Broody new-person plea

polleneyes · Post by **polleneyes** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 6:28 pm

Hello everyone, I (might be) a first-timer to Burning Man, and I feel overwhelmed with everything involved. I want to go so badly, but have nobody to go with, no camping gear, etc. I have no idea what to do, but I really feel a pull to the community and experience. I'm from Chicago, and am just wondering if anyone can give me some advice, or a ride, or welcome me into their group, or...anything?!

Oh, and I'm a 23 year old queer girl, if that makes any difference.

swampdog · Post by **swampdog** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 7:30 pm

I hate to be discouraging, but you might be late to get it together for this year. I think your best chance would be to find a chicago based camp or meet some local burners and see what they can do for you.

Info on the chicago regional is http://regionals.burningman.com/us_il_chi.html

You can look for Chicago based theme camps here: http://www.burningman.com/themecamps/10 ... ill_a.html

But don't worry - we do this every year. There's always next year.

LeChatNoir · Post by **LeChatNoir** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:07 pm

Being a 23 year old queer girl makes no difference. Getting a late start might. There's more to preparing for this event than you might as first expect. Not that it can't be done...

But if you have no camping gear at all currently, then youâ€™re like doubly new to it. I'd say next year might be a better attempt. This is not a bad thing, mind you. It took me four tries to make it. And I promise, you'll be welcomed with open arms just the same in 2011 as 2010.

In the meantime, hang around the board and get to know the place and people. Serious. There's a wealth of experience to learn form here and you'll make friends.

Welcome!

PS... don't take my words as saying you cannot do this on such short notice. I've seen it done with less time. But being well prepared can make it oh so much more fun.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:16 pm

I haven't traveled enough to be sure, but Black Rock City may well be the queer-friendliest city in the world. After all the event was born in the 1980s San Francisco art scene; most of us kinda don't really care. Or maybe care in a specific sense in regard to whether our queer friends are getting shit for their sexuality, but otherwise not spending a whole lot of time on the who wants what genitalia question.
So if you want the big impulse jump in over your head thing, own that. If you want the steady thought and consistent progress and no one get in my way 2011, own that. Either way, have fun.

NellieX · Post by **NellieX** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 12:39 am

Stopping by to say hi, and welcome! I'm a midwest virgin as well (Minneapolis), female, 24.

We'll be attending BM next year...couldn't get it together this year. I'm looking to connect with people as well, so feel free to add me/message me/tell me to go away/whatev.

velocirafter · Post by **velocirafter** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 2:30 am

If you can find a camp in chicago then you can definitely still make this years!!

ok you'll probably end up spending a bit more cash than you would if you planned well in advance but just consider it an investmest.

The first year I went I decided 3 days before it started and it was so worth it...it helped that I knew a camp going and they were able to transport my supplies. The spontaneity totally added to the excitement!!

At a very basic level all you need is food, water, camping gear(Tent, sleeping bag) and transport and the right clothes(warm clothes for night, something for the dust, goggles,hat..)

Camping gear and clothes you can sort in a days shopping. If you can find a camp they might let you chip in with their food and water and if not then maybe buy your own and try and get someone to transport it to BRC.

You'll definitely be able to find a lift with someone heading that direction.

...so in summary, Positive Mental Attitude!!!...oh, and try and find a camp quick otherwise you're screwed!!!

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 4:45 am

bglbnt wrote:Hello everyone, I (might be) a first-timer to Burning Man, and I feel overwhelmed with everything involved. I want to go so badly, but have nobody to go with, no camping gear, etc. I have no idea what to do, but I really feel a pull to the community and experience. I'm from Chicago, and am just wondering if anyone can give me some advice, or a ride, or welcome me into their group, or...anything?!

Oh, and I'm a 23 year old queer girl, if that makes any difference.

Hi, broody girl!

Just what is queer about you anyway?
Well, whatever it is, someone will tolerate it or love you madly for it.

If you're willing to to get dusty, which might happen with inadequate gear, go.
You still have time to make panicked preparations.

Make sure you have dust goggles and a good hat.
You can manage without anything else you forget.
And you may need water.

So go already.
Go
Go

shroom · Post by **shroom** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 4:56 am

Red the survival guide and first timer's guide. If you can get together the basics listed in the guides then go!

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 6:29 am

If you have "no idea what to do," then take some time learning and plan to go next year.

mudpuppy000 · Post by **mudpuppy000** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 6:35 am

It's not impossible if you're really motivated and are willing to spend the cash in such a short amount of time. If you're not a camper though, it might be kinda rough especially if you're going solo...

Post by **Elderberry** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 7:57 am

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

JK

polleneyes · Post by **polleneyes** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 7:12 pm

Thank you everyone who responded positively! I'm going to try to find a camp and scrape together supplies and go (as long as someone wants to drive with me...I don't know if I can drive all that way alone without going completely nuts)! Hooray!

imperatrixi · Post by **imperatrixi** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 8:38 pm

Hi

I think it's great you have decided to go! My luck turned at the last minute and I'm going too!

I want to share some links with you that may help: there are some camps still open for people to join:

http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=34858

and I reckon you may have a chance at sharing a ride if you check here - you may find something up there already or you can post an ad:

http://rideshare.burningman.com

Goodluck and have a great time!

velocirafter · Post by **velocirafter** » Wed Aug 11, 2010 1:44 am

bglbnt wrote:Thank you everyone who responded positively! I'm going to try to find a camp and scrape together supplies and go (as long as someone wants to drive with me...I don't know if I can drive all that way alone without going completely nuts)! Hooray!

Yeah!! I'd offer to spin down with you but I'm flying in to San Fran :-p

Post by **Savannah** » Wed Aug 11, 2010 9:49 am

bglbnt, the survival guide everyone is talking about is located here:

http://www.burningman.com/preparation/event_survival/

Note that you can download the pdf here:

http://www.burningman.com/media/doc/pre ... _guide.pdf

Text-only version:

http://www.burningman.com/preparation/e ... nly_SG.pdf

The best of luck to you.

Broody new-person plea

Broody new-person plea

Re: Broody new-person plea

There are still sme camps you can join!