Burning Man is Aug 25 - Sept 2, 2024
Our Mission
Fuel creative expression and foster community connection through immersive experiences at Burning Man.
Join our passionate team!
Our Action
We seek creative builders, resourceful organizers, inspiring educators, and talented artists to contribute to a sustainable Elephant Camp and impactful Burning Man experiences
How we Do it!
Unleash Your Wild Side at Burning Man with
I Love Elephants camp!
Our Burning Man camp is not just a place to stay, but a vibrant community. We're a diverse herd of teachers, artists, dancers, dreamers, and elephant lovers who are ready to welcome you with open arms (and trunks). Come join us in 2024 as we re-create a collaborative oasis of creativity, connection, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Black Rock City."
We're a passionate bunch, officially called "I Love Elephants," and we're constantly looking for kindred spirits to join our herd. We hail from Bend, Oregon, but our camp stretches across states and even countries, united by a love for elephants, creativity, and unforgettable experiences.
Our desert oasis sits at the prime corner of Esplanade and Portal, soaking up the heart of Burning Man's energy. We're not just here to spectate; we're active participants, offering a smorgasbord of public interactivities:
Get drenched in joy with our epic misting system, perfect for desert sun-kissed skin.
Transform into a living canvas with vibrant body painting, expressing your inner artist on the playa.
Channel your inner Michelangelo (with a laser cut twist!) by helping paint our signature elephant wood cut-outs.
Shake your tail feathers at ecstatic dance sessions that'll ignite your soul.
Dive deep into knowledge with diverse workshops that spark your curiosity.
Becoming part of our herd is easy and rewarding. We have pricing tiers for our shared-cost camp of $650 for early commitment, $800 after June 1, and we will hold 5 final camp passes for Angel contributors at $1,500 each. Please recognize that while placement on the Esplanade is a great priviledge and of great value, our camp also has over $100,000 in infrustruture and equipment that has been funded eleswhere that you will receive benefit. For this you'll get:
Three delicious meals a day to fuel your desert adventures.
A haven of comfort with a full kitchen, camp wide power (for devices), shower (BYOW), shaded for your tent or RV space (details all below).
Space to unwind and connect under our spacious circus tents.
A chance to contribute and grow by participating in camp activities, meal prep, and keeping our little village clean and thriving.
For budgeting purposes, please know that the event ticket is a separate purchase from the camp fee. Tickets with taxes/fees may be $700 this year. Please budget for your own transport, water, costuming and party favors. We do have a price sheet available for supplying your water, tents, AC and more, as flying or bussing onto the Playa limits hauling your own supplies.
We believe in shared responsibility, so each member helps with camp setup and breakdown. Think of it as a chance to bond with your fellow elephant lovers and leave the playa sparkling (mooping on Monday is a must!). [new for 2024, a moop deposit of $150 that is refunded if you stay until 4pm on Monday, this is in addition to your camp fee.]
Ready to join the stampede? Whether you're a seasoned Burner or a curious newbie, we welcome you with open arms. Continue reading to learn more and secure your spot in our herd. Remember, spots are limited, so don't miss out on the chance to make Burning Man 2024 truly unforgettable!
P.S. We keep the ticketing details separate, but know that your camp dues contribute to shared costs and help us create an epic experience for everyone. Stewards tickets are available for dedicated members who play a vital role in our camp's success.
Let's paint the playa with elephant love!
Burning Man Principles are Etched into our camp’s ethos
"Welcome to our unique community at Elephant Camp! We're excited to share a transformative experience with you, rooted in the core principles of Burning Man. To ensure everyone is on the same page and can fully immerse themselves in our communal ethos, we've crafted a comprehensive guide below - please review the info on this page!
This guide is more than just instructions; it's a portal into our collective spirit and responsibilities. It encompasses our expectations for active participation, which transcends any status from the default world. We embrace Radical Inclusion, encouraging every member to bring their authentic selves, fostering a space for Radical Self-Expression. Participation isn't just encouraged; it's essential. Our camp thrives on Communal Effort, sharing not only the joys but also the responsibilities – from cooking and MOOPing (Matter Out Of Place) to the equitable sharing of camp costs.
On the first day of the event week, I will personally highlight these principles and our camp's unique culture. Moreover, our dedicated camp leads are always there to guide and support you in embracing these values fully. Our collective goal is to create an environment where each of us contributes, learns, and grows, ensuring an unforgettable and enriching experience for all. Let's make this a journey of immediacy, connection, and shared wonder!"
Camp Layout for 2024 - I Love Elephants
expected placement on the Esplanade at 430 Avenue
Steward Tickets:
Your Gate to Black Rock City
Stewards Tickets: Our camp receives a limited number of Stewards Tickets, which ensure we have the essential crew to rebuild and animate our Burning Man experience each year. These tickets are offered at face value (2023 cost was $575 + fees) and come in pairs. Typically, dedicated core campers purchase both tickets, then resell the second one to another crucial member within the camp (no markup allowed!). This system guarantees our camp retains crucial talent and fosters continuity.
Meet the Decision Makers: Philip (Big Bird), our founder, spearheads steward ticket distribution, advised by longterm core members. They carefully assess our needs for workshop facilitators, build crew, and more.
Finding the Right People: The build crew often comprises experienced Burners eager to return. Performers and facilitators, however, tend to rotate through the years, sourced primarily from connections made at other festivals like the Bhakti Yoga Festival, Sedona Yoga, Hanuman, and Bali events.
Is This Your First Burn? Welcome aboard! If you haven't received a personal invitation to purchase a Steward ticket, don't fret! Explore other ticketing options like the FOMO sale, main public sale, Ticket Aid Program, or OMG sale.
Ticket Management for Steward Tickets: Access your Steward Ticket by visiting https://here.burningman.org/my-tickets. This dedicated portal not only allows you to view your ticket but also facilitates the seamless transfer of your ticket to another attendee. The ticket's base price in 2023 was $575, which, after including taxes and additional charges, came to a total of about $670. To manage payments for Steward tickets and associated camp fees, it is recommended to use PayPal or Venmo, sending them to paoniaphil@gmail.com. For a secure and straightforward ticket transfer, utilize the Burner Profiles system. It is important to avoid using the STEP program for transfers; instead, opt for direct transfers to other participants by employing their specific Burner Email addresses.
No Steward Ticket?
For those who don't have a Steward’s ticket, there's no need to worry. Persistence pays off when seeking a ticket. Even after the Steward Ticket allocations are completed, and the general public sale has passed, there’s various programs offer ticket access, many become available in the final weeks leading up to the Burn. Particularly, San Francisco is a key location for acquiring last-minute tickets, with platforms like FB Marketplace, and Craigslist being common sources. Our camp also experiences many last minute cancelations and offers for tickets from other Burners.
Camp Cost Sharing:
Every year, our camp is constructed through the collective financial contributions of all members. For 2024, the shared cost per camper until June 1 is set at $650 plus $150 refundable moop deposit. After June 1, the fee $800. Upon receiving an invitation to join, a deposit of $325 is required immediately to confirm your spot. The remaining balance is due by July 15. Our cancellation policy allows for a full refund until June 1, and half refund by July 15, but no refunds will be issued after this date. Last-minute replacements for campers are often challenging, so please consider your commitment seriously when making your deposit.
What Does your camp fee Include?
Shaded tent space, accommodating up to 8’x10’ per tent, or
Space for RV parking,
A communal kitchen providing three meals daily,
Shower facilities and gray water disposal,
Dishwater management and disposal in the kitchen,
Disposal of all camp and individual trash (in 2023, about 2 tons!),
Rental, purchase, and fuel expenses for the camp's generators,
Fuel for our two diesel trucks transporting box trailers to the Playa,
Rental of a large Uhaul Truck (if necessary),
A range of public interactive activities, such as DJ equipment, lighting, an immersion dome (courtesy of Swami), relaxation areas, elephant painting, and art commissioned from Bali,
Body painting, a large camp marquee, the best power misting system on the Playa and up to 50 distinct event offerings,
Contributions towards the year-round storage fees.
[Please see footnote 3 for details on capital investments]
Continued Membership Opportunities
For our loyal camp members who have been with us before, we prioritize you in our Stewards Tickets allocation, a direct group sale initiative. In 2023, we had 26 Stewards Tickets available. If you don't secure one of these tickets, don't worry! You still have the chance to get a ticket through the general public sale or by joining our waitlist.
Welcoming New Members:
We encourage our existing campmates to invite friends, effectively acting as their sponsors. Newcomers will initially be placed on a waitlist. If you have someone in mind, please send their profile to our coordinator, Big Bird. New members have various options to obtain tickets beyond the Stewards sale. Please note, we are limiting our camp size this year to 40, so space is limited.
Camp Duties and Build Week Responsibilities
Attention, camp members! Your active participation in camp life and public engagement is crucial. Embracing the principle of Radical Participation, we have outlined several key responsibilities that each member must undertake:
Volunteering Commitment: Sign up for at least one volunteer activity. There’s a multitude of roles in our camp. This includes involvement in setup, teardown, and ongoing MOOP (Matter Out of Place) management. Additionally, each member will join a cook team to bond and create friendships! A one day commitment in the kitchen area is asked.
Build Week: August 19 - 25, 2024
Build Week is a favorite for many, rivalling the excitement of the main event. It's a chance to witness and contribute to the creation of our camp from the ground up. Show off your skills and passion, and potentially earn Stewards Tickets for future events! Remember, roles extend beyond construction; for instance, the “fluffer” ensures everyone is well-fed and hydrated.
Based on our construction stages, BMorg allocates tickets for specific days and tasks. Below are the Build Week duties, with the day of the week indicated in parentheses and the number of people needed:
Layout: Design the arrangement of all camp features (Mon) - 4 people
Shade Structure: Construct over the kitchen and dining area - 4 people
Ground Covering: Place visqueen/tarps under the marquee, elephant carousel, and kitchen - 4 people
Power Setup: Arrange the generator and power lines - 2 people
Kitchen Construction: 2 people
Meal Preparation: For workers during Build Week (Tue) - 2 people
Shower and Evaporation System: Set up (Tue) - 1 person
Marquee Construction: Using scaffold system (Tue-Thu) - 5 people
Movement Tent Preparation: Lay down mats and vinyl (Tue) - 5 people; Erect the tent (Wed) - 4 people
Immersion Domes: Erect (Wed-Sat) - 6 people
Art Tent: Set up a 30’ tent (Wed) - 3 people
Bike Parking Area: Install Lycra roof for shade (Thu) - 2 people
Elephant Carousel: Build (Fri-Sat) - 2 people
Chill Dome: Assemble hexadome (Thu) - 2 people; Complete shade structure for common tenting area (Fri) - 4 people
Cuddle Zones: Erect adjacent to Movement Tent (Fri) - 2 people; Set up a secondary dome near the art tent (Sat) - 2 people
Parking Organization: Arrange the final area for camper arrivals (Sat) - 1 person
Worker Access Passes (WAPs) required for these tasks are: Mon 4, Tues 6, Wed 8, Thurs 6, Fri 4, Sat 6.
Let's collaborate to make this an unforgettable experience!
Camp Responsibilities Overview
Mandatory Tasks:
Kitchen Duty: A professional chef or two will lead the kitchen, but all camp members are required to join a cooking team for one day. Responsibilities include meal preparation, serving, and cleaning up. Each team consists of 6-7 members, allowing the workload to be evenly distributed. Team members can decide their specific roles. All necessary ingredients are provided; your team is responsible for cooking and serving the meals.
Camp Setup and Teardown: Everyone is encouraged to participate in setting up and dismantling the camp. While some will arrive during build week and help set up core infrustructure, others may arrive at the beginning of “event week” and help set up communal spaces, like the shaded tent areas, or art exhibits. If you choose not to partake in these tasks, alternative responsibilities may be assigned for the week. Perhaps you are a “keynote” speaker or performer and you require much prep time - all understandable. Please communicate with Bird Bird to set realistic expectations! Remember, teardown and "mooping" (Matter Out Of Place) are more enjoyable with company!
Ongoing Mooping: Throughout the week, everyone is expected to keep the camp clean by ensuring no trash is left on the ground.
Optional Tasks: (Choose at least one)
Utility Department (3 people, all week): Manage fuel for generators, maintain power lines and lighting, and oversee water usage in kitchen and shower areas, including transferring water to storage systems.
Recycling (3 people, as needed): Set up and maintain recycling bins, manage burnable waste, and ensure the removal of full recycling and garbage bins.
Group Ice Runs (2 people, entire event): Collect ice requirements and funds from campers, and fetch ice as needed.
Public Interactivity:
Body Painting (3 artists, 6 hours daily)
Misting System Operation (4 people, 6 hours daily)
Yoga Classes (3 instructors, 3 classes each)
Workshop Leadership (3 people, 3 sessions each)
Immersion Dome Supervision (4 people, as needed)
Movement Tent Management (3 people)
Painting Wood Elephants (4 people, 6 hours daily)
DJing Ecstatic Dance (2 people, 3 sessions each)
Daily Camp Maintenance (3 people, as needed): Cleaning of communal and private areas, dust removal from tents, organizing chairs, inflating objects, etc.
Workshop and Event Support: Everyone is encouraged to participate in and support camp workshops and events. Stay updated with the camp's schedule on our whiteboard.
For more information on our camp's interactivity and our official Statement of Intent, please visit: Elephants Now - Statement of Intent.
Event Food and Amenities Guide
Catering to Dietary Needs:
We're committed to accommodating various food sensitivities. To ensure everyone's needs are met, we'll distribute a detailed questionnaire before purchasing group food. Your input is crucial in shaping our menu.
Breakfast (8:00 - 10:00 AM):
Start your day with a selection of granola, muesli, yogurt, and fresh fruit. We're excited to offer a DIY smoothie station! Your preferences, gathered through a pre-event survey, will guide our breakfast offerings, including options like bacon and eggs.
Morning Coffee (7:30 - 10:30 AM):
Don't worry, we didn't forget the coffee this time! A French press or drip coffee will be available for a fresh, hot cup throughout the morning.
Lunch (12:00 - 2:00 PM):
Enjoy a variety of lunch meats, cheeses, garnishes, hummus, vegetables, chips, and leftover fruits from breakfast. We're also considering smoothie options for a refreshing midday treat.
Dinner (5:00 - 7:00 PM):
Dinner features a mix of pre-made casseroles and Playa-special dishes, catering to vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian diets. A salad bar and sides like potato salad or macaroni salad will complement your meal.
Dishwashing Guidelines:
This year, to reduce waste and improve kitchen efficiency, we request all participants to bring their own dishware and cutlery. You'll be washing your own dishes using a 4-bucket system:
Cold Rinse (Funk Bucket): First, scrape off food scraps from your dishes. Then rinse them in this bucket filled with cold water to remove the majority of food remnants.
Hot Wash: Mix equal parts of hot and boiling water in this bucket. Use a small amount of soap to thoroughly clean your dishes.
Hot Rinse: In this bucket, blend equal parts of hot and cold water. Rinse your dishes here to ensure all soap is washed off.
Cold Bleach: For sanitizing, especially if the water source is uncertain, use this cold water bucket with bleach. Add 6-7 drops of bleach per gallon of water. This step is crucial for hygiene.
Hydration:
Please bring your own liquid refreshments. We'll provide powdered electrolytes for your hydration needs.
Water and Shower Arrangements:
You'll need to bring your personal drinking and shower water. We'll manage wastewater disposal through evaporation or external hauling. Our enclosed shower stall promotes efficient water usage, and we recommend body wipes and vinegar foot soaks for daily cleanliness. We're exploring new shower options, like personal solar hanging bags, and welcome your feedback.
Drinking Water:
In line with the principle of Radical Self-Reliance, please bring sufficient drinking water. Hydration powders will be available for communal use.
Ice Supply:
Our strategy to keep food fresh involves five freezers, a refrigerator, and super-insulated coolers. An ice coordinator will collect orders regularly, costing around $10 per bag. Remember, elevating coolers reduces ice consumption.
Recycling and Sustainability:
In the spirit of Decommodification, we strive to recycle efficiently. Separate bins will be provided for trash, burnables, and recyclables. You can recycle cooler meltwater for showers!
Environmental Responsibility (MOOP):
Adhering to the Leave No Trace principle, we expect every member to maintain cleanliness in our camp and the Playa. Be proactive in disposing of any litter.
Financial Contributions and Infrastructure:
Recognizing economic diversity, we offer partial scholarships and waive fees for some participants, expecting additional contributions in return. The camp's infrastructure includes tents, shade structures, sound systems, lighting and other essential equipment, funded by Big Bird. Do you have financial abundance? Please consider contributing a tax deductible donation to SavingGanesh.org.
Steward Sale and Ticket Allocation:
For those involved in the Steward Sale, ensure your Burner Profile is set up. Invitations to the sale will be based on your profile, with each member eligible to purchase two tickets and one vehicle pass. Be prepared financially for this purchase.
This guide is crafted to ensure everyone's comfort and enjoyment at the event, balancing individual needs with community responsibilities. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated!
Footnotes
[1] Commitment to Inclusivity and Financial Assistance
We acknowledge the "Ability to Pay" principle and strive for radical inclusivity in our community. Understanding that Burning Man (BM) is fundamentally a non-transactional community, we offer financial support measures: partial scholarships for up to four low-income individuals, and sometimes a waived camp fee and complementary BM ticket for the most committed builders and those that help organize year-round. These core team members play a crucial role in infrastructure preparation and post-event cleanup. Recipients of these benefits are expected to contribute additional efforts, be it through communal chores or public engagement, acknowledging that the value of campmates' contributions extends beyond monetary terms.
[2] Transparency in Contributions and Camp Dynamics
Camp participation involves a mix of financial, creative, and physical efforts, which are sometimes subjectively evaluated. By joining our camp, you acknowledge this approach and our commitment to fairness. Your camp fee, possibly $75, may contribute to supporting others, reflecting our community-driven, socialist-like ethos. We pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant community dynamic, carefully curated through thoughtful vetting to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
[3] Infrastructure Investments and Future Plans
The existing camp infrastructure is not reflected in the shared cost fee. Significant investments have been made by Big Bird, as stated above, not including padded flooring, domes, trailers, and two Ram diesels for transportation. Please note that these costs are not funded by SavingGanesh.org, but are directly paid for by Big Bird. Last year we added 5 multi-fuel quiet generators. Plans for this year include the potential addition of a diesel generator.
Postscript:
Steward Sale Details:
Burner Profile Requirement: Ensure you have a Burner Profile. If not, create one for participation.
Sale Registration: Big Bird will register selected participants with BMorg between March 1 - 8, 2024.
Sale Period: March 13 - 15, 2024, with a 48-hour purchase window. If you don’t buy your tickets in this window, they are lost forever!
Sale Details:
The Stewards Sale is designed for integral members of the Burning Man culture.
Participants can purchase up to two tickets and one vehicle pass.
Around 30,000 tickets ($575 each) and 10,000 vehicle passes ($150 each) are available.
Taxes and fees total approximately $100.
Purchase Arrangements:
We received 32 tickets in 2024 (16 pairs). In most cases Big Bird assigns one primary purchaser that buys the ticket pair. The companion ticket may then be assigned to another person. The companion may purchase the ticket directly from the purchaser, or Big Bird will act as a laison (a go between).
Primary ticket purchasers must be prepared with a credit limit of up to $1,700. In case of credit card issues, contact Big Bird for assistance.
Add-ons
We used to provide much of the following for free, as a courtesy, but too few of us bear the burden and we now have to rent larger storage unit, as well as squeezing our hauling capacities to beyond breaking point.
Drinking and shower water $4 gallon (We have to pay for disposal too or haul it out ourselves). When a water truck is located on the Playa, the cost is $3 per gallon, with similar disposal cost.
Bike rental $150 (includes transport)
Bike transport $50
Bike storage $50
Tent $50
Sleeping Bag $50
Air Mattress $50
Air Conditioning power $400
Air Conditioner unit $200