Overall Camp Vision:
BWB-BRC strives to be a destination at Burning Man- that is both fun & meaningful.  It is through the joyful celebration of our work that the message is transmitted.  Camp is a nexus that pulls in the minds, makers, and doers at Burning Man and gives them a place to relax and meet others of a similar mind.  Our camp should be a beacon that draws in the people that will create the future of BWB, as well as those that will support the individual futures of the people that make up our camp.

BWB-BRC highlights the stories of international civic & community work by Burners who volunteer their time to create meaningful social transformation. We offer programming that creates opportunities for discussion, exploration and genuine connection as a gift to Black Rock City. 

If you’ve camped with us before, you might notice that we’re trying to pare down our programming this year. We’re doing this as an invitation to all of us to slow down a little bit, take more time to connect with our campmates, and do a little bit less, better!  We know that the work is going to get done- since we’re all going to do it, and we’re excited to focus on authenticity, play, and community building. Drink water.

...This is YOUR camp, too

Remember to support your fellow campers. Many hands make our work so much easier and way more fun. Please show up on Playa ready to work and with an open mind so that we can all have a fantastic burn. There’s nothing like camping and working together to build lifetime bonds. In order to do this, it’s imperative that everyone feels that they can act on ideas and take risks without feeling like there is a gatekeeper or bureaucracy they need to go through first. Being of service should be a simple, fun process. This is a do-acracy- so step up and get involved.

Everyone is an ambassador for BWB!

BWB–BRC is a special place: it’s half theme camp and half an official representation of the Burning Man Projects non-profit programs. It represents the driving initiative in Burning Man Project’s Civic Engagement mission. By camping with us, you’re declaring yourself as a Burner Without Borders-- which means you’re also now an ambassador for BWB! At some point (at least once, if not daily) someone will come up to you in camp and ask, “Who can I talk to about Burners Without Borders?” And we want you to say, “I can!” and tell them about BWB and how they might find more information or get involved!

BWB runs deep and has meant a lot to our community over the years. While on playa, there may be a number of BWB veterans who show up, those working with BWB now as a chapter or project lead, and those interested to learn more about BWB. We want to welcome everyone, old and new. Think of your role as host,  friend, and ambassador all wrapped into one. And remember that you represent BWB inside and outside camp. 

Need talking points? We don’t ask you to know ALL the glorious details and history of BWB (there is quite a bit!), but please read all of the information provided in full, check out the postings on the shipping container walls, familiarize yourself with our happenings, and ask your fellow camp members. Thanks for your help! It makes all the difference for our guests and campers.

Take care of yourself & ask for help if you need it

Burning Man is hard at times, and we can all get cranky, dehydrated, and hot. Nobody in camp is your mom, you need to be radically self-relient in taking care of yourself. Please stay tuned into your body, and if you need to take a break, take a break. It’s ok to say no to an ask if you aren’t ready for it, because if you don’t take a break, the break will eventually take you. Do what you need to do to be able to put yourself back in the game when it’s safe to do so.

And… watch out for your campmates! It can be hard to see your own eyeball when you are getting hangry, sun-stroked, and dehydrated. So if you see something, say something. If someone gently asks you to take a break and have a drink of water, don’t be upset! Know that they are coming from a “looking out for you” place and consider taking them up on it. 

State your needs & communicate bravely

Our camp is our home, and when there is discord in the home, it affects us all! The goal is that we are all coming to camp with a community-centered, solution-oriented mindsets. Know that everyone in the camp wants to help you, wants to support you, and wants to create a space that is radically inclusive. Topics, themes, and conversations might come up which feel edgy or controversial- and as a camp we show up bravely for those conversations, with deep listening and a learner's mind.

If you are having a hard time or a conflict comes up, please find a way to manage this in support of our whole community. Give feedback and resolve conflict. Passive aggression is not necessary when we can instead communicate candidly in a solution oriented, relational way. 

If someone gives you feedback about something you did that negatively impacted them, receive that feedback with gratitude and a learner's mind. If you are struggling with a campmate, find a mediator, find a friend to listen to you, or find a way to remove yourself from that situation. If someone in camp (a campmate or another participant) is making you feel unsafe, please communicate, give feedback, and reach out for support if you need it. 

Use your best judgment & do the right thing

When in doubt, ask. But there may not always be someone to check with, so do what is in the best interest for you and the camp