New Model Theme Camps

[Go2]

Many theme camps won't function as expected this year because key members aren't present. The large, complex, theme camp with a huge overhead is on its way out, and it's time to look for a new model of theme camp. Smaller, more fluid, camps can grow up around ideas, infrastructure, and communities. Most burners who do have tickets want to be involved in a project, but aren't connected with a "live" project this year. Camps that can bring in these burners will reinvent themselves and thrive.

Let's put this into perspective. We're able to build an entire city in a desert, live in it, and leave no trace. In the space of a week. With 30 weeks, we can self-organize into new groups of 20-50 people and pull off some truly awesome stuff. Without breaking a sweat.

Each theme camp should reach out to the community and pull in other already-ticketed burners to bolster their ranks. Then, work with those new members to come up with new and improved ways of participating at the event. Collaboration with a bunch of new people on projects would be challenging... ...and a whole lot of fun! This would lend itself to simpler, less elaborate themes, as well as groups of inter-related smaller projects.

Our camp, Baggage Check, has 10 ticketed people. To be effective, we need 25, and our infrastructure supports 60. I'm thinking of proposing we bring in new recruits who fit some basic criteria:
1. Willingness to abide by the core camp rules and philosophy (in our case mostly be welcoming, be respectful, and don't bring any drama)
2. Commitment to provide some service for the camp (could be transportation, setup, tear down, ice runs, odd jobs, etc)
3. Commitment to provide some participation for the community as a whole. This could be through camp projects (giant games, dogeball, or something new), as performers, or by being part of an art installation, art car, or other key group (rangers, DPW, etc)

This way, we continue to provide our services on playa, encourage wider participation across the event, and let people's true capabilites surprise them.

So, what do people think? How else can we use the situation we're in to build new communities and create new and unique experiences?

[Elliot]

I like it. If it turns out that half the participants this year are birgins, then it would make sense to recruit them off the street the minute they drive into BRC.

[EspressoDude]

all the signs of whimsical nature on the road up to the gate to be replaced by recruiting billboards for the theme camps that need new folks

[ygmir]

all the signs of whimsical nature on the road up to the gate to be replaced by recruiting billboards for the theme camps that need new folks

"uncle APOK wants you"?

[VultureChow]

I was thinking about this as a virgin, and was feeling the pull to join a theme camp where I hadn't thought it was appropriate before. I was intending to try and stay in Stag Camp; enough of a community so I wasn't alone but not too much responsibility that I couldn't wander and float my first year.

But I'm starting to wonder if theme camps really need more people (and dues) to pull it off, whether I should look into joining one. It does sort of change the balance of power a bit though. Virgins becoming an asset rather than a potential liability.

/Signing bonuses for virgins?

[tamarakay]

VultureChow: Not all theme camps charge fees.

When thinking of joining one, ask specific questions about all fees, expected "like kind" contributions, expected labor, expected hours on duty. It would be a drag to show up expecting one thing, but then be obligated to stay in camp 8 hrs a day.

example, dues are only 20!!! but they expect you to bring steaks for 20 people, eight cases of whisky, and a portapotty.
Or they might want you to work the bar on burn night.

Very specific questions.

To the OP, yes. I believe this is how it is going to have to work and excellent post.

[HandJamMasterC]

It will be kind of sad though if camps like Skinny Kitty Teahouse can't bring their big cantalevered tent because they didn't get enough tickets. No great shows under their tent. :^(

[The CO]

M*A*S*H 4207th: Do you have what it takes to be an army of fun?
Most people don't.

[theCryptofishist]

all the signs of whimsical nature on the road up to the gate to be replaced by recruiting billboards for the theme camps that need new folks

"uncle APOK wants you"?

Actually, I think that one reads, Babushka Matruska has You, and You Are So Fuckking Doomed. You should see some of Kilbuck's sketches.

[Bay Bridge Sue]

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Tooth1.jpg (60.21 KiB) Viewed 914 times

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[Bob]

...Our camp, Baggage Check...

There was an Emotional Baggage Check camp in 2001, fwiw.

Not that it was better that year.

[Bay Bridge Sue]

WE will be happy to supply any burner with more Emotional Baggage than they did to arrive at on playa.

Is part of "Double your Drama or Nunya Munny Back" guarantee. Only through Apokilipika Travel and Interrogation Services, where we will to put "U" in "GULAG".

[Bob]

In APOKILIPTIKA, baggage checks you.

[Bay Bridge Sue]

ApokiFlot Airlines

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We take you places we want you to go.

[lemur]

In APOKILIPTIKA, baggage checks you.

sadly yakov was shipped to capitalist pigs camp, "First Camp", for his bad jokes..

[Bay Bridge Sue]

Where he makes good informer for loyal Apokiliptik Soviet Socialist Forces... As he was Art Instructor in beautiful Odessa before leaving paradisical Ukraine for evil Capitalist West, he does to blend in well with those who follow black rock art scene...

Remember, Komrade, Things are not always as you think they seem, or as seemy as you think they should to be...

[Roberto Dobbisano]

Castro aún no está muerto, Nyet.


células durmientes han despertado en Miami y están dispuestos a hacerse cargo de Coral Gables.


nos vemos en las mesas de pinacle, voy a estar usando calcetines negros.


transmisión a través.