Member Info

Thank you for your interest in camping with the Opulent Temple in 2008.

There is one very simple guiding principle for those that camp with us: Do what you say you're going to do. If you're cool with that, and a down to earth, drama free, conscientious person, most likely you'll be quite welcome to create and enjoy one week in the desert with us.

We approach the entire process of raising and taking down the Opulent Temple as an exercise in fun and community and we hope you will as well.

No skills are needed, but we're of course looking for any help with construction, design, lighting, visuals, welding, sound, art projects, organizing, fundraising, bartending, driving, and the like...

We don't take everybody that's interested. We'll need to hear why you're interested and what you feel you have to offer. You DON'T need to bust ass before and on the playa to join us. You don't even have to work that hard. Of course we'd love you to, but there's a slot for most any kind of person that meets the criteria above.

For most, basic camp requirements are the ability to pay camp dues, an effort to help out as you can before the playa in any number of ways if you're in the SF area, taking on some limited responsibilities while at Burning Man, and contributing to the break down of the camp (Strike).

Our camp utilizes dues to help meet our budget. Those arriving by Sunday at 3pm pay $65. Those after pay $125. Those that want very little work responsibilties pay $275.

What do you get for your dues? As a camp member, you'll get:

~complete dinner provided for you Tuesday - Saturday night

~use of community water (we fill a 250 gallon container every day for the camp's use)

~a community shade area w/ carpeting, couches, pillow, etc.

~a community kitchen (just stoves, etc., not fridges / freezers)

~generator access (within reason)

~community showers

~air conditioned supa chill truck (from the Idaho crew) , etc.

~ALSO- This year, RVs will also be able to pay into a fund that will give us our own private pumping truck so you don't have to race down the 'Johnny' boyz every day. How's that for style?

~And of course, you're part of the Opulent Temple, with all the panache that comes with it, and the view of the prime real estate of the 2:00 corner. (we hope...)

Their are 3 basic expecations of camp members paying $125.

While at Burning Man:
*1. Each member is required to help with Strike on Sunday afternoon starting ~ 12N and lasting until we are done. If you need to leave early Sunday plan on starting with the clean up effort earlier on Sunday than 12N. If you need special consideration, let us know. Each member will pay a $500 "I'll show up for Strike safety deposit" (a check we'll rip up when you show up, or we'll cash if you flake)

2. Each member will be prepared to:

• Work, or be available to work, 2 days from the time of your arrival, regardless of what day you arrive to Burning Man. That means if you show up Wednesday, you will make yourself available to the camp on Thursday AND Friday for any camp needs. From experience we know there won't be much. But, by joining you committ to making yourself available to do what needs to be done so those of us that have been there all week aren't still the ones busting ass. On the flip side of this, if arrive Saturday, work on Sunday and Monday, then you're primary responsibilites for set up are done, whether or not the set up is done!
• 3. A hosting shift -one 4 hour shift, between the hours 8pm & 6am Monday - Saturday at the dance area keeping an eye on things.

-OR (NOT BOTH !)-

• -One shift to prepare dinner or clean up from dinner prep Tuesday - Saturday

*NOW! If you want to join our camp but want NO Set Up or Stirke responsibilities, and just want to party and rub elbows with famous dj's and be part of the amazing camp that is the OT, you too are still welcome, but you must still contribute. In this case, your contribution will be financial instead of physical, and your camp dues will be $275 regardless of when you arrive. If you choose this option, we still love you and we'll make use of your higher dues for the camp. You will still be expected to take a hosting or meal prep shift one time during the week.

Helping before Burning Man:
For regular camp members paying $65 or $125, if you're in the SF area, we expect you'll make a good faith effort to contribute to the pre-playa prep. This could be putting in some time building things at the Box Shop where we work out of, going shopping for decoration or infrastructure needs, helping with one of the fundraising parties, helping coordinate transportation or production needs, or any number of ways to contribute to the workings of the Tribe.

Thinking about joining up and want to hear more? Write: eunice@opulenttemple.org

---