Newbie Alert! Friends and Guidance welcomed

[cruxeon]

Hi,

I'm Appy... recently graduated with my masters and started working in California (North Bay).
I'm new to the region and getting settled in here.

This is gonna be my first year at burning man and I'm excited about it.
Since i'm a complete newbie though, I could use help with planning and going about things.
In terms of how do I associate my self with theme camps / get into groups prior?
It would probably be more advisable to do that than go completely on my own since it's my first time?

Also, in gen i'm completely new to the area and would like to make new friends.

[Kelsier]

Hi Appy. Welcome to both Eplaya and Northern California.

Make sure you read the survival guide. That's required reading and best to do first.

You don't have to be part of a theme camp. My first year I camped solo and loved it. However that being said, get involved in some local events and you can meet people associated with camps that way. Don't just join any camp for the sake of being in a camp (and most likely would not allow you to); you'll have a much better time if the camp has a theme you are passionate about and people that you can get along with.

There's a lot of good info here on eplaya for Virgins and whether or not you need/want to join a camp.

Good luck! I'm excited for you.

[Elliot]

Welcome, Appy!

Read, read, read. Here on ePlaya, and on the main website. Start with the Survival Guide.

And sign up for Jack Rabbit Speaks.

What art and/or other stuff do you wish to contribute to Black Rock City?

[AntiM]

Welcome Aboard.

[Savannah]

Welcome, cruxeon!

Deciding whether or not to join a camp is a personal decision, and not at all a must. You can look in last year's theme camp roster and search down their current plans, or check ePlaya's theme camp forum and make a case for yourself to a compatible group. Or you can be a camp of one and visit other camps and wander at random and make friends with neighbors and passersby and do exactly what you like all day.

Have your met your locals?
http://regionals.burningman.org

[cruxeon]

Thanks for the replies; ^_^

I've gone through the survival guide quite a few times. I have been jumping from random posts on ePlaya trying to figure out things.
While I would enjoy the challenge of going solo and setting up my own tent and stuff; I'm wondering if being part of a camp would help things considering it's my first time.

That being said, it seems i'd be fine even without a camp.

I just came across the regional groups earlier today on ePlaya; Getting around to it

In terms of artsy stuff, I'm an Ballroom and Latin dancer (not my profession).
I'm also very outdoorsy and friendly and like to get my hands dirty making things / helping set stuff up.

[AntiM]

In the past there was a ballroom dance floor set up out on the playa, and there has been a tango camp. You may get the chance to dance!

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to ePlaya!

[Knot-O]

When decided between camping by yourself and joining a theme camp, be sure to consider all of the tasks and needs associated with each. For example, do you have what you need to prepare your own meals? Many camps have meal programs where they either serve food (incl in a camp fee) or have a plan where you have the burden of cooking a meal for the camp, then the remainder of the week everyone else cooks for you. A "shared" meal plan of sorts.

Also consider how (or if) you will bath. Some camps have a community shower, just bring water.

Consider shade structure(s).

Like you, I went to the Playa w/o knowing anyone my first time around, but I did join a theme camp in order to have some of the infrastructure that I couldn't bring on my own. I learned a great deal that first year.

Food for thought.