Suggestions for where to camp this year?

technotony · Post by **technotony** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 12:17 pm

Hi Everybody,

Iâ€™m a straight English entrepreneur/technologist, 30 years old, who is really looking forward to this years burn. Iâ€™m looking for recommendations for a theme camp to join or advice on how to find the perfect one for me as I havenâ€™t been back for three years so am sure camps have changed. Iâ€™m going to give a lot of detail as I know the perfect theme camp varies for everyone.

Iâ€™ve been to the playa twice before, in 2005 and 2008 so Iâ€™m really looking forward to getting back out there. The first time I went I camped with just my girlfriend (we were so poorly prepared â€“ ha!), and the second time I took four virgins with me and we camped with the international hostel, which helped with logistics but wasn't as themed as I wanted. This time around I really want to get involved with one of the theme camps, Iâ€™m looking for a strong sense of community and to contribute more to the whole burning man experience â€“ plus none of the guys I went with previously are able to make it this year as they are doing other things (its much more trouble from abroad!).

This year has been a lot about spiritual growth for me, so a camp of that persuasion would be interesting. I really loved the vibe of Entheon Village in 2008, and my friends had a great time camping with them in 2009 but I gather they have downsized somewhat. I dig the hedonistic and exploratory sides of burning man too and love my crazy costumes â€“ my favourite party camp last time was the UN of No Nations, and I also loved the Deep End.

In terms of â€˜workâ€™ Iâ€™d like a participative/interactive role with the camp: maybe something like working a bar or some kind of performance role. I currently live in a big 50 person house in San Francisco and that size feels about right. Iâ€™m able to help with planning and setup in San Francisco until 9th May, and Iâ€™ll try to be back in the Bay Area a good month or so before the burn to help get ready and get to know the crew in advance. I plan to be on the playa from Monday to Monday though I would like to help with setup beforehand as well if possible. Would be good to have communal meals and maybe showers and I donâ€™t mind paying reasonable dues towards the contribution. I havenâ€™t thought yet about transport and camping vs RV, Iâ€™ve done both, but it would depend on others in the camp are planning (Iâ€™m on a tighter budget so maybe no RV this year).

So what do you recommend? Any suggestions for how to find the perfect camp?

PS I know there's a 'sticky' thread related to this but it's gone way off-topic so I thought I start another one!

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 1:06 pm

Any suggestions for how to find the perfect camp?

Peruse the list of theme camps and contact the ones that pique your interest.

technotony · Post by **technotony** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 1:15 pm

Thanks... any suggestions where to find this year's list and descriptions?

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 1:31 pm

Try this
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=36767

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 1:35 pm

http://www.google.com/search?q=burning+ ... urceid=ie7

Theme camp applications were just turned in this month. It'll be a while before an official list for 2011 is posted.

technotony · Post by **technotony** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 1:53 pm

[quote="Ugly Dougly"]Try this
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=36767[/quote]

Thanks, I actually already checked out that post but was looking for more specific advice/recommendations for camps going this year... sounds like I need to wait a bit longer till they publish the list... but in the meantime if anyone has recommendations please get in touch, it would be nice to meet with people while I'm still in SF (till 9th May!)

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:06 pm

Dood...we're trying to tell ya that a camp that appeals to me will most certainly not appeal to you. They're all different. You gotta do the work.

Search the list of camps (last year's is fine) and directly contact the ones that interest you. You gotta start a dialogue, see if the camp fits.

You say you live in SFO...it's prolly the off-playa theme camp capital of the world...engage with the local groups before the playa...now's the time!

HandJamMasterC · Post by **HandJamMasterC** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:07 pm

This " 2011 Theme Camps " forum is itself a list of theme camps for this year - run down the threads and check 'em out.

technotony · Post by **technotony** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:31 pm

[quote="dragonpilot"]

You say you live in SFO...it's prolly the off-playa theme camp capital of the world...engage with the local groups before the playa...now's the time![/quote]

Thanks Dragonpilot. I don't so much live here as am visiting for a couple of months... any advice for how to engage with local groups while I'm here... totally agree now is the time!!

graidawg · Post by **graidawg** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:56 pm

start one? the group of burners i just joined in the uk have no camp, they just hoped for the best last year. I dont think they heard of orphan camp or the other international camp thingy.
me? i'm polycamporous (oh i love that word it sounds kinky) this year because of the generousity of others. that and my love of bloody marys and dressing gowns.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 4:19 pm

Dressing gowns sound very kinky.

What is the dressing gown equivelent of an evening gown?

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 4:21 pm

techtony:
here is your camp.