Hi, Looking for advice for a first timer from PA

itslinda · Post by **itslinda** » Sat May 21, 2011 4:20 pm

Hi everyone, I'm very excited to be able to go out to Burning Man this summer. I hear that it's best to pack for comfort and find a village that is welcoming to new folks. Beyond that i"m looking for some advice.
My guess is I'll be flying from Philly, but beyond that I'm really not sure how to put it all together. Any wisdom is welcome.
Thank you,
Linda

TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Sat May 21, 2011 4:47 pm

Welcome Linda!
You mean, how to get your gear out there? Before you book those plane tickets, you might check around east coast burners, to hitch a ride with. As far as I know, all camps are open to Birgins on the playa. If you do join a camp, or village...you can come with just the basics, and perhaps, pay for the heavier shit and fuel money, to be hauled out by them. It's hit and miss. If your able to rent a vehicle, or hitch a ride from Reno, you can always buy the perishables in Reno. Just remember, you have to haul it back out.

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Sat May 21, 2011 5:07 pm

Search thru the theme camps/villages herein, select a few that seem to be on your wave-length, communicate with them, putting your best foot forward...

Don't expect established camps/villages to send you an invitation...you must go after them and seek membership. Many of the camps have closed membership, some accept new members. They all have some level of commitment whether it be work, money, talent or all three.

Take TomServo's advice and seek local Burners with whom you can connect and pool resources. It's a big commitment and takes a fair amount of planning...all made easier if you fall in with veterans who can help pave the way.

Post by **Savannah** » Sat May 21, 2011 7:05 pm

Hi Linda! Here's a link to Pennsylvania Burners.
http://regionals.burningman.com/us_pa.html

Making contacts in your area will help you explore your options for getting there, which will in turn shape the rest of what you do--how early you can shop for supplies, & what you shop for. If you end up driving, you can bring more in the way of creature comforts. If you fly in, you generally pack only the items you don't want to leave to chance, like goggles that fit your face, or some exclusive item you don't want to leave to chance, etc, and have google maps, addresses & phone numbers of the Reno area for the rest.

Here's another vital link--The Survival Guide. 2011 Update soon:
http://www.burningman.com/preparation/e ... index.html

Post by **Elderberry** » Sat May 21, 2011 8:47 pm

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

itslinda · Post by **itslinda** » Sun May 22, 2011 5:01 am

Thanks for the links and guidance. I do plan to fly in and was a bit relieved to see there are greeters at the Reno airport, but yes it does seem the more I know before I get there the much easier it will be.

Thanks for the PA links and advice to put my best foot forward to a camp. I'm excited, feeling a bit nervous, but more at ease after your friendly and encouraging responses.

TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Sun May 22, 2011 9:47 am

Don't be nervous! Plan,Plan,Plan! and have the time of your life!

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Sun May 22, 2011 10:12 am

TomServo wrote: As far as I know, all camps are open to Birgins on the playa.

Tom!? Did you have playa chicken for dinner last night?

You'll need to contact the camp(s) you are interested in, and see what their requirements are. Some can be very selective about new members. Some are openly recruiting. It's a case by case thing. Based on your interests, start contacting camps on the burning man website list.

consider an "orphan" or "solo" camp as well. These are loads of fun, if the reports here are accurate. Stag camp, and Endorphan camp. Or go whole hog on radical self reliance and go solo. It's not that hard, takes some planning, but as Figjam says, "Setting it up myself means it's just the way I like it."

TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Sun May 22, 2011 10:33 am

If they aren't, their not a camp I'd be a part of. I got tired of the Burnier than thou shit my first year. Everyone has something to offer...even newbies.

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Sun May 22, 2011 10:50 am

Oh I agree with you. It's right, just not always the case. being told I was too old, and probably not fit enough for the chores required, in a camp desiring "new blood", was a disappointment I wouldn't want anyone to hear unexpectedly.

MyDearFriend · Post by **MyDearFriend** » Sun May 22, 2011 11:24 am

Elorrum wrote:Oh I agree with you. It's right, just not always the case. being told I was too old, and probably not fit enough for the chores required, in a camp desiring "new blood", was a disappointment I wouldn't want anyone to hear unexpectedly.

Bwahahahahaha, I hope their search for nubile young sex partners netted them several very pretty drama queens...

Hi, Looking for advice for a first timer from PA

Hi, Looking for advice for a first timer from PA

Thank you all