1. MOOP SYSTEM
This is truly what makes Burning Man a leave no trace event.
So what is MOOP? MOOP is an acronym for “Matter Out of Place”, a way of referring to anything that is not originally of the land on which our event takes place. So everything that wasn’t originally on or of the Black Rock Desert, no matter the size, is considered MOOP, and is expected to remove as part of our Leave No Trace efforts.
The MOOP team grades each campsite on how well they clean up their space. Beware, if you get a negative grade there is a chance that your campsite will be welcome back next year, so everyone please clean up after yourselves.
2. WORKSHOPS
Part of the responsibility of campsites is to provide something for the people to enjoy while they call Black Rock City their home for 7 days. Campsites offer music camps, workshops, and air-conditioned lounges.
The Burning Man guide is full of workshops, ranging from the most depraved spanking classes to the most spiritual meditation/yoga classes. Some Examples:
- Holotropic Breathing
- Gong Meditation
- Laughter Yoga
- Radical Improv
- Healing Dome Sessions
- Introduction to Open Relationships & Polyamory
- Knife Throwing
- The Neurobiology of Hallucination
- How to Save the World
- Talking with Strangers
3. THE TEMPLE
One of the most powerful, beautiful, happiest and saddest places people get to experience. The Temple is an annual display of love, devotion, and remembrance, but it’s also filled with a lot of sadness. The temple gives so much meaning to the whole community and it’s a reminder that the event is not just about partying. It’s about love, connections, and reflection. It is one of the few places where one can experience peace and tranquility on the playa.
Tip: Some people are intimidated to go into the Temple, but it’s a must-do, and I encourage everyone to take the trip to the temple on their own.
4. SUNRISE AT ROBOT HEART
A sunrise Deep Playa session is due with the Robot Heart Art car. The sun starts to creep over the horizon and you slowly start seeing everyone’s beautiful smiles and creative costumes. Whoever is DJing at that sunrise set will always have something special in store for what is a truly monumental moment.
5. BACON PANCAKES
Let’s get this straight, there is no better way to welcome someone into their campsite than to jump out in the middle of the road dressed half naked and press play on a boombox to the Bacon Pancake Song. My group and I were fortunate enough to bump into this campsite and got treated to an amazing bacon pancake breakfast.
6. BIKING IN THE DESERT
No cars are allowed, so everyone either walks or ride their pimped out bikes to get around. Let’s face it, when are you going to get the chance to ride around in the desert along with thousands of other riders. There’s nothing so wonderful as biking out across the flat hot desert, feeling the wind in your hair, and seeing the colors and/or lights of the city fly past.
7. PARTY IN A DUSTSTORM
Something about putting on those goggles and wrapping your face with a bandana as you look at this enormous cloud of dust charging towards the dance floor just seems so appealing. This is something truly unique to the Playa, I mean where else can you enjoy a sunrise set from Jamie Jones during a sandstorm?
8. THUNDERDOME
This is a must-see for a first time burner. It transports you to another world, where the rules of today’s society don’t apply and you enter deathmatch (sort of) to defend your honor. Do you think you have what it takes to take on one of the elite members of the thunder dome campsite?
9. SPANK BANK
Have you ever been naughty or would like to be? This campsite called the “spank bank” can help you out. Enjoy a playful, sensual Playa spanking by professional spankers that will assist tanning your behind and satisfy your thirst.
10. GET LOST IN THE DEEP PLAYA
You never know what you will find, you might bump into a party, a dinner, or just your fellow lost burners. No matter what the situation is to remember the Playa will always provide.
