OK class, settle down and everyone take their seats.

First lets talk about kinds of camps. There are theme camps and then just groups of people camping together.

Theme camps offer some sort of public ammenity, be it a bar, chill space, dance space, tarot readings, haircuts, yoga, etc. Trust me, all of that is out there and more. Theme camps are the interactive core of Burningman

Theme camps can prime placement in the city if they desire it. . Check out this map from 2008. The blue shaded area is where SOME theme camps are located. www.burningman.com/preparat...ndex.html
These camps are "placed" by the Burningman Placement Team.

Some camps don't want to be upfront like that, they would rather be in the back where it quieter.

To join a theme camp, wait for the 2009 list to come out and contact them. Use your head, don't just send an email that says, hey can I join your camp. Introduce yourself, tell them who you are and what you're into. Show that you know a little bit about their camp and that you will contribute to it. Many theme camps have dues, that help pay for the cost of common infrastructure, like showers, group kitchens, etc. Not all theme camps have these things. Some even have meal plans you can buy into (expect to still spend time helping with meal clean up, prep etc.) Theme camps are not hotels.

Another way to find theme camps is to join your regional network. regionals.burningman.com/index.html
get on their email list, go to regional events, bar nights, etc. You will meet veteran burners from your area who can tell you about locals who camp together and theme camps and may even invite you to join their camp.

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Then there are groups of like minded people and friends that just camp together. They are scattered throughout the city as it's first come first served in areas not reserved for theme camps. To find these camps, you need to get out there, (in your local burner community) and meet people.

One year I decided that I wanted to camp with people I had never met before. I posted this on the BM Virgins Tribe. Since I posted a lot about various things people had an idea of who I was and a sense of my personality. They said, gee Bobzilla looks he might be a good addition to out camp, lets invite him to join. The result was I camped with a group of folks from Denver and have made lifelong friends as a result. Don't expect to put one post out there and have offers roll in.

Be proactive.

Questions?

Greg and Briggi -- do either of you have any friends who are going to attend? that is also an excellent way to go! OR if you have any friends who have ever attended, they may have contacts for you too.