Burning Man is an adventure in culture and community. As you consider joining a theme camp, it's essential to embrace this unique culture, a process known as acculturation.

In its early days, Burning Man thrived on almost limitless freedom. However, over time, the need for rules emerged due to a few irresponsible actions. Today's guidelines are responses to past missteps, shaping a culture that strives for a successful and sustainable event.

At its core, Burning Man encourages self-reliance, radical expression, and a sense of community. These values are crucial, especially for theme camps. Being part of a theme camp isn't easy. Out of the 70,000 people in Black Rock City, only 1,400 theme camps are chosen, based on their ability to wow and contribute to the event's ethos of entertainment and gifting. Remember, the magic of Burning Man largely springs from the efforts of its volunteer participants, more so than from the organization itself.

Your journey with Burning Man Karma starts well before the event. Our camp thrives on a core group of amazing individuals who resonate with our vision and actively participate in our projects. True Burners commit wholeheartedly, savoring every experience as a precious gift, without expecting anything in return.

We often encounter questions hinting at a sense of entitlement from those unfamiliar with the sacrifices behind our projects. Remember, this is a volunteer-driven effort. Last year, we faced challenges when 32 new members withdrew last minute, impacting our resources significantly. Committing to a camp means being part of the plan from the get-go. Inconsistent or demanding behavior doesn't align with the Burning Man ethos and can negatively impact the whole community.

At Burning Man, every participant, every camp, contributes to the collective experience. Getting to the event, especially with necessary supplies, is a challenge in itself. There are no handouts or automatic provisions – everything from electricity for art to basic utilities is a result of collective effort and personal sacrifices. Our camp, like many, operates at a deficit, funded by those who are deeply committed.

Remember, the primary goal of any camp at Burning Man is to contribute art and interactive experiences. Comforts are a bonus. Appreciate everything your camp offers – it's all brought to you by individuals who embody the Burning Man spirit and make considerable personal sacrifices. Your gratitude and participation are what make this journey extraordinary for everyone involved.

We're thrilled to welcome members from across the globe to our Burning Man camp. There's no better way to bond with people from different cultures than through the shared experiences of Burning Man, with its collaborative projects and the spirit of gifting. Hosting international members not only enlightens us but also enriches the entire camp experience.

We aim to create a diverse and inclusive environment, fostering deep, lasting connections. While most of our international guests eagerly embrace this, there have been instances of unintentional segregation. We encourage everyone, no matter where you're from, to fully immerse themselves in the Burning Man community, rather than sticking solely to familiar groups.

Our camp is proud of its international flavor, but we understand the challenges this brings. Internationals often can't participate in the early, labor-intensive stages of setting up a theme camp due to logistics and distance. Despite the complexities and costs of their journey, we acknowledge that our local members often contribute more in terms of time and resources.

More than half of our members are internationals, and we go the extra mile to accommodate them, taking on additional expenses and projects. Their presence adds invaluable cultural perspectives and deepens our collective appreciation of Burning Man.

However, we encourage all our guests, including internationals, to embrace the 10 Principles of Burning Man, particularly radical self-reliance. While we're here to guide and support you upon arrival, it's important to do your homework beforehand. Together, we'll help you navigate this transformative experience. We're all in this journey together, after all!

Burning Man is more than just fun and excitement; it's a transformative experience shaped by active participation, not passive observation. It's not just a concert, art exhibit, festival, or party – it’s an event where you contribute to the magic.

Understanding and living by Burning Man's 10 Principles is non-negotiable for all camp members. Camps earn their place in this community by embracing these principles wholeheartedly. While it might be challenging for individuals to fulfill these expectations alone, being part of a camp makes it achievable. Together, we support each other in practicing self-reliance and engaging more deeply with the event.

Remember, being in a camp doesn’t exempt anyone from these principles. Our camp is not a service provider; it's a collective effort to create an experience that goes beyond what we could achieve alone. Burning Man takes place in a remote, challenging environment. There are no convenient amenities or infrastructures. Everything, from electricity to basic necessities, requires immense effort and resources to bring in.

As a camp, we're a clan, pooling our resources and efforts to thrive in this setting. Anything the camp provides beyond your basic self-sufficiency is a gift, born from the collective ethos of Burning Man. Appreciate every effort made to enhance your experience, and remember, your participation and gratitude are key to making this journey unforgettable for everyone.