FAQs
How big is your camp?
1
50-70 Burners, depending on the year. WE like to keep the camp heavily focused on tent camping though we allow RVS, usually about ten max.
How do I join the camp?
2
Register HERE and complete the camp questionnaire. After that, someone will contact you and set up an interview so we can get to know each other and see if the camp is a fit for you and you for the camp. Phone interview is mandatory and we greatly prefer video, if that works for you. We like to see the smiling faces of those that want to spend a dusty week with us.
What makes PO9 different?
3
I’m not sure that we’re that different from every camp on playa, but we are definitely different from many. We offer a no-drama camp with no open bar, no DJ booth or big sound system, no public sexual activities or programming, and a camper community of like minded people that have sought us out or been recruited based on mutual community-based camp philosophy and a dedication to providing a valuable service to the city via our interactivity. It’s a pretty great camp full of pretty great people.
Does PO9 charge camp dues?
4
We prefer to refer to them as shared expenses, but yes we do, as we should. We have some great amenities and they don’t come free. Burning Man costs money, and PO9 is no different. We think our dues are very reasonable and provide great value.
Are work shifts required?
5
We do not require shifts or hours for work in the Post Office, the Kitchen, or any other areas of the camp. This only works because we carefully screen all campers and choose Burners that believe in communal effort and that appreciate and genuinely want to participate in the interactivity we offer. If that isn’t you, there are plenty of other options on playa. If that sounds like you, you’ll probably be a great fit. Our only requirement is that you spend time in the post office and/or delivering mail on whatever schedule suits you and when you feel like it. We don’t want to be the shift police and want all of our campers to get out of camp and do Burning Man. If you are the kind of person that doesn’t have to be told to participate in our interactivity, help out around camp when you see things that need to be done, and you know how to clean up after yourself, you are the kind of camper we’re looking for.
Does PO9 require campers to help build and strike?
6
The short answer is no, but the fact is that if you are joining the camp for the first time then you should not only want to build/strike, but we will probably require you do one or the other. Build week is amazing and a privilege to take part in, and strike is something that everyone should participate in, schedule permitting. If we have enough hands, build and strike go quickly and everyone has fun pitching in. If campers rush out of camp after the Man or the Temple burn, it unfairly makes strike harder on those of us that stay. Burners that don’t help build and/or strike are straying into spectator territory and we discourage spectators for joining PO9. Remember- we are a principles-based camp and communal effort, civic responsibility, and radical participation are core principles.
Do I need to bring my own water or can the camp provide it?
7
The camp provides water for our showers and for cleaning up and kitchen use. The camp DOES NOT provide your personal drinking water for multiple reasons. For one, radical reliance is a thing. Two, it is extremely hard to keep potable water safe on playa in large storage tanks. And three, that would likely be const prohibitive and make dues unreasonable for all.
Does PO9 provide garbage services?
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How do I put this? ummm…HELL NO! Pack in in pack it out. Leave No Trace is one of the most important principles and you are responsible for your own garbage.
Does PO9 provide bikes or can I rent one?
9
PO9 keeps a small collection of well-used bikes for emergencies or for campers that need to borrow one for a bit, but this is a helpful gesture, not an entitlement. Again, Radical Self Reliance is a thing.
Does PO9 offer a meal plan?
10
No, we do not offer a meal plan, a camp fridge, a camp freezer, or any other communal food storage (kind of). While we do have a camp freezer, it is reserved for camp-critical food storage like camp ice and other items that need to be stored for our communal meal activities (see below). You are responsible for bringing and storing your food. The communal kitchen is yours to use to prepare your food, providing you can use it respectfully and clean up after yourself.
Can you provide early entry passes?
11
Yes! See build and strike requirements. We don’t offer early access to Burners that just want to avoid gate lines. If you are willing build and/or strike, you will very likely be offered early entry.
Where is PO9 located?
12
That changes every year, but we are the 9:00 Post Office so we will always be on or near 9:00. The last two years we were placed on/at Esplanade and everyone seems to agree that our interactivity works very well there. That said, placement has not told anyone where they will be located, so when we get that info we will post it here.