17 years old.....Worth Going?

RaiderBurn · Post by **RaiderBurn** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:01 pm

I am thinking of attending the 2006 Burn and am wndering if i should. I am currently 17 and I was wondering what the rules are about drinking and drugs on the playa for people under 21? Is there any? Are they strict about it?

regionalchaos · Post by **regionalchaos** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:11 pm

You would have a great time I would assume, regardless of drug usage.

Personally, I would not take a kid with me (or let them go) until they were at least 18 however. There are a lot of 'adult' activities going on...

RaiderBurn · Post by **RaiderBurn** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:14 pm

does anyone say anything about people 17 and 18 doing drugs and drinking though?

EvilDustBooger · Post by **EvilDustBooger** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:23 pm

RaiderBurn wrote:does anyone say anything about people 17 and 18 doing drugs and drinking though?

yes.

They say don`t be a fool.

what do YOU think they`d say?

RaiderBurn · Post by **RaiderBurn** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:26 pm

Do they allow it though? I dont want to go if i cant fully take part

EvilDustBooger · Post by **EvilDustBooger** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:28 pm

RaiderBurn wrote:Do they allow it though? I dont want to go if i cant fully take part

Pretty much the same rules as you`ll find in your neighborhood.
Better stay home.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:58 pm

In my four years on the playa I've had a total alteration intake of one sip of scotch.

"Fully take part" can also mean to be fully mentally aware instead of in some stupid haze.

All state and federal laws reguarding alcohal and controlled substances apply. People get arrested and ticketed every year.

falk · Post by **falk** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:58 pm

Also, I thought you had to be 18 to go to Burning Man unescorted

Post by **actiongrl** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 2:17 pm

Nobody under 18 is allowed without a parent or guardian, and all applicable state, federal, and local laws are in effect and are enforced.

Lassen Forge · Post by **Lassen Forge** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:00 pm

If you're 18 (counting on fingers here...) , it IS worth going, even without being able to hit the bars. There's a LOT more to do in BRC than get drunk, lit, wasted, or loaded.

Remember, too... the laws enforced are local - Pershing (and Washoe) County, Nevada, and US Federal (Including those of the BLM). It doesn't matter whart the laws are like where you came from, it's where you're standing that matters. And in BRC, you're in Nevada.

bb

blyslv · Post by **blyslv** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:01 pm

RaiderBurn wrote:Do they allow it though? I dont want to go if i cant fully take part

Radical Self Reliance: Coming soon to a desert event near you (hopefully).

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:03 pm

You mean that I can't commit graffiti in Singapore and expect to get away with it because it's ignored at home.

Sniff you meanie!!!

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 5:02 pm

You have to drink and take drugs to fully take part in Burning Man? Shit, I've been doing it wrong all these years.

It's against the law for you to drink. It's against the law for any of us to take illegal drugs. There's cops everywhere and if you're a minor you'll draw a lot more of their attention than the average attendee. You may get away with it or you may wind up in jail along with whatever adult gave you the stuff. You're probably less likely to get busted going to parties at home than you are out in the desert.

If your primary interest is getting loaded, you may find the trip disappointing. If you're there for the art and free expression and cool people it's definitely worth it.

Mozy bonz · Post by **Mozy bonz** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 5:30 pm

well put dork!

RaiderBurn · Post by **RaiderBurn** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 6:02 am

Thanks for your input. Youve changed my view on why i should go . I guess i wouldnt really enjoy it fully if i wasnt aware of what was going on because i was to tanked

Blonde Iguana · Post by **Blonde Iguana** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:51 am

Raiderburn, my 17 year old daughter went to Burning Man this year, and she went last year too. She doesn't drink (much) or do drugs and has the most unbelievable, incredible, wonderful experiences every year. Of course, as she's a beautiful trusting receptive young girl, she always goes out with a "chaperone" (either me or a campmate), as she gets hit on all too often and has been offered alcohol (dammit, why doesn't that happen to me?). If you do find an 18 or over person to accompany you into Burning Man, as a minor it's important to possess the strength and maturity to say NO to people or situations that seem like they might draw you into something that's over your head or illegal (which may end up getting everyone in trouble!).

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:19 am

Don't forget that by the time you get to Nevada you'll probably be impaired by exhaustion, altitude, etc and if you aren't very careful you can follow that up with lack of sleep, dehydration, heat, etc. Then, there's the whole being there thing. I'm not sure how you can add many chemicals to this. I think if you do you'll miss too much, and you might end up like the guys in the corner giving each other five the whole time.

scruffyboy · Post by **scruffyboy** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 8:18 pm

Raider I think your last response hit it on the head, if all you want to do is get tanked you're more likely to "miss out" on a lot of really kewl stuff!
Besides there are FAR less expensive ways to get loaded then schlepping your "stuff" and yer butt ALL the way out to the middle of nowhere for a week.
Burning Man is something different for everyone. When you go , leave your expectations at home, go with an open mind, willing hands and an open heart. You will most likely be totally amazed and certainly transformed!

dj big E · Post by **dj big E** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 8:31 am

Trust me raider seeing as this will be your first trip to bm once you get there and start to experience everything you will feel like your tripping I promise. I see here you are from ontario your main priority should be staying hydrated in the desert. See you on the playa. E

kilngod · Post by **kilngod** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 1:15 pm

Raidster -- I took my 15-yr. old son this year, and we had the time of our lives (first burn for both). Amazing. We both survived quite nicely, even though we're not exactly "intact" any more (in a good sense).

The whole scene is altered conciousness. I'm no Puritan, but chemical enhancements at Burningman seem a bit redundant and unnecessary. Try it straight -- you might like it.

Here's the dilemma you'll face after coming in 2006: How can you NOT make the pilgrimage every year after? Are you ready for that?

President Brown · Post by **President Brown** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 9:30 pm

Its one thing to get a nice buzz going and enjoy the playa in a relaxed fun "loose" mood. Its a totally different thing to get pissed up and raise hell and be a drunk asshole that pisses on peoples tents...just remember that. Its fun sober, and im only 17 aswell...i plan on going. I might go with an adult, or i might get a fake ID that says im 18. Im not quite sure yet.

CLARKcon · Post by **CLARKcon** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 10:32 pm

Yeah, what dj big E said. There is so much visual/audio/desensitization just going out being sober, that you may just throw up and pass out from all of the possibilities and potential. Plus, climate extremes does funny stuff to people, and it takes some time to acclimate to. Sooooo, if you can't take/stomach intoxicants where you are at, why would it be any better/different to take them at a unfamiliar survival camping event with 40,000 strangers? Not to scare you, but I don't know how many people I saw at First Aid with Saline I.V. dripbags from drinking in the blazing Nevada sun. Point in Point: Common sense is your best friend.

webdaemon · Post by **webdaemon** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:24 pm

im 15 now... my first burn was last year 05 and i loved it i was with my dad 62 hes amazing. i didnt spend much time with him tho... i basically wandered around meeting people and checking out different places. i am by no means one who frowns on having fun because im all for fun. but there is an extent to everything. as stated earlier its better to be sober than a drunken fool pissing on peoples tents... i found it rather enjoyable to head out and meet new people. bring what you want but keep it to your self because not everyone is ready and seeing as how you arent of age the undercover guys might bust you. i have never had any issue while home or on the playa with the authorites because what ever i do i do it in private. keep that in mind.

p.s. one bit of advise... these are some words i live by "Everything must be done in moderation, even moderation."

... deep...

have fun and enjoy the burn

17 years old.....Worth Going?

17 years old.....Worth Going?

LOOOOOONG time burner replies

Lmao