08 psyched newbie, but confused on camping, joining camps..?

jjdzn · Post by **jjdzn** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 7:44 pm

Very fired up about BM this year. But, what's the deal regarding camping, camps, etc. Do you just show up and join up with a camp, do you do your research and start communicating with a group, do you just show up and set up your own tent just anywhere? WANT to collaborate, contribute and join in, just not sure where and how to start? Any veterans out there want to help educate and BM newbie. It will be most appreciated!! Jeff :D

lonestoner916 · Post by **lonestoner916** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:01 pm

It all depends on you and what you want to do, all of the things you mentioned happen. For your first time, I recommend you check out Stag Camp.

TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:07 pm

Hey Jeff!

Jeff here.. You can camp by yourself, with a camp...it's up to you. I suppose being with a camp, requires hooking up before the event..and may require dues. Theme camps are alloted spaces, surrounding center camp, and along the esplenade. Do you skate? Don't know if were taking on new campers, but the Black Rock Roller Disco is a fun camp.
Even if you Camp on your own, you will get to know your neighbors pretty quickly...Just as fun as a theme camp, without the drama and hierarchy. Happy Burn!

TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:10 pm

The Temple of Atonement is a fun camp too!

Post by **trilobyte** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:05 pm

You're on your own and camping in any unreserved space you find when you arrive, unless you make some kind of prior arrangement with another/larger camp. Sur the boards here or check the theme camp list and contact someone on that list if you want to join an existing camp.... or start your own. You don't have to have a name, but it is fun, have fun with the idea.

phil · Post by **phil** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 10:15 pm

I've always wanted to help educate and BM a newbie. (Did I read that right?)

Louise and I camped on our own for a few years before joining a theme camp. If you haven't already hooked up with one, don't worry about it for this year. Just pull up to an empty space, get out, and ask the people who are already there if they mind if you pitch your camp there. Generally, the answer is go right ahead. You might ask if they play music all night, what kind, do they run their generator at all hours, give away liquor, and so on. You're interested in finding out if they're going to be doing things that make you happy or miserable. Or happy _and_ miserable.

Theme camps have reserved space, so you don't want to pitch your camp there and have to move. People in the free space can't save it, but if they tell you their friends will be showing up to camp where you are, be gracious and find another of the million other free spots you can camp in.

If you like, check the BM home page and see if there are Burning Man events in your area. If so, check in with them and see what you can do with them between now and the burn. You may make some friends who'll invite you to join them. If their plans are already locked in, you still can volunteer and see about going with them next year.

You'll be thrilled no matter where you camp, and you'll have the best time you've ever had.

Or you'll hate every instant of it and have the worst time ever. It depends.

I've read all the posts, and I'd say there are some suggestion that you should not follow. I'm not sure which ones, though.

thirt33n · Post by **thirt33n** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 4:25 am

TomServo wrote:Hey Jeff!

Jeff here.. You can camp by yourself, with a camp...it's up to you. I suppose being with a camp, requires hooking up before the event..and may require dues. Theme camps are alloted spaces, surrounding center camp, and along the esplenade. Do you skate? Don't know if were taking on new campers, but the Black Rock Roller Disco is a fun camp.
Even if you Camp on your own, you will get to know your neighbors pretty quickly...Just as fun as a theme camp, without the drama and hierarchy. Happy Burn!

dude?
you're with the roller disco?
....wouldn't have pegged you fer that.
that's cool.

i'd like to see you rollin' and firin you're rat tat tats.....

this is great.

life is good.

TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:18 pm

thirt33n.I,m the bartender... hope you like vodka. Come on by, and youll get a free drink! I do have absinth too. See ya out their! Peace!

Zoz · Post by **Zoz** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 6:55 am

my crew is in the same boat. Driving out from Cincinnati, there aren't many other burners willing to caravan to the desert. Our plan is to make friends once we arrive and since we're rolling in an RV, we are bringing plenty of misc things to gift and contribute to someone elses camp.

Making new friends is easy if you have a good attitude and a shit ton of supplies!

See you on the Playa

Post by **mdmf007** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 7:46 am

Id go solo this late in the game

Ranger Mickey · Post by **Ranger Mickey** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:48 pm

Late in the game? Bah, you wait 'til mid-August. That's late in the game

Seriously, check out the Theme Camps section of burningman.com and send some email. "Hi, we're newbies and think your camp sounds great. May we join?"

Better to have a home before you roll around the city in your RV after having parked it near the edge and explored the city and found new friends and ...