Theme Camps
Everyone is encouraged to give their single or multi-tent camp a theme. It's an exciting part of the culture and an excellent way to participate.
Theme Camps can be as simple as a massage table or as elaborate as a geodesic dome art gallery. The more interactive your Theme Camp, the better. Sound, music, games, art, sculpture, light - use your imagination!
Creating/running a Theme Camp is easy - and a lot of fun!
- Pick a theme and plan how you’re going to achieve it. Figure out how people can participate, then build or decorate accordingly. You will probably want to make a sign so people will know what's going on.
- Always keep the weather and elements in mind when planning a Theme Camp. How can you prevent your stuff from blowing away? Will it survive cold, heat or rain?
- It's also a good idea to educate the people who will be camping with you so they can continue the effort when you're away from your campsite.
- Every Theme Camp is different. There is no blueprint. Just do what you can and expect things to evolve as you go along. If you do the same Theme Camp in following years, learn from your successes and accidents from this year.
- Consider MOOP (Matter Out Of Place) when creating your camp. Are you using the least MOOPY materials? If you have a messy communal area, think about laying down a tarp or drop cloth that can be folded up when you break camp. That method could spare you picking up a lot of MOOP from the floor of your camp. Does your camp have a MOOP Plan and is everyone aware of it? Do you have plenty of trash bags available?
- In your mind, pretend that you're another camper and you've just found out about your Theme Camp. What do you expect? What do you want to know? Who will tell you, or are there signs? How can you participate? How could the camp be organized to help you participate and what materials would you need to do it?
Looking for Theme Camp ideas? You can't do any better than to browse Burning Man's Theme Camp listings from previous years:
- Theme Camps at Burning Man 2010
- Theme Camps at Burning Man 2009
- Theme Camps at Burning Man 2008
- Theme Camps at Burning Man 2007
Please feel free to set up your own Theme Camp lighting. Electricity will not be provided so you must make your own with generators, batteries, solar, etc.
NOTE: The Shriners Club Campground will be closed for InterFuse infrastructure preparation on Wednesday, May 11th. There is NO early camping this year!
Theme Camp Placement
Midwest Burners is limiting the number of Big Sound Theme Camps (Theme Camps with PA systems) to 8 to avoid noise complaints and sound interference. If you show up at InterFuse with a PA system and are not pre-registered as a Big Sound Theme Camp, you won't be able to use the system.
Contact Zay if this is a problem for your camp.
Theme Camps without huge sound systems don’t have to register, but it's highly suggested.
Space for Theme Camps cannot be reserved -- it's first come, first camp.
The Theme Camp registration form is at the bottom of this page.
If your Theme Camp is exceptionally large you should plan to set up on Thursday or Friday morning. The Shriners Club Campground is large and ticket sales are managed to try to ensure plenty space for everyone, but you are not guaranteed any particular camping spot.
If your camp is going to be loud during the night with lots of carousing and music, please camp on the south side of the effigy, which is farther away from Quiet Camping. See the Campground Map for the location of Quiet Camping.
Event Planners will reserve certain areas for infrastructure, fire art installations, and a limited number of Big Sound Theme Camps. It’s tough to balance everyone’s needs so please bear with us and be cool about the process. It may feel annoying to have to find a place for your Theme Camp AFTER Big Sound camps are placed. The flipside is that you still have a lot of freedom to pick your Theme Camp location anywhere else. If every Theme Camp were placed, then you would have no say over your location at all. The placed camps/installations are not necessarily getting "the better deal."
Related Links:
List Of Registered Theme Camps
Listed by order of registration date.
| Description & Details | |
The G-Spot Village |
Where: TBD Gate Volunteers Unite! The G-Spot is comprised of camps and Theme Camps that have participants who've volunteered to be Gate Greeters and/or Registration. There will be a Social Hour, Saturday at 5:00 PM for all Front Gate volunteers (even those not camped with us). |
InterFuse Drive-In |
Where: The G-Spot Village The InterFuse Drive-In opens again in 2011! The Creepy Old Projectionist has searched the deepest bowels of the internets and has many naughty and downright troubling additions in this year's line-up. From dusk to dawn, you'll experience it all at the InterFuse Drive-In. Tell your friends. They'll thank you for it. Trust me. (Warning: The InterFuse Drive-In contains adult language, adult content and psychological nudity. Parental discretion is advised.) |
KRZY |
Where: On the radio at 98.5 FM KRZY 98.5 FM is back at InterFuse 2011! As the (un)official InterFuse media outlet, Frank and a slew of special-guest DJs return with 24/7 hard-driving, kick-ass radio! Tune in for up-to-date IF event information! When is Camp Bottoms-Up gonna throw down? KRZY tells you the Happy Hour specials, drinks, and times! Is The Hate Dome hating now? KRZY tells you when to fuck off! What is showing at the InterFuse Drive-In? KRZY gives you the insider screening schedule for the filthiest porn you've ever seen. Does Kokopelli's have the griddle hot and cooking? KRZY let's you know when delicious crispy bacon is being served! Bring your portable radio to InterFuse 2011 and listen to KRZY 98.5 FM anytime day or night. We promise you won't hear anything like this in Reality Camp. Ever. |
Earth Guardians HQ |
Where: Structure on the far end of the main burn area Hang out space for found items, lost items as well as items looking for homes and items that need homes. Gathering place for talk about the earth and everything related to it and the creatures who burrow under it, crawl over it, swim its waters or fly its skies. Also the gathering place for those who want to give her a hand. |
Kokopelli's Coffee House and Pancake Circus! |
Organizers: Mad Hatter, Bittersweet, March Hare & a host of others! Kokopelli's Coffee House and Pancake Circus is back at IF! Koko's is a place where you can stop by most of the time for the absolute best coffee ever made, tea, cocoa, etc., or shoot the bull and solve the world's problems, or just sit down under the Big Top and "take a load off", or meet up with all the coolest folks at IF... We bring alternative music at sane volumes for your listening pleasure - that's alternative as in Big Band, Classical, Rock'n'Roll, Country, Celtic and Vocalists - no electronica here! We're a 'safe place' if you need to step in out of the weather or the madness for a bit, and we'll be able to contact the Rangers or the Safe Tent if there's an emergency. Also a one-stop shop for band-aids, aspirins and kisses to make a boo-boo better... just look for the midget Kokopelli icon... While usually a pretty laid-back place to hang out, Kokopelli's takes a few hours on Saturday morning to start your Burn Day out right with our Pancakes Are Art event. You've never seen such a gargantuan, beautiful thing on your plate before! Our house specialty is M&Ms and bacon (the Heart Attack Special!), but we've been known to put almost anything that doesn't move in one... check the Events & Performers schedule for the time and place! And if you'd like to be part of one of the longest-running, best-attended events in IF history, do get in touch with Mad Hatter, it takes a Village to make a Pancake! |
Yin-Yang Town of Touch |
Organizers: Tyrus et al. Touch is a powerful thing, and central to our existence. In The Town of Touch, we offer a balance.... black vs. white - with a clear distinction in extremes balancing each other out. We are a model B.E.D. Camp participant - Come get your safe sex supplies. Imagine a relaxing massage in morning. Deep penetrating session in the warm afternoon sun, or a late night invigorating pick me up in sync to a neighboring camps electronic beat. With several therapists offering to serve throughout the day, stop by and see us for a good massage. Stop by for some cuddle time. Open the whole weekend, our bundle of pillows make a perfect chill space. Discover non-sexual touch with others in your life. Cuddling is the best form of warmth and acceptance, and doesn's require follow up sex. The joy of cuddling is no one is looking for anything from you except the warmth of your body as a sign you are okay. On the other side, we push the limits a little. We are offering an open and welcoming BDSM side. Have you ever wanted to fly? We have a suspension rig where our experienced riggers can hang you up. Learn some safe ways to lovingly (or not so lovingly) tie up your partner. Break out a flogger and some other stuff. Rather than being secluded, and hidden off, we plan to welcome new & experienced players, and be close to the action & some good music. After all, "A good flogging goes quite well to a good base beat." For those who want some privacy there will be some private areas and screens. Follow up with some non-sexual aftercare in our safe cuddle pit. Two more areas are in the works as well. Each camp member offers another piece to the puzzle, another booth within the camp. Similar to Burning Man's villages, we have more than one focus, but on a smaller more intimate scale. Think of it as a Theme Camp bazaar or fair with varied sub-themes providing there own gifts. All public areas of the camp are non-sexual. Some areas of Yin/Yang may be hot, sensual, erotic, but please respect your fellow Burners by taking it to somewhere private if you want to act on it, and above all keep the cuddle and massage areas safe on the opposite extreme. Above all, Remember: Human touch is an essential part of a well-adjusted human being. |
VOMITORIUM |
Organizers: HATE DOME UNIT ODIUM! Quaeris commutatio "opus manu pro bibit" |
Burn Circus |
Organizers: Burn Circus Freaks! Burn Circus will be blazing fire next door to Sporgasm when the sun goes down, bringing you a cacaphonous carnival during the day. Come play some games on the midway. Win prizes! Impress your friends! Sit and visit with us in the Burn Circus Lounge. Watch out for The Strong Man, The Tattooed Lady, The Lion Tamer, Bearded Ladies, and other circus freaks! Check out The I Dare You Salon, play Dress-up in our Costume Tent, then slip into our photo booth to show off your fabulous burner looks. You can also visit the Sporedrobe for the right pieces to complete your costume! Fire performers: Feel free to share our space and our love of fire in a safe, supportive environment. Please adhere to our safety guidelines, which will be posted. Donations of fuel will be met with love, appreciation and hugs. Glowtoys, hoops, juggling, and all art and performance are welcome on our 'stage'. It's a circus, and as always, Burn Circus is radically inclusive! Body painting, bubbles, fortune-telling and more! Please see the Events page for scheduled workshops, performances and other Burn Circus events! |
The Joy! Bar |
Organizers: Thorgo and Eko Orb What brings a smile to your face? Whatever the answer, swing on by the Joy! Bar and share with us what brings Joy to you. Put a smile on our face and we will share some of our Joy and put a smile on yours. Truly, why are we on this earth unless it is to experience Joy? Help us help the world through shared Joyful experience. Have you got a special talent, love music or just give really good hugs? Share with us and we will share with you. Not sure what Joy to share? Leave it up to the fates with the Board of Joy! Draw a Fate Coin to determine your act of Joy and make the world a Joyful place! Come learn how the Orbs of Perpetual Joy can extend your life and bring Joy and Huge smiles to all of humanity. Has life slipped you a Jeffery? Come stroke the Furry Wall! Yes, we will have a ‘Fur Frontal’ bar for your stroking needs. We can help you on your path to true Joy. The Joy! Bar will offer Tarot Divination to help you find your path to Joy, Reiki healing to heal the wounds that prevent you from attaining Joy, and gallons of high octane Joy Juice and other libations to aid in the sharing of Joy between new found friends. Healings and Tarot offered during the daylight hours on Friday and Saturday. Stop on by for specific times or to arrange an appointment with your Joy facilitator. Friday night the Shaman drum tribe will have a Joy based ritual at 7:00 PM. The Joy! Bar will open right after the ritual to continue the Joy all through the night! Saturday The Joy! Bar will be open before and after the burning of the Main Effigy. Just look for the Bar is Open flag to know the Joy Juice is flowing and the fur is ready for stroking! Come stop by the Joy! Bar, and let your Joy hang out! |
Dr. Dumpe's Traveling Sideshow Museum |
Organizer: Dr. Dumpe Oldschool grindshow exhibit with a display of the famous "WHAT IS IT". Tented exhibit area with sideshow banners and walk throught exhibit. Dr. Dumpe will also be working on his project titled "WE WHO ARE NOT LIKE OTHERS" allowing persons from all walks of life to exhibit or display their "SECRET FREAK". See Events & Performers for details. |
Camp Fancy |
Organizers: Chad and Sayer Camp Fancy is a LGBT and strait group of friends from the St. Louis area. We are queer folk as well as straight folk. Come by and sit a spell. |
The Hungry Caterpillar |
Organizers: Aurora, Fish *RUMBLE RUMBLE* When we hear the beautiful sounds of a starving tummy... we get all tingly in our underpants. Cum one, cum all and satisfy your many hungers (food, drink, spankings!) at the fantastical spectacle that is THE HUNGRY CATERPILLAR! Our Bakery will nourish you with tasty chocolate treats, caramel confections, and maddening marshmallow meltiness! We will also be serving hot bevs to wash the crust from inside your throat... COFFEE!... and "Fish's Famous Vanilla Vodka Cider"! In addition to our delectable bakery, we will be racing to please the ALMIGHTY Hungry Caterpillar! What a Freakshow! How much can he eat? That is up to you! Are you looking for that right gift that will deeply impact a person's human experience? Consider bringing a non-perishable food item (for Food Outreach) to our campsite (or the Front Gate area) and help us appease the godly antennae-d one! Please see our event under Events & Performers for further info. Anyone who feels a calling to help get a NEWBIE Theme Camp up and running, OR just wants to camp with a cool group of peeps, email Aurora! :) Cya when we get home! |
Sporgasm |
Organizers: Sporgasmers Sporgasm is back! Get your clothes off and your paint on - full body and detail. Transform your look at the Spordrobe, get your freak on at the photo booth, chill in the Shroom Dome, and grind your organ at the Monkey Sphere Lounge! |
Cirque Le Jerque |
Organizers: Fubar, Gotuslost, Queen Bee, Bunny Luv Down with the Ring Master! Up with the Carnies! We're done slaving away for the fat cat Circus Masters. We're striking out on our own. We're bringing the best part to the people. For a limited time only, we'll accept Hate Bucks for all our games and attractions, freak-shows and dollar remedies. Come one, come all, to the Greater than the Greatest Show on Earth! |
Claydonia |
Organizers: HoneyBadger & Chandler What is a Clay-O-Rama? A Clay-O-Rama is many things. It is a chance for friends to meet and have a good time. It can be a serious philosophical discussion on the meaning of modeling clay. It is a means of artistic expression. It is a ritualistic gathering of Claydonians to watch the violent destruction of others of their species. But most of all, it is a silly role-playing game involving modeling clay miniatures. |
Camp Climbax |
Organizers: Pippi, Jebus, Geoff, Timmy, Zay, Comrade Heathen Stumble Biscuits Camp Climbax began as an idea between two of our founding members who are rock climbers as well as Burners. They aim to combine their interests and introduce Burners to the joys of rock climbing, while at the same time craft a substantial art project that's both imaginative and interactive. The end-result is a team-designed and constructed climbing structure that invites users to interact, learn, and have a lot of fun. At night a smart array of lights will highlight and accentuate the structure further. Come out and play with us. |
Your Theme Camp Here |
Organizers: Description... |
NWA Burners |
Where: South side of InterFuse The Circus of Mind and Space. A 2 dome circus of cerebral The Cerebellum is the epicenter of the camp, pumping electronic |
Spacecamp Midway |
Where: South side of InterFuse Traveling Theme Camp, hailing to the Midwest from |
The Big Top |
Where: South side of InterFuse This is it folks, it is our deepest pleasure to present to And not just any circus, a Burner circus, complete with twisted clowns, stunning areal performance, an amazing DJ and Artist line up, and the best in Sound and Lighting. We will be talking about this one for years! For questions on how you can support or join our camp, email Story: manofmanytales@gmail.com |
Temple of the Carnivalesque |
Where: South side of InterFuse There's a storm a-comin'. The scents of ozone and cotton candy dance about in the The breeze picks up, becomes steady. Your retinas catch more of those blue-white photons. LOTS more; for a brief moment everything is illuminated and can be seen with absolute clarity, then - weren't those clouds in the distance just a moment ago? Now it's DARK. VERY DARK. The deafening SLAP of the thunder that follows snaps you out of your awe of nature and into survival mode. Your body is already auto-piloting itself to the nearest structure, and FUCK if it doesn't look like it's some kind of damned church. But then, when have you ever heard calliope music coming from a church? And anyway, why the FUCK does that seem to be keeping perfect time with the now-steady pulsing rumble of the tempest that is almost on top of you? Fuck it. Still on autopilot, you duck inside just as your ears pop and the storm begins to unleash its unbridled fury on the outside world, tearing it to bits. Looking around the only room in the structure at the others with whom you'll be riding out the storm (if they don't decide to ritualistically dismember you and feed on your corpse first) you wonder if - just maybe - you jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire, or perhaps the other way around. Who the fuck ARE these people, and what the FUCK are they doing? And why can't you stop smiling and dancing to whatever the FUCK it is they're forcing through your soundholes and into your skullgel? BUCKLE UP. IT'S THE FUTURE. |
The Dystopian Embassy |
Where: South side of InterFuse Welcome to the Dystopian Embassy... We don't like exclamation points, but be assured that the For your entertainment, Dystopian musician Aldous Haze will be performing at the Embassy. What type of music will be provided by our host? You'll have to drop by and hear it yourself to truly understand. This is also a humanitarian effort. There will be a free guitar raffle provided to honorary Citizens of Dystopia. After all, in Dystopia, Everyone is For Everyone else. How does one become an honorary Citizen? Simply drop by the Embassy to pick up your Citizenship card. If you don't win the guitar, your Citizenship card will continue to be of value to you. How? Consolation prizes, that's how. Sadness is no longer part of our society for a reason. We'll be updating you with a website as soon as it is finished. We're currently adapting it for this dimension. You'll be welcome to check us out then, regardless of your class. Even the Epsilons. Become Drops in the Social River. Join us in Dystopia, May 12-15th in this year of our Freud, 2011. |
Cirque Du IoWhomp |
Where: South side of InterFuse Welcome to Cirque Du IoWhomp - home of the beat freaks. |
Your Big Sound Theme Camp Here |
Where: Description... |
Register Your Theme Camp
Registering your Theme Camp by Friday, April 22, 2011 gets it listed here and printed in the InterFuse Front Gate Handout for all to see and read about!
Midwest Burners is limiting Big Sound Theme Camps (Theme Camps with PA systems) to 8 to avoid noise complaints and sound interference. If you show up at InterFuse with a PA system and are not pre-registered as a Big Sound Theme Camp, you won't be able to use the system.
Contact Zay if this is a problem for your camp.
Theme Camps without huge sound systems don’t have to register, but it's highly suggested.
When typing in your Theme Camp description below, please mention if it relates to our Circus Maximus theme. Also, Include any activities or events in which people can expect to participate.
Fill out the Theme Camp registration form below and press the send button. You will contacted by an Event Planner via email.
Theme Camps with big sound systems who want to give their DJs and musical artists recognition can list them via the form at the bottom of the Art & Artists page.
If your Theme Camp has some cool art that people should come and see, you can get that art registered using the form at the bottom of the Art & Artists page.
Questions About Theme Camps?
Use web-based email to Contact The Event Planners.
"If a theme or idea is too near the surface, the novel becomes simply
a tract illustrating an idea."