Hello Brianna, and welcome to e-playa!
In addition to reading the newbie info on the main web site, you can sign up for the Jack Rabbit Speaks e-newsletter -- also on the main page.
But I'm worried about your use of the term "bucket list". If Burning Man is just another item you want bragging rights for at the senior center, then BM may not be right for you in the first place.
Now... since you want to be a well-rounded first timer, the bucket list syndrome is probably not a problem for you. But some of us tend to wince at the thought of tourists, spectators, frat-boys and cynical-bucket-listers running loose in our beloved
participatory Black Rock City.
With that caution out of the way, you may want to start thinking about how you are going to participate. Many birgins believe they need to bring trinkets to give away, but that's not it at all. Participating is largely about giving of yourself, your time and your talents. For example, do you sing, or play a musical instrument? BRC could use more strolling musicians and troubadours. That's just one example. I repair bicycles and give rides in pedal-powered vehicles -- because that's all I know how to do.
One major item you need to plan for is shade. A tent or van alone will become uncomfortably hot in the sun. There is a lot of information about shade structures on this forum.
