Burning Man is Aug 24 - Sept 1, 2025

Our Mission

Fuel creative expression and foster community connection through immersive experiences at Burning Man.

Join our passionate team!

Our Action

We seek creative builders, resourceful organizers, inspiring educators, and talented artists to contribute to a sustainable Elephant Camp and impactful Burning Man experiences

How we Do it! 

Unleash Your Wild Side at Burning Man with

I Love Elephants camp!

Burning Man Principles are Etched into our camp’s ethos

Welcome to our unique community at Elephant Camp! We're excited to share a transformative experience with you, rooted in the core principles of Burning Man. To ensure everyone is on the same page and can fully immerse themselves in our communal ethos, we've crafted a comprehensive guide below - please review the info on this page!

Welcome to Our Burning Man Camp: I Love Elephants

A Portal to Our Collective Spirit

This guide is more than just instructions; it’s a portal into our collective spirit and responsibilities. It embodies our expectations for active participation, transcending any status from the default world. We embrace Radical Inclusion, encouraging every member to bring their authentic selves and fostering a space for Radical Self-Expression. Participation isn’t just encouraged; it’s essential. Our camp thrives on Communal Effort, sharing not only the joys but also the responsibilities—from cooking and MOOPing (Matter Out Of Place) to equitable sharing of camp costs.

On the first day of the event week, camp lead Big Bird will highlight these principles and our camp’s unique culture. Our dedicated camp leads are always available to guide and support you in fully embracing these values. Together, we aim to create an environment where everyone contributes, learns, and grows, ensuring an unforgettable and enriching experience for all. Let’s make this a journey of immediacy, connection, and shared wonder!

A Vibrant Community

Burning Man isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a vibrant community. We’re a diverse herd of teachers, artists, dancers, dreamers, and elephant lovers ready to welcome you with open arms (and trunks). Join us in 2025 as we recreate a collaborative oasis of creativity, connection, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Black Rock City.

We’re officially called I Love Elephants, and we’re constantly seeking kindred spirits to join our herd. Based in Bend, Oregon, our camp stretches across states and even countries. With a Bhakti-like vibe, our core group comprises yogis, kirtan and world music lovers, and folks who choose to party with purpose!

Our Desert Oasis

Located at the prime corner of Esplanade and 4:30 (Portal), our camp soaks up the heart of Burning Man’s energy. We are active participants, offering a range of public interactivities:

• Epic Misting System: Perfect for cooling off under the desert sun.

• Body Painting: Transform into a living canvas and express your inner artist.

• Elephant Painting: Help paint our signature elephant wood cut-outs.

• Ecstatic Dance & Yoga: Shake your tail feathers in soul-igniting sessions.

• Workshops: Dive into knowledge with diverse, curiosity-sparking sessions.

• “Be Here Now” Pavilion: Presented by the Love, Serve, Remember Foundation—an opportunity to engage with and share in the teachings of the Ram Dass Dharma.

• “Be Everywhere, Everytime”: Teachings from His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche as he debuts a groundbreaking Universal Peace Sanctuary on the Playa!

We offer pricing tiers (TBD) for shared-cost participation, with increased fees after June 1. Five final camp passes will be held for Angel contributors at an elevated price (projected to be $2,000 each). While placement on the Esplanade is a great privilege, our camp infrastructure (valued at over $100,000) is funded elsewhere and benefits all members.

Included Perks:

• Meals: Three delicious meals daily, plus snacks.

• Comfort: Two kitchens (chef-led and communal), camp-wide power for small devices, showers (BYOW), and abundant tent shade.

• RV Space: Available (details below).

• Communal Spaces: Circus tents for relaxation and connection.

• Opportunities: Participate in camp activities, meal prep, and keeping our village thriving.

Additional Costs:

• Event Ticket: Separate purchase (projected at $700, including taxes/fees).

• Personal Needs: Budget for transport, water, costuming, and party favors. We provide a price sheet for water, tents, AC, and more for those flying or busing to the Playa.

Shared Responsibility

Participation in camp setup and breakdown is essential. It’s a bonding opportunity that ensures we leave the Playa sparkling. Mooping (Monday cleanup) is a must! While we considered a $200 moop deposit refundable upon staying until 4 PM on Monday, we trust our members will contribute fully. For those who prefer not to moop, you’re welcome to remit $200 before or after the event.

Join Us!

Ready to join the stampede? Whether you’re a seasoned Burner or a curious newbie, we welcome you with open arms. Spots are limited, so secure your place and make Burning Man 2025 unforgettable! Expect to meet some of the world’s most mindful people, yogis, and soulful musicians.

Stewards Tickets

Stewards tickets are available for dedicated members who play a vital role in our camp’s success. Ensure your Burner Profile is set up, as invitations to the sale will be based on it. Each member is eligible to purchase two tickets and one vehicle pass.

Let’s paint the Playa with elephant love!

Camp Layout for 2025 - I Love Elephants

We are Located on the Esplanade at 430 Avenue

Steward Tickets:

Your Gate to Black Rock City

Stewards Tickets

Our camp receives a limited number of Stewards Tickets each year to ensure we have the essential crew to rebuild and animate our Burning Man experience. These tickets are offered at face value (2024 cost was $575 + fees) and are issued in pairs. Typically, dedicated core campers purchase both tickets and resell the second one to another crucial member within the camp—strictly without any markup. This system helps our camp retain vital talent and fosters continuity year after year.

Meet the Decision Makers

Philip (Big Bird), our founder, oversees the distribution of Stewards Tickets. He is advised by long-term core members who carefully assess the camp’s needs, including workshop facilitators, build crew, and other essential roles.

Finding the Right People

The build crew often consists of experienced Burners eager to return, ensuring a solid foundation for our camp’s infrastructure. Performers and facilitators, on the other hand, tend to rotate each year. These individuals are often sourced from connections made at other festivals such as the Bhakti Yoga Festival, Sedona Yoga Festival, Hanuman Festival, and various events in Bali.

Is This Your First Burn?

Welcome aboard! If you haven’t received a personal invitation to purchase a Steward Ticket, don’t worry. You can explore other ticketing options, including:

• FOMO Sale

• Main Public Sale

• Ticket Aid Program

• OMG Sale

Ticket Management for Steward Tickets

To access your Steward Ticket, visit the dedicated portal at https://here.burningman.org/my-tickets. This portal allows you to view your ticket and seamlessly transfer it to another attendee. In 2024, the base price for these tickets was $575, which came to approximately $670 after taxes and additional charges.

Payment and Transfer Details:

• Payments for Steward Tickets and associated camp fees should be made via PayPal or Venmo to paoniaphil@gmail.com.

• Use the Burner Profiles system for secure and straightforward ticket transfers.

• Avoid using the STEP program for transfers. Instead, opt for direct transfers to other participants using their Burner Email addresses.

No Steward Ticket?

Alternative Ticket Options

For those who don't have a Steward’s Ticket, there's no need to worry. Persistence often pays off when seeking a ticket. Even after the Steward Ticket allocations are completed and the general public sale has passed, various programs still offer ticket access. Many tickets also become available in the final weeks leading up to the Burn.

San Francisco is a key location for acquiring last-minute tickets, with platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist being common sources. Additionally, our camp frequently experiences last-minute cancellations and receives ticket offers from other Burners. Be sure to make all ticket exchanges through the official online ticketing program at: https://here.burningman.org/my-tickets.

Burner Express Bus System

Starting June 20, Burning Man opens the Burner Express Plus program, which includes an event ticket along with a bus ride onto the Playa. Many of our campers have successfully acquired their tickets through this program in recent years! For more information, visit: https://burnerexpress.burningman.org/burner-express-bus-tickets/.

Camp Cost Sharing

Every year, our camp is constructed through the collective financial contributions of all members. For 2025, the shared cost per camper until June 1 is set at TBD, plus a donation of $200 to our camp if you are unable to remain until 4 PM on Monday to assist with MOOPing (Leave No Trace cleanup). After June 1, the camp fee will increase to TBD.

Payment and Refund Details:

• Upon receiving an invitation to join, a deposit of TBD is required immediately to confirm your spot.

• The remaining balance is due by July 15.

• Our cancellation policy allows for a full refund until June 1 and a 50% refund until July 15. No refunds will be issued after this date.

Please note that finding last-minute replacements for campers can be challenging, so consider your commitment carefully when making your deposit.

What Does your camp fee Include?

Camp Amenities and Infrastructure

• Shaded Tent Space: Accommodating up to 8’x10’ per tent.

• RV Parking Space

Kitchens

• Dedicated Chef’s Kitchen: For preparing daily breakfasts and dinners.

• Communal Kitchen: Available for mid-day snacks and lunch preparation.

Facilities

• Shower Facilities: With gray water disposal.

• Dishwater Management: Proper disposal in the communal kitchen.

• Trash Disposal: Comprehensive disposal of all camp and individual trash. (In 2023, nearly 2 tons; successfully halved in 2024.)

Power and Transportation

• Generators: Rental, purchase, and fuel expenses for camp power needs.

• Transportation Fuel: Fuel for two diesel trucks transporting three large box trailers to the Playa.

• Truck Rentals: Two large U-Haul trucks.

Public Interactive Activities

• Interactive Features: Including DJ equipment, lighting, several circus tents, relaxation areas, elephant painting, and newly funded major art.

• Event Offerings: Body painting, a large camp marquee, the best power misting system on the Playa, and up to 50 distinct events.

Additional Contributions

• Storage Fees: Contributions towards year-round storage fees for camp equipment and supplies.

For details on capital investments, please refer to footnote 3.

Continued Membership Opportunities

Stewards Tickets Allocation

For our loyal camp members who have been with us before, we prioritize you in our Stewards Tickets allocation, a direct group sale initiative. In 2024, we had 32 Stewards Tickets available. If you don't secure one of these tickets, don't worry! You still have opportunities to obtain a ticket through the general public sale or by joining our waitlist.

Welcoming New Members

We encourage our existing campmates to invite friends, effectively acting as their sponsors. Newcomers will initially be placed on a waitlist. If you have someone in mind, please send their profile to our coordinator, Big Bird.

New members have various options to obtain tickets beyond the Stewards sale. However, please note that we are limiting our camp size this year to 70 members, so space is limited.

Camp Duties and Build Week Responsibilities

Camp Member Responsibilities

Attention, camp members! Your active participation in camp life and public engagement is crucial. Embracing the principle of Radical Participation, we have outlined several key responsibilities that each member must undertake:

Volunteering Commitment

• Sign Up for a Volunteer Activity: Each member is required to participate in at least one volunteer activity. Roles include setup, teardown, and ongoing MOOP (Matter Out of Place) management.

• Cook Team Participation: Join a cook team for one day to foster camaraderie and create new friendships while contributing to the camp’s meals.

Build Week: August 20 - 24, 2025

Build Week is a favorite for many, rivalling the excitement of the main event. It’s an opportunity to witness and contribute to the creation of our camp from the ground up. Show off your skills and passion, and potentially earn Stewards Tickets for future events! Roles extend beyond construction—for instance, the “fluffer” ensures everyone is well-fed and hydrated.

Setup Access Passes (SAPs)

BMorg allocates passes for specific days and tasks during Build Week. These passes, now called “Setup Access Passes” (SAPs), are essential for our efforts. For 2025, we are requesting more SAPs than last year:

• Monday: 6 SAPs

• Tuesday: 8 SAPs

• Wednesday: 6 SAPs

• Thursday: 6 SAPs

• Friday: 4 SAPs

• Saturday: 6 SAPs

Build Week Duties

Below are the Build Week duties, with the day of the week indicated in parentheses and the number of people needed:

• Layout: Design the arrangement of all camp features (Mon) - 4 people

• Shade Structure: Construct over the kitchen and dining area (Mon) - 4 people

• Ground Covering: Place visqueen/tarps under the marquee, elephant carousel, and kitchen (Mon) - 4 people

• Power Setup: Arrange the generator and power lines (Mon) - 2 people

• Kitchen Construction: Assemble and set up (Mon) - 2 people

• Meal Preparation: Provide meals for workers during Build Week (Tue) - 2 people

• Shower and Evaporation System: Set up (Tue) - 1 person

• Marquee Construction: Assemble using a scaffold system (Tue-Thu) - 5 people

• Movement Tent Preparation: Lay down mats and vinyl (Tue) - 5 people; Erect the tent (Wed) - 4 people

• Immersion Domes: Erect (Wed-Sat) - 6 people

• Art Tent: Set up a 30’ tent (Wed) - 3 people

• Bike Parking Area: Install Lycra roof for shade (Thu) - 2 people

• Elephant Carousel: Build (Fri-Sat) - 2 people

• Chill Dome: Assemble hexadome (Thu) - 2 people; Complete shade structure for common tenting area (Fri) - 4 people

• Cuddle Zones: Erect adjacent to the Movement Tent (Fri) - 2 people; Set up a secondary dome near the art tent (Sat) - 2 people

• Parking Organization: Arrange the final area for camper arrivals (Sat) - 1 person

Let's collaborate to make this an unforgettable experience!

Camp Responsibilities Overview

Camp Responsibilities; mandatory tasks:

Kitchen Duty

We have one chef lead and two co-leads who manage the kitchen and facilitate the operations of our rotating kitchen teams. With few exceptions, all camp members are assigned one day of kitchen duty. Responsibilities include meal preparation (under the chef’s direction), serving, and cleanup. Each team consists of 4-6 members, allowing for an even distribution of tasks. Team members can decide their specific roles. All necessary ingredients and a detailed recipe plan are provided; your team is responsible for cooking and serving the meals. Radical participation is key!

Camp Setup and Teardown

Everyone is encouraged to participate in setting up and dismantling the camp. While some members will arrive during Build Week to help set up core infrastructure, others may arrive at the beginning of “event week” to assist with communal spaces like shaded tent areas or art exhibits. If you are unable to participate in these tasks due to other responsibilities, such as being a keynote speaker or performer, alternative duties may be assigned. Please communicate with Big Bird to set realistic expectations. Remember, teardown and MOOPing (Matter Out Of Place) are much more enjoyable with company!

Ongoing Mooping

Throughout the week, all camp members are expected to keep the camp clean by ensuring no trash is left on the ground.

Optional Tasks

Choose at least one of the following:

• Utility Department (3 people, all week): Manage fuel for generators, maintain power lines and lighting, and oversee water usage in the kitchen and shower areas, including transferring water to storage systems.

• Recycling (3 people, as needed): Set up and maintain recycling bins, manage burnable waste, and ensure the removal of full recycling and garbage bins.

• Group Ice Runs (2 people, entire event): Collect ice requirements and funds from campers, and fetch ice as needed.

Public Interactivity

• Body Painting (3 artists, 6 hours daily): Engage attendees in creative body art.

• Misting System Operation (4 people, 6 hours daily): Manage and operate the misting system.

• Yoga Classes (3 instructors, 3 classes each): Lead yoga sessions for camp members and guests.

• Workshop Leadership (3 people, 3 sessions each): Conduct workshops based on your skills and expertise.

• Immersion Dome Supervision (4 people, as needed): Oversee activities within the dome.

• Movement Tent Management (3 people): Coordinate activities and maintain the movement tent.

• Painting Wood Elephants (4 people, 6 hours daily): Facilitate painting activities on wooden elephants.

• DJing Ecstatic Dance (2 people, 3 sessions each): Provide music for dance sessions.

• Daily Camp Maintenance (3 people, as needed): Clean communal and private areas, dust tents, organize chairs, inflate objects, and more.

Workshop and Event Support

All camp members are encouraged to participate in and support camp workshops and events. Stay updated on the camp's schedule by checking the whiteboard.

For more information about our camp’s interactivity and our official Statement of Intent, please visit: Elephants Now - Statement of Intent.

Event Food and Amenities Guide

Catering to Dietary Needs:

We're committed to accommodating various food sensitivities. To ensure everyone's needs are met, we'll distribute a detailed questionnaire before purchasing group food. Your input is crucial in shaping our menu.

Breakfast (8:00 - 10:00 AM):

Start your day with a selection of granola, muesli, yogurt, and fresh fruit. We're excited to offer a DIY smoothie station! Your preferences, gathered through a pre-event survey, will guide our breakfast offerings, including options like bacon and eggs.

Morning Coffee (7:30 - 10:30 AM):

Don't worry, we didn't forget the coffee this time! A French press or drip coffee will be available for a fresh, hot cup throughout the morning.

Lunch (12:00 - 2:00 PM):

Enjoy a variety of lunch meats, cheeses, garnishes, hummus, vegetables, chips, and leftover fruits from breakfast. We're also considering smoothie options for a refreshing midday treat. These informal lunches will be overseen by our assigned/rotating kitchen crew.

Dinner (5:00 - 7:00 PM):

Dinner features a mix of pre-made casseroles and Playa-special dishes, catering to vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian diets. A salad bar and sides like potato salad or macaroni salad will complement your meal.

Dishwashing Guidelines:

Event Food and Amenities Guide

Catering to Dietary Needs

We are committed to accommodating various food sensitivities. To ensure everyone's needs are met, we will distribute a detailed questionnaire before purchasing group food. Your input is crucial in shaping our menu.

Breakfast (8:00 - 10:00 AM)

Start your day with a selection of granola, muesli, yogurt, and fresh fruit. We’re excited to offer a DIY smoothie station! Your preferences, gathered through a pre-event survey, will guide our breakfast offerings, including options like bacon and eggs.

Morning Coffee (7:30 - 10:30 AM)

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget the coffee this time! French press or drip coffee will be available for a fresh, hot cup throughout the morning.

Lunch (12:00 - 2:00 PM)

Enjoy a variety of lunch meats, cheeses, garnishes, hummus, vegetables, chips, and leftover fruits from breakfast. We’re also considering smoothie options for a refreshing midday treat. These informal lunches will be overseen by our assigned rotating kitchen crew.

Dinner (5:00 - 7:00 PM)

Dinner features a mix of pre-made casseroles and Playa-special dishes, catering to vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian diets. A salad bar and sides like potato salad or macaroni salad will complement your meal.

Dishwashing Guidelines

This year, to reduce waste and improve kitchen efficiency, you’ll be washing your own dishes using a 4-bucket system:

• Cold Rinse (Funk Bucket): Scrape off food scraps, then rinse dishes in this bucket filled with cold water to remove the majority of food remnants.

• Hot Wash: Mix equal parts of hot and boiling water. Use a small amount of soap to thoroughly clean your dishes.

• Hot Rinse: Blend equal parts of hot and cold water in this bucket to rinse off soap.

• Cold Bleach: Use this bucket for sanitizing, especially when the water source is uncertain. Add 6-7 drops of bleach per gallon of water.

Hydration

Please bring your own liquid refreshments. We will provide powdered electrolytes for your hydration needs.

Water and Shower Arrangements

• Drinking Water: In line with Radical Self-Reliance, please bring sufficient drinking water. Hydration powders will be available for communal use.

• Shower Water: Bring your own water for showering. Wastewater will be managed through evaporation or external hauling. Our enclosed shower stall promotes efficient water use. We recommend body wipes and vinegar foot soaks for daily cleanliness. New shower options, such as personal solar hanging bags, are being explored—your feedback is welcome.

Ice Supply

To keep food fresh, we’ll use five freezers, several refrigerators, and super-insulated coolers. An ice coordinator will collect orders regularly; ice costs about $10 per bag. Elevating coolers off the Playa helps reduce ice consumption.

Recycling and Sustainability

In the spirit of sustainability, we strive to recycle efficiently. Separate bins will be provided for trash, burnables, and recyclables. Cooler meltwater can be recycled for showers.

Environmental Responsibility (MOOP)

Adhering to the Leave No Trace principle, we expect every member to maintain cleanliness in our camp and the Playa. Be proactive in disposing of any litter.

Financial Contributions and Infrastructure

Recognizing economic diversity, we offer partial scholarships and waive fees for some participants, expecting additional contributions in return. The camp's infrastructure includes tents, shade structures, sound systems, lighting, and other essential equipment, funded by Big Bird. If you have financial abundance, please consider contributing a tax-deductible donation to SavingGanesh.org.

Steward Sale and Ticket Allocation

For those involved in the Steward Sale, ensure your Burner Profile is set up. Invitations to the sale will be based on your profile, with each member eligible to purchase two tickets and one vehicle pass. Be prepared financially for this purchase.

Add-ons and Glamping

We used to provide much camp support for free, but too few of us now bear the burden, and we rent large storage units. Contributions to support these efforts are appreciated.

This guide is crafted to ensure everyone's comfort and enjoyment at the event, balancing individual needs with community responsibilities. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated!

Budgeting Details/Footnotes

Learn more about our camp budget, how and why we price things as we do, as well as how we subsidize core crew and art.