Burning Man is Aug 24 - Sept 1, 2025
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!
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!
Summary of camp! First Timers Cheat Sheet! (2025 version, click here)
Welcome to Our Burning Man Camp: I Love Elephants
INVITE ONLY: Alright, beautiful soul, here’s the lowdown on joining the I Love Elephant Camp tribe. Camping with us is by invite only, so please contact us https://www.elephantsnow.org/contact-form. The camp fee is $600, and its payment will cover your cozy spot to pitch your tent and three delicious meals a day.
A Portal to Our Collective Spirit
camp deposit/final payment & Personal Info
This guide is more than just instructions; it’s a portal into our collective spirit and responsibilities. It embodies our expectations for active participation, transcending any status from the default world. We embrace Radical Inclusion, encouraging every member to bring their authentic selves and 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 equitable sharing of camp costs.
On the first day of the event week, camp lead Big Bird will highlight these principles and our camp’s unique culture. Our dedicated camp leads are always available to guide and support you in fully embracing these values. Together, we aim to create an environment where everyone contributes, learns, and grows, ensuring an unforgettable and enriching experience for all. Let’s make this a journey of immediacy, connection, and shared wonder!
A Vibrant Community
Burning Man isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a vibrant community. We’re a diverse herd of teachers, artists, dancers, dreamers, and elephant lovers ready to welcome you with open arms (and trunks). Join us in 2025 as we recreate a collaborative oasis of creativity, connection, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Black Rock City.
We’re officially called I Love Elephants, and we’re constantly seeking kindred spirits to join our herd. Based in Bend, Oregon, our camp stretches across states and even countries. With a Bhakti-like vibe, our core group comprises yogis, kirtan and world music lovers, and folks who choose to party with purpose!
Our Desert Oasis
Elephant Camp 2025: New Site Plan and Exciting Updates!
We’re officially back on the Esplanade — and this year, it’s even bigger and better! We’ve been granted a full 150 feet along the Esplanade, plus the entire frontage of 430 Avenue all the way to the corner of A Street!
I'm beyond thrilled to share our updated Site Plan for Elephant Camp, reflecting all the latest exciting developments.
🌟 Big News: We’ve acquired a 50-foot diameter geodesic dome that will be the heart of our camp.
Inside, we’re creating a lush jungle-themed sanctuary, with a stunning crystal centerpiece crafted by our resident artist, Davis McCarty. The dome will be carpeted, filled with cozy low tables and cushions — transforming into a coffee house by day and a tea house by night.
🌀 The dome will also showcase world-class visionary art by legends Martina Hoffmann and Robert Venosa, mounted beautifully onto the stainless steel dome structure.
We’re designing cooling systems (swamp coolers or maybe AC!) to make it a safe, shady refuge from the Playa elements.
🔥 Outside the dome:
We'll have a fireside storytelling circle hosted by the amazing Noah Crow, fueled by either propane or a protected burn setup.
Plus a huge elephant head will greet guests at the entrance corridor!
🎪 Across the camp:
The Brown Pages will have its own dedicated circus/center pole tent.
A shaded corridor will link the circus tents and display areas for Ram Dass, MAPS, and other consciousness-expanding resources.
A vibrant mural will run along our 430 frontage to hide vehicles and add color.
A Projection Orb by the most brilliant Kat Tudor, of Manitou Springs, CO.
🌈 Nighttime magic:
Vitali Yu (artistic director of Nuanu Creative City) is designing extraordinary lighting and projection effects to harmonize the dome, circus tents, and Bedouin structures into one magical nighttime landscape.
🐘 Camp Vibe:
Our goal is a rich, sensory experience — welcoming, art-centered, story-filled, sober, and, of course, deeply in love with elephants.
🛠 Camp Stats & Logistics:
75-80 campers
Streamlined layout for faster build/strike
Gorgeous public spaces + coherent visual theming
Build Week Note:
We Need Builders! Do you have friends that what the most amazing experience ever? Please send them my way.
Camp Fee
We offer pricing tiers ($600 min cost) for shared-cost participation, with increased fees after June 1. Five final camp passes will be held for Angel contributors at an elevated price (projected to be $2,000 each). Angel Contributors . While placement on the Esplanade is a great privilege, our camp infrastructure (valued at over $100,000) is funded elsewhere and benefits all members.
Included Perks:
Meals: Three delicious meals daily, plus snacks.
Comfort: Two kitchens (chef-led and communal), camp-wide power for small devices, showers (BYOW), and abundant tent shade.
RV Space: Available (details below).
Communal Spaces: Circus tents for relaxation and connection.
Opportunities: Participate in camp activities, meal prep, and keeping our village thriving.
Additional Costs:
Event Ticket: Separate purchase (projected at $700, including taxes/fees).
Personal Needs: Budget for transport, water, costuming, and party favors. We provide an inventory of gear that can be rented for things like water, tents, AC, and more for those flying or busing to the Playa. Go here for an inventory of gear (password protected)
Shared Responsibility
Participation in camp setup and breakdown is essential. It’s a bonding opportunity that ensures we leave the Playa sparkling. Mooping (Monday cleanup) is a must! While we considered a $200 moop deposit refundable upon staying until 4 PM on Monday, we trust our members will contribute fully. For those who prefer not to moop, you’re welcome to remit $200 before or after the event.
Join Us!
Ready to join the stampede? Whether you’re a seasoned Burner or a curious newbie, we welcome you with open arms. Spots are limited, so secure your place and make Burning Man 2025 unforgettable! Expect to meet some of the world’s most mindful people, yogis, and soulful musicians.
Stewards Tickets
Stewards tickets are available for dedicated members who play a vital role in our camp’s success. Ensure your Burner Profile is set up, as invitations to the sale will be based on it. Each member is eligible to purchase two tickets and one vehicle pass. This option expires by April 1 of each year.
Let’s paint the Playa with elephant love!
Camp Layout for 2025 - I Love Elephants
Stewards Tickets
Our camp receives a limited number of Stewards Tickets each year to ensure we have the essential crew to rebuild and animate our Burning Man experience. These tickets are offered at face value (2024 cost was $575 + fees) and are issued in pairs. Typically, dedicated core campers purchase both tickets and resell the second one to another crucial member within the camp—strictly without any markup. This system helps our camp retain vital talent and fosters continuity year after year.
Meet the Decision Makers
Philip (Big Bird), our founder, oversees the distribution of Stewards Tickets. He is advised by long-term core members who carefully assess the camp’s needs, including workshop facilitators, build crew, and other essential roles. Big Bird is the one that vets our membership. To join, you’l. want to text him at paoniaphil@hotmail.com or fill out one of our submittal forms on our other sites. He will also provide you with passwords to access all the interesting links.
Finding the Right People
The build crew often consists of experienced Burners eager to return, ensuring a solid foundation for our camp’s infrastructure. Performers and facilitators, on the other hand, tend to rotate each year. These individuals are often sourced from connections made throughout the year my our core membership team.
Is This Your First Burn?
Welcome aboard! If you haven’t received a personal invitation to purchase a Steward Ticket, don’t worry. You can explore other ticketing options, including:
FOMO Sale
Main Public Sale
Ticket Aid Program
OMG Sale
Ticket Management for Steward Tickets
To access your Steward Ticket, visit the dedicated portal at https://here.burningman.org/my-tickets. This portal allows you to view your ticket and seamlessly transfer it to another attendee. In 2024, the base price for these tickets was $575, which came to approximately $670 after taxes and additional charges.
Payment and Transfer Details:
Payments for Steward Tickets and associated camp fees should be made via PayPal or Venmo to paoniaphil@gmail.com.
Use the Burner Profiles system for secure and straightforward ticket transfers.
Avoid using the STEP program for transfers. Instead, opt for direct transfers to other participants using their Burner Email addresses.
No Steward Ticket?
Alternative Ticket Options
For those who don't have a Steward’s Ticket, there's no need to worry. Persistence often pays off when seeking a ticket. Even after the Steward Ticket allocations are completed and the general public sale has passed, various programs still offer ticket access. Many tickets also become available in the final weeks leading up to the Burn. However, we expect our camp to be full this year by middle June, so you best pay a deposit to hold a spot.
San Francisco is a key location for acquiring last-minute tickets, with platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist being common sources. Additionally, our camp frequently experiences last-minute cancellations and receives ticket offers from other Burners. Be sure to make all ticket exchanges through the official online ticketing program at: https://here.burningman.org/my-tickets.
Burner Express Bus System
Starting June 20, Burning Man opens the Burner Express Plus program, which includes an event ticket along with a bus ride onto the Playa. Many of our campers have successfully acquired their tickets through this program in recent years! For more information, visit: https://burnerexpress.burningman.org/burner-express-bus-tickets/.
Camp Cost Sharing
Every year, our camp is constructed through the collective financial contributions of all members. For 2025, the shared cost per camper until June 1 is set at $600 a donation of $200 to our camp if you are unable to remain until 4 PM on Monday to assist with MOOPing (Leave No Trace cleanup). After June 1, the camp fee will increase to $750.
Payment and Refund Details:
Upon receiving an invitation to join, a deposit of $300 is required either immediately to confirm your spot, or by June 1.
The remaining balance is due by July 15.
Our cancellation policy allows for half (50%) refund until July 1. No refunds will be issued after this date.
Please note that finding last-minute replacements for campers can be challenging, so consider your commitment carefully when making your deposit.
What Does your camp fee Include?
Camp Amenities and Infrastructure
Shaded Tent Space: Accommodating up to 8’x10’ per tent.
RV Parking Space
Kitchens
Dedicated Chef’s Kitchen: For preparing daily breakfasts and dinners.
Communal Kitchen: Available for mid-day snacks and lunch preparation.
Facilities
Shower Facilities: With gray water disposal.
Dishwater Management: Proper disposal in the communal kitchen.
Trash Disposal: Comprehensive disposal of all camp and individual trash. (In 2023, nearly 2 tons; successfully halved in 2024.)
Power and Transportation
Generators: Rental, purchase, and fuel expenses for camp power needs. (RV power and AC are add-ons that you must arrange with our power brokers well before the Butn)
Transportation Fuel: Fuel for two diesel trucks transporting three large box trailers to the Playa.
Truck Rentals: Two large U-Haul trucks.
Public Interactive Activities
Interactive Features: Including DJ equipment, lighting, several circus tents, relaxation areas, elephant painting, and newly funded major art.
Event Offerings: Body painting, a large camp marquee, the best power misting system on the Playa, and up to 50 distinct events.
Additional Contributions
Storage Fees: Contributions towards year-round storage fees for camp equipment and supplies.
For details on capital investments, please contact Big Bird.
Continued Membership Opportunities
Stewards Tickets Allocation
For our loyal camp members who have been with us before, we prioritize you in our Stewards Tickets allocation, a direct group sale initiative. For 2025, we have 44 Stewards Tickets available. If you don't secure one of these tickets, don't worry! You still have opportunities to obtain 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. However, please note that we are limiting our camp size this year to 80 members, so space is limited.
Camp Duties and Build Week Responsibilities
Camp Member 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 a Volunteer Activity: Each member is required to participate in at least one volunteer activity. Roles include setup, teardown, and ongoing MOOP (Matter Out of Place) management. You will be required to fill out an extensive questionnaire in May or as soon as you sign up.
Cook Team Participation: Join a cook team for one day to foster camaraderie and create new friendships while contributing to the camp’s meals.
Build Week: August 20 - 24, 2025
Build Week is a favorite for many, rivalling the excitement of the main event. It’s an opportunity 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! Roles extend beyond construction—for instance, the “fluffer” ensures everyone is well-fed and hydrated.
Setup Access Passes (SAPs)
BMorg allocates passes for specific days and tasks during Build Week. These passes, now called “Setup Access Passes” (SAPs), are essential for our efforts. For 2025, we are requesting more SAPs than last year:
Monday: 6 SAPs
Tuesday: 8 SAPs
Wednesday: 6 SAPs
Thursday: 6 SAPs
Friday: 4 SAPs
Saturday: 6 SAPs
Build Week Duties
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 (Mon) - 4 people
Ground Covering: Place visqueen/tarps under the marquee, elephant carousel, and kitchen (Mon) - 4 people
Power Setup: Arrange the generator and power lines (Mon) - 2 people
Kitchen Construction: Assemble and set up (Mon) - 2 people
Meal Preparation: Provide meals for workers during Build Week (Tue) - 2 people
Shower and Evaporation System: Set up (Tue) - 1 person
Movement Tent Preparation: Lay down mats and vinyl (Tue) - 5 people; Erect the tent (Wed) - 4 people
Dome 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
Cuddle Zones: Erect adjacent to the 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
Let's collaborate to make this an unforgettable experience!
Camp Responsibilities Overview
Camp Responsibilities; mandatory tasks:
Kitchen Duty
We have a master Chef who manage the kitchen and facilitates the operations of our rotating kitchen teams. With few exceptions, all camp members are assigned one day of kitchen duty. Responsibilities include meal preparation (under the chef’s direction), serving, and cleanup. Each team consists of 4-6 members, allowing for an even distribution of tasks. Team members can decide their specific roles.. Radical participation is key!
Camp Setup and Teardown
Everyone is encouraged to participate in setting up and dismantling the camp. While some members will arrive during Build Week to help set up core infrastructure, others may arrive at the beginning of “event week” to assist with communal spaces like shaded tent areas or art exhibits. If you are unable to participate in these tasks due to other responsibilities, such as being a keynote speaker or performer, alternative duties may be assigned. Please communicate with Big Bird to set realistic expectations. Remember, teardown and MOOPing (Matter Out Of Place) are much more enjoyable with company!
Ongoing Mooping
Throughout the week, all camp members are expected to keep the camp clean by ensuring no trash is left on the ground.
Optional Tasks
Choose at least one of the following:
Utility Department (3 people, all week): Manage fuel for generators, maintain power lines and lighting, and oversee water usage in the 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 - this is a continually changing list of participatory offerings, so look for updates. Firm commitments will be prompted when you fill out your Questionnaire.
Body Painting (3 artists, 6 hours daily): Engage attendees in creative body art.
Misting System Operation (4 people, 6 hours daily): Manage and operate the misting system.
Yoga Classes (3 instructors, 3 classes each): Lead yoga sessions for camp members and guests.
Workshop Leadership (3 people, 3 sessions each): Conduct workshops based on your skills and expertise.
Immersion Dome Supervision (4 people, as needed): Oversee activities within the dome.
Movement Tent Management (3 people): Coordinate activities and maintain the movement tent.
Painting Wood Elephants (4 people, 6 hours daily): Facilitate painting activities on wooden elephants.
DJing Ecstatic Dance (2 people, 3 sessions each): Provide music for dance sessions.
Daily Camp Maintenance (3 people, as needed): Clean communal and private areas, dust tents, organize chairs, inflate objects, and more.
Workshop and Event Support
All camp members are encouraged to participate in and support camp workshops and events. Stay updated on the camp's schedule by checking the whiteboard.
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. These informal lunches will be overseen by our assigned/rotating kitchen crew.
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, you’ll be washing your own dishes using a 4-bucket system:
Cold Rinse (Funk Bucket): Scrape off food scraps, then rinse dishes in this bucket filled with cold water to remove the majority of food remnants.
Hot Wash: Mix equal parts of hot and boiling water. Use a small amount of soap to thoroughly clean your dishes.
Hot Rinse: Blend equal parts of hot and cold water in this bucket to rinse off soap.
Cold Bleach: Use this bucket for sanitizing, especially when the water source is uncertain. Add 6-7 drops of bleach per gallon of water.
Hydration
Please bring your own liquid refreshments. We will provide powdered electrolytes for your hydration needs.
Water and Shower Arrangements
Drinking Water: In line with Radical Self-Reliance, please bring sufficient drinking water. Hydration powders will be available for communal use.
Shower Water: Bring your own water for showering. Wastewater will be managed through evaporation or external hauling. Our enclosed shower stall promotes efficient water use. We recommend body wipes and vinegar foot soaks for daily cleanliness. New shower options, such as personal solar hanging bags, are being explored—your feedback is welcome.
Ice Supply
To keep food fresh, we’ll use five freezers, several refrigerators, and super-insulated coolers. An ice coordinator will collect orders regularly; ice costs about $10 per bag. Elevating coolers off the Playa helps reduce ice consumption.
Recycling and Sustainability
In the spirit of sustainability, we strive to recycle efficiently. Separate bins will be provided for trash, burnables, and recyclables. Cooler meltwater can be recycled 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. If you have financial abundance, please consider contributing a tax-deductible donation.
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.
Add-ons and Camping Support
We used to provide much camp support for free, but too few of us now bear the burden, and we rent large storage units. Contributions to support these efforts are appreciated.
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!