for a nice big snuggly burner family to call my own both on and off the playa. I want to randomly help you pack your shit, unpack your shit, build camp, clean camp.... And I don't even want to be part of your camp necessarily.. I just want to help, bond, and be there for you all in whatever way you need!

Where are you my family? I long to meet you!

[Sham]

Welcome Little Elephant.
Your family is right here. 70,000 will be showing up on the playa. Be open and emotionally accessible and family will fall from the sky. Bring things to share. Walk into a crowded bar on the playa and have something that takes over the place. This is where your burner creativity can really start to shine.
Make yourself at home here and be sure to come the "Eplaya Meet and Greet" on Wednesday during the burn. You'll see many familiar names and make some new friends.

[Ratty]

Little elephant. Welcome to ePlaya. You want to be involved all year. We can help with that. Where do you live? There are burners everywhere. They are welcoming and in need of a hand. Tell us about yourself. We'll get you adopted.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to ePlaya!

[Savannah]

Welcome, LittleElephant!

Stag Camp is a good option if you're self-reliant and just want lots of company. Look them up on FB.

[Papa Bear]

I got a lot of flack from the burner community when saying I was going alone to my first burn ever and it was the big burn at that.

I have no idea why anyone would give you flack for that. The big burn was the first event for many of us.

In any case, welcome. If you're looking for "burner family", one of the first places to look for it would be via your regional community. Where are you located?

[Fiijblue]

I echo the same sentiments ... 2019 will be my first year and I’m flying solo as well. 32/f/Chicago. I am looking forward to my first Burn.

[Savannah]

There's nothing wrong with going alone your first time if you are smart, self-reliant, resilient, and well-prepared. You've got to save your money, do a ton of reading (survival guide, ePlaya, whatever you can get your hands on, etc). Having your own vehicle helps a ton, but doesn't mean you can't burn alone if you're determined.

That said! If you want to meet like-minded people near you, please give this a shot:

https://regionals.burningman.org

There's also nothing weird about joining a camp who's not in your area and meeting them on playa (make sure they have official Placement or a triangulation system in place), but since anyone can be a camp, be careful not to give anyone unvetted or unknown a ton of dues money. Get references, consider free or cheap camps, and always do your research.