Camp Axo User Manual

"Radical Self-reliance" Is a Burning Man principle, so ultimately everyone is responsible for arranging their own shelter, drink, snacks, personal effects & transportation.

With that said, our camp provides the following services that you can rely on:

• Two meals served/day: 'Breakfast' @ 9am-ish & 'Dinner' @ 7pm-ish. Both Veggie & Non-veggie options will be served. It is mandatory to include any dietary restrictions on the Camp Form so we can accommodate any preferences or allergies.
• Water for drinking, cooking, cleaning & showering (IF people are responsible! 1gallon maximum per shower! -- we will ration if supplies run low)
• Lights in common areas, and power outlets for charging small devices (phones, cameras, etc... BUT YOU MUST CHARGE DURING THE DAY, NOT AT NIGHT to conserve solar power)
• Large Shade Structure, under which people can pitch tents.
• Amazing Kitchen (including gas stove, counters, running potable water, ice coolers, electricity, and a large array of cooking supplies & staples)
• Patio / Dining Area - aka The Veranda - a large shaded and illuminated area with tables, chairs, and cozy areas for eating and relaxing.
• The Axolotl -- a monumental Art Car with a roof deck, interior lounge space for villagers, killer sound system, flame effects, and lighting.
• Bicycles. Bikes will be assigned to campers individually, so when you leave Camp with a Bike you MUST return with that Bike! Bring your own bike lock!

We are a barrío in La Calaca Village. Together with our neighbors Las Brujas and Friendly Society, the village offers:

• Healing dome area for wellness massage and the like
• Village Plaza with daily happy hour and bi-weekly sausage tent
• Live Band Karaoke
• and more!

We have the following expectations of ALL members of our camp:

• EVERYONE will be expected to work at least 2 shifts on the ¡Axolotl! art car on playa. In addition, everyone will work up to 3 camp shifts (e.g. kitchen, bikes, domo, etc.) depending on their involvement in Build, Strike, or mid-year Work Party. Jobs will be assigned according to the needs of our camp and personal skills & interests of the camper. You can find more information on our shifts page.
• Our village has established a Community Agreement. La Calaca Village was created by a decades-old group of family and friends and in many ways we’re proud to say it still feels like a family. Our goal is to create a safe, inviting, and comfortable space for all campers within our village. Each camper is expected to uphold and abide by this agreement.

Before you come to Burning Man do the following: -- VIRGINS READ CAREFULLY!

1. Read The Official Burning Man First-Timer's Guide --ALL OF IT!
2. Obtain (or be sure a partner has) all of the following:
   • Transportation: If you have your own vehicle (and a Vehicle Pass), you will be able to park it in our camp in a convenient place. However, we strongly encourage you to carpool, as this decreases our carbon footprint, helps with the traffic jams during Entry and Exodus, and allows us to use more of our camp area for fun activities rather than parking! Interested in carpooling? Ask in our WhatsApp group or mailing list. Virgins, think of your vehicle as a dust-proof closet (so don't leave the door open!). If you don’t have transportation there may be an opportunity to carpool with others.
   • Shelter: RV/Trailer or a Tent (if buying an inexpensive tent, a 4-person free- standing x-bar dome is best, with NO mesh walls!! mesh lets dust in!!). We will have lag screws for everyone to secure their tents against the windstorms. As mentioned, we will create a large shade structure from 8' poles and 20'x20' nylon shade-cloth for everyone to camp under. Without this cover it will be uncomfortably hot in your tent. With it you will be very comfortable.
     NOTE: Large ‘tents’ such as Shiftpods, No Bake Tents, Car Ports, Yurts and the like are too big for the shade structure and will be placed outside.
   • Sleeping: Sleeping Bag, Blankets, Mattress and/or Pads, and Pillows. It gets cold at night.
   • Water: Our camp will provide common water for drinking/cooking/cleaning in the Kitchen and even for Showers (1 gallon max/shower) -- assuming we moderate our consumption. We require campers to bring a LARGE container (minimum 2 Gallons) to keep water in their dwelling at all times. Also, Portable Drinking Containers (e.g. camelpack) are highly recommended -- it's better than carrying plastic bottles. Remember you can buy ice at the Plazas.
   • Food: While we will provide two meals a day, you should bring some additional snacks, and after hour meals. Ramen packets are a fave when we stumble home in the wee hours. Try to avoid foods that must be kept cool. BUT NOTE: you're responsible for getting and paying for your own ice for any personal coolers. While we have Utensils, Plates/Glasses -- it's helpful if you should bring your own as well. Virgins, remember that when you are out on the playa you are expected to have own cup/bowl and utensil if you come across a camp serving food or drinks!
   • Beverages: Meals and the water described above are provided but anything else you want to drink is BYO, and bring to share: be it beer, cocktails (mixers too), gatorade, red bull, soda. Glass bottles take up more space and weight after being consumed, so cans are best.
   • Clothes/Costumes: Costumes are worn 24/7 on the Playa. For the most part there are two kinds of costumes: Daytime (light and shady, brimmed hats, or naked with sunscreen bodypaint!) and Nightime (warm--think fake fur! and weird hats / gloves -- and anything illuminated!). Also, Sandals, Boots or Shoes that are very comfortable for lots of walking. Extra Socks -- and WORK GLOVES in particular if you are helping with any of the camp infrastructure and art car build or strike.
   • Toiletries: Sunscreen, Make-Up! Petroleum Jelly (lips, and coating inside of nose prevents bloody boogers), Moisturizer (all skin--especially feet because Playa dust is highly alkaline--use vinegar or witch hazel to rinse! Many people like to carry a spray water bottle to cool down themselves and others in the heat -- and you can add a scent to it too. Also, Soap, Lip Balm, First-aid Kit, Earplugs, Wetwipes, Eye drops, Toothbrush/Paste, Medicines of ANY sort you might need...
   • Bicycle: Our camp will assign bicycles if you request one on the form. However, if you have a bike you love and can bring it, you should. Decorate with non-MOOPy trimmings and Illuminate the bike too--illumination is all important! Bring a Keyed or Combination Lock. Bikes disappear (and appear) on the playa all the time.
   • Illumination: Virgins take particular note here. Flashlights are very important--Headlamps that also have a red light are the best kind. Bring more than one in case you lose one--and bring extra batteries! Also useful are lanterns for seeing in your tent and car. And then, bring ANYTHING illuminated that you can attach to yourself (for being seen)--LEDs are best! L-wire wrapped around yourself goes a long way on the Playa. People cover themselves in lights at night on the Playa.
   • Misc/Gear: Small backpack for adventuring -- maybe even two, one for day and one for night, UV-protection Sunglasses, Untinted Sealed Goggles (for sandstorms), Dust mask or bandanas (best and easiest is N95 rated disposable dust masks--assume you need at least 2 or 3 for a week), Plastic bags to keep things from getting dusty (clear so you can see in them), Duct Tape, Extra Batteries, Lighters. SMOKERS: you will want to bring extra ciggies in addition to a way to dispose of ashes; there's a lot of sharing and bumming and the ill stocked run out quickly.
   • Gifts: Remember that money doesn't work at Burning Man--it's like a giant pot-luck/gift economy where everyone gives everything away. It's best to have both something cheap/portable (avoid useless plastic tchotchkes) and something a bit nicer to give--to reciprocate the value of the gift/service given to you. If you're having trouble thinking of gifts remember that services can be better than objects--e.g. bring a little scented oil with you and give people neck massages.
   • Also Recommended: Folding/Beanbag Chair, Ipods/Instruments, Illuminated Art/Lightropes, Kites, Inflatables, Toys, Art/Craft Supplies...

Checklists

Daytime Checklist when out on the Playa:

• goggles
• Dust Mask
• water
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• lip balm
• shade: e.g. parasol, hat, sarong.
• cup/bowl
• spoon/fork
• swiss army knife with bottle opener
• eye drops
• gifts (e.g. bottle of wine)
• snack/gum/candy

Nighttime Checklist when out on the Playa

• goggles
• Dust Mask
• headlamp and other illumination
• water
• warmth – e.g. hat, sweater
• cup/bowl
• spoon/fork
• swiss army knife with bottle opener
• eye drops
• gifts (e.g. bottle of wine)
• snack/gum/candy