Newfie solo virgin burner - should I join a theme camp?

[chaZarlotte]

Hi New friends!

My group all bailed but I just booked a flight to SF anyway and a seat on a Veg oil powered bus! SO excited!!

Think I should join a theme camp or wing it with the new friends I'll surely meet on the bus?

I would make a great addition to a camp - My mad skills include but are not limited to: hula hooping, cooking, painting,shoulder rubs, singing.And I'm a professional costume designer...although I am new to Burning Man I've camped tons and in the desert too. Female, mid thirties.

Thought I'd put it out there, it'd be cool to be part of a special project...but advice for winging it would be swell too. Either way, it's gonna be a blast and a half!!!!

[FIGJAM]

No.

Be a solo badass!!!

[atomosk]

Theme camps often require fees. Not worth it in my book. Best to fall into a group of friends, even if you meet them here online or on the bus. If you aren't the type that thrives on structure alone you probably won't be at camp most of the time anyway. Camp with anyone that's pleasant to be around in the morning and in the afternoon when you're back for meals and changing. Otherwise you'll be meeting people all the time and perhaps even moving your tent in with a group you meet there. Be open to anything!

[Savannah]

If you want amenities and can't provide them, join a camp with fees. They are as low as $50 and as high as--well, no one knows for sure. But you usually have to write them a nice letter of introduction and tell them why you like their philosophy and why you would work out well with them specifically. You generally have to pursue them via email or private message, and know that at this time of year they may be a little slow to get back to you.

If you just want company, join up with the folks on the bus and/or camp where you like and introduce yourself to neighbors. It's almost impossible to be alone.

There's also a camp called Orphan II, right here in 2011 Theme Camps. They have shade (double check that) but are about self-reliance + companionship, like their originator Orphan/Endorphin Camp, and Stag Camp (both of which are currently full).

[TheBigTicket]

viewtopic.php?f=188&t=43339

[chaZarlotte]

Awesome thanks for the advice, peeps, and the vids. I am fully prepared to have my mind blown. I'm getting a few tempting offers so its gonna be hard to decide:) and I'm not afraid to wing it. I fully intend to step out of my comfort zone and release a few more inhibitions with this experience.

Maybe I'm worried about not being as prepared as I'd like because I can basicly only take what I can carry on my 115 pd frame. But there will be people around to help me and share their shade structures right? I'm probably silly for worrying about these small details, hey?

[Savannah]

Shade is not silly--shade is your secondary concern, after water! There are bars and theme camps all over the playa, which have shade, and there is shade at center camp as well, but you will either want to bring a personal shade, camp with a camp that has one (most do, but always ask) or be resigned to roaming for it at 9am when your tent gets too hot.

People are nice and tend to share, but if they're strangers, let them offer--or ask.

[Packoderm]

There's also a camp called Orphan II, right here in 2011 Theme Camps. They have shade (double check that) but are about self-reliance + companionship, like their originator Orphan/Endorphin Camp, and Stag Camp (both of which are currently full).

Sorry, but Orphan II Camp is filled.

[FIGJAM]

Or hang at center camp.

[Gusthefuss]

Hey newfie solo
You'll be fine with just bringing a tent and food and water and hanging with the people you meet on the bus. Come look me up at 3:00 and A. I'm part of Apres ski camp. Were from Vancouver.
My parents live in NFLD in Bay Roberts. I would love to hear your accent on the playa. My Name is Travis

[chaZarlotte]

Hey Travis, I've just ordered my tank from Jane. Met her while couchsurfing a few years ago. See ya there!

[Gen ov eve]

I'll be on that same bus with you, and I am going solo as well, and still not sure where I will be camping. I am not really worried though, as I've got a tent system rigged up... but I would still prefer to find somewhere to camp with shade. Considering joining orphan III, but keeping my options open at the moment - knowing I should probably act fast if I will join a camp. I am really hoping something happens spontaneously... the way I like it. I've talked back and forth with Ethan of the Veg bus, and he said he'd connect me with others riding the bus that are also not placed with a camp. I'll let you know if I hear back

[Brother On]

We are a small theme camp from Calgary. We love to have fun.
Camp is low key. We have a 12 foot tower to hang out on, shower, water evaporation system,misting
approx. 2500 square feet of shade to live under and set up tents under(cooler and less dusty). Camp fees are about $80.
Check out churchofrespect.com to see what camp looks like. We have placement at 7:30 and g.
Let me know if you would like any more info.
Brother On