Limitations of Experience?

joya · Post by **joya** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:25 pm

greetings,

This year will be my first at Burning Man... and I can't wait to swim with all you fishes!

My concern, however, is the following. I wanted to know if being part of a theme camp (or related assembly / group) is integral to the experience. I would love to collaborate on a project, but this year (assuming there will be others) I want to just experience it as is. However, by my nature, I am a doer and not just on observer.

Do you think that not going as a group (theme camp, etc.) is limiting??? I'm going with just one other person.

thanks in advance for your thoughts, experiences, whatever.

peace, joya

joya · Post by **joya** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:31 pm

greetings,

This year will be my first at Burning Man... and I can't wait to swim with all you fishes!

My concern, however, is the following. I wanted to know if being part of a theme camp (or related assembly / group) is integral to the experience. I would love to collaborate on a project, but this year (assuming there will be others) I want to just experience it as is. However, by my nature, I am a doer and not just on observer.

Do you think that not going as a group (theme camp, etc.) is limiting??? I'm going with just one other person. We don't know each other very well, but he "gets it" and I "get it" (whatever THAT means), which should making this extremely interesting

I guess also what I'm trying to ask is, do theme camps tend to exclusivity? And... also, are veteran Burners cliquey?

thanks in advance for your thoughts, experiences, opinions, etc.

peace, joya

_tears_ · Post by **_tears_** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:35 pm

All your questions are a matter of opinion by the individual.

I know people who think the theme camp I attend is 'cliquey' but I know many who do not think we are.

You just do what *YOU* feel is right and what YOU are comfortable with for your first burn. It doesnt matter what we say or think. This is YOUR experiance, not ours.

Good Luck. And Welcome To The Playa

Much Playa Love,
Tears

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:37 pm

The general consensus seems to be to see as much of everything as you can your first year and then volenteer whereever it makes the most sense when you go back. If once you get to the playa you find you do want to help out there is a hook up for volenteers--I believe at Playa Info, but somewhere in center camp. Also, if you feel moved to do so, you can help out just about anywhere. Just ask.

You'll probably be pretty busy, no matter who you camp wiht.

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:50 pm

Yes, there is some cliquish behavior and bragging going on by some. "Oh, this is your first year? No project? That's nice. It's my 32nd year and I brought an interactive sculpture with a flame cannon that's visible from space." For the most part, unless you look like a complete yahoo it doesn't get to that point. Just be open to experiences and looking to meet people and they will respond to that. Having costumes and decorations help as well, but are not a requirement.

On a smaller level there's the one question that you'll be asked many times - what project are you working on? You won't necessarily be shunned if you say you don't have one, but it's nice to have an answer for them.

You don't have to be a part of a theme camp or one of the big tourist attractions, but it is helpful to have something to add to the mix, even if it's just a nicely decorated bike and food or drink to pass out.

One year I went I didn't really have anything to contribute and quite frankly, I was bored. I like having tasks to accomplish and something to care about, so if that's lacking I don't have as much fun. Having a project also gives you a connection with your campmates and makes it easier to get to know them. Even if you don't camp with a big group, it might be worth it for you to help prep a project or two before heading up. There are lots of groups looking for assistance right now.

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:58 pm

YMMV

I think, in your first year just go a do and see. There is plenty of stuff you can lend a hand on if the mood strikes. If the bug catches and you can't wait to get back to the playa next year then I am sure part of that affliction is knowing just what and how you are gonna do that amazing thing next time.

I think having a big thing to work on makes you a bit myopic at the event. It is what I choose to do but I do think there is a trade off. You certainly don't experience as many different things when you are busy with what is in front of your face.

There are many different ways to ride the burning man ride but nothing can ever quite replace your first time.

emily sparkle · Post by **emily sparkle** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 4:13 pm

hi joya,

i don't think you'll be limited at all... one of the best things about burning man is walking up to someone who's hard at work on their camp/art installation/project and saying... "hey! can i help?" i've never been turned away when offering a hand. go into one of those big camps, announce you're there to "DO" an expect an assignment... you'll make great friends this way.

enjoy your first burn!

joya · Post by **joya** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 8:50 am

Thanks for your responses guys! :) They really helped set my mind at ease and allowed me to explore more about Burning Man without that nagging feeling that I was "on the outside"... if you know what I mean.

Yes, the experience is definitely what you make it. I'm setting my intent to mix and mingle with the finest, brightest, and funnest!

I'm sure I'll see you there!!! :twisted: joya

Dr. Pyro · Post by **Dr. Pyro** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 9:46 am

FWIW, my first year I didn't belong to any organized camp but I read everything there was to read and felt very prepared. Looking back, I was still something of a yahoo. The next year we founded Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro and some people claimed we were cliqueish (hello Trey) but have grown and are now part of Wheeeee!ville. If by "cliqueish" you mean you hang around with people of similar tastes, then by deffinition everyone is a bit cliqueish. Be that as it may, make sure you stop by BDC&WB and have a drink, and you really ought to make it a point to come by the Meet & Greet Thursday evening at 6 p.m. Put some faces to the type. YMMV

Doc

Ron · Post by **Ron** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 10:01 am

I'd recommend volunteering in your first year, but not taking the resonsibilty of setting something up yourself. But do volunteer for other folk's stuff. Especially something in center camp because working there is a great way to meet folk, IME. Selling/slinging ice, shelping coffee, doing a lamplighter shift, or so on. Don't kill yourself by signing up for a shift a day, or anysuch nonsense, but do volunteer for one or two shifts over the course of the week, I'd say. It's a great way to get involved, meet folk, and see part of BM's back side on your first year.

Ron

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 10:04 am

No, no, and no.

If theme camps were the only things to be experienced at the event, I, for one, would go fucking insane.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 10:11 am

Bob wrote:If theme camps were the only things to be experienced at the event, I, for one, would go f"oo"cking insane.

Does anyone have any relevent information about Bob's sanity? Or any member of this board?

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 10:15 am

Do you need to ask about me?

Do you need theme camps?

Why do you need to join anything?

Why do you need?

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 10:35 am

Bob wrote: Why do you need?

Me good amuricun consoomer.

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 11:32 am

Why do you need?

go nag maslow

Icepack · Post by **Icepack** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 12:13 pm

I don't think you need to join a theme camp or volunteer, but do it if you want to. Be careful of overcommiting yourself your first year. It may be tempting to sign up for lots of things, but you may find you are more tired on the playa, your sleep schedule will change, your endurance will change, etc. Make sure you give yourself time to relax.

If someone asks you what you are working on, you can say "I'm doing my part to create happy memories for my friends" or you can say "I'm having a spiritual experience" or a lot of other things. Participating can be something as simple as walking around with a smile on your face passing out compliments to people.

Burp! · Post by **Burp!** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 5:02 pm

Participating isn't all about theme camps, participation is simply about contributing something to the overall good of the event.

Should you just go to BM this year and think of something next to do next year? I disagree with that concept whole heartedly. To Experience BM without the participation part is to miss out on a major part of what it's about. So do something be it ever so small or easy.

That being said or preached, I was thinking..... (ooh that feels good), a real easy way to contribute is to bring a little red wagon and offer it up to neighbors for Ice runs. Real simple and contributes to the spirit of the event.

Noflash