REFUGEE CAMP
“IT TAKES TENACITY, CREATIVITY AND BRAVERY TO GET YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY TO A NEW COUNTRY TO BEGIN YOUR LIFE OVER AGAIN. AT THE VERY LEAST, EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME.”
-BECCA HELLER
REFUGEES WELCOME!
The journey to Burning Man involves leaving behind the familiar and embarking on a journey towards the unknown. This shared experience resonates deeply with the journey of immigrants, refugees, and boat people, who leave behind everything they know to navigate unfamiliar territory in search of a sense of home in an unlikely place. Black Rock City Refugee Camp celebrates the strength, resilience, ingenuity, and compassion of these remarkable communities.
Black Rock City Refugee Camp
We believe that by sharing our stories and embracing one another's differences, we can create a world where everyone is welcomed and valued.
Together, we can create a space where refuge is found, connections are made, and love knows no boundaries. Welcome to Black Rock City Refugee Camp!
CAMP CULTURE
Refugees come from a multitude of backgrounds. We unite to represent all that is beautiful and inspiring about immigrants. We believe that Burning Man serves as a powerful platform for healing, both individually and collectively.
As children of immigrants and boat people, we have inherited stories of strength, determination, and pursuit of a better life. Through our presence at Burning Man, we honor our heritage, embrace our unique identities, and showcase the valuable contributions immigrants bring to society. Our camp stands as a testament to the transformative power of community, where love, acceptance, and understanding create a space for healing and growth.
2023 CAMP INTERACTIVITY
VIET BLAST-OFF BALLS
(Tue & Thur. 1P-3P)
Introducing Viet Blast-off Balls "Cơm Bóp Gửi đi" - these delectable jasmine rice balls are filled with savory meat cotton and topped with your choice of flavorful options such as Viet pickles, sesame seeds, furikake, hot sauce, or chili flakes.
Cơm Bóp Gửi đi* ( Viet Blast-off Balls) is a humble, but soulful Viet dish of cooked rice and cha bong (meat cotton). The act of shaping and forming the rice in your hands to make it portable to give to your child or a loved one to send them off on their journey— whether it be a short one to school or in our case, a long journey across the ocean– is meaningful and powerful.
Later when you go to eat the Cơm Bóp, it is not only delicious, but above all, it brings you comfort taking you back to the beginning of your journey reminding you that you are loved and cared for no matter where you are.
Journey with Us
CAMP RESOURCES
Ready to get started, yet not currently in possession of an object that can summon the forces that wait beyond The Wall Which Must Never Be Breached? It’s not like you can just grab one at the convenience store, after all!
One of our in-house Artifact Arbiters would be happy to help you organize a guided expedition to the Forgotten Ruins of the Howling Hands, where these incomprehensible heirlooms may be unearthed. Alternatively, CostCo has them in 4-packs for $19.99.
Camp Resources
Here's what we provide collectively to ensure an extraordinary Burn:
This sounds fucking insane! How do I prepare for this journey?
Q
Frequently Asked Questions
Jess Jaunty
Current content marketer,
soon-to-be Incarnation of Seething Despair
I’m just thrilled with the results my relic has produced. Not only has it generated a ton of new business, it’s enabled me to completely obliterate my competition. Literally! Ha ha ha ha!
Eric Enigma
Custom Tortoiseshell PC Case Crafstman
I knew that this memento of bygone darkness could be used to unlock incredible marketing potential, but I wasn’t prepared for just how effective it is! No, really. I wasn’t. I’m still not.
Large Shade Structure
Creating a chill oasis under the scorching sun.
Field Kitchen
Serving two hot meals daily, with vegetarian options.
Generator + Solar
Powering and charging stuff in our camp.
Shiftpods with AC
A safe place to snooze and retreat from the desert heat.
Q
Q
A
A
A
I'm not a refugee, can I still join your camp?
Yes! In our camp, we celebrate the fact that we are immigrants or children of immigrants, united in our pursuit of a place to call home. Our core values are deeply anchored in radical inclusion, diversity, and equity, and we extend a warm and open-hearted welcome to individuals of all backgrounds, races, genders, and identities.
What are the camp fees per person?
Our camp fees are sliding scale “pay what you can” :
- $0 to $10,000+ This collective investment aims to enhance our camp, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for you. Camp dues are directed towards covering a range of expenses, including equipment like generators, solar panels, shade structure, as well as build material, box truck, etc...
YOUR CONTRIBUTION
CONTACT US
BLACK ROCK CITY
is dedicated to honoring the stories and experiences of immigrants, refugees, boat people, and their children. We invite you to join us as we embrace diversity and create a space where everyone can find a sense of belonging.
THE WAY OF TEA
(Daily)
Chanoyu, the Way of Tea, embodies mindfulness, presence, and the appreciation of beauty in the simplest of moments. A daily ritual, it revolves around the preparation and savoring of tea.
At its core, Chanoyu embraces "ichi-go ichi-e," where every tea gathering is a one-of-a-kind encounter, never to be repeated. The sharing of a bowl of tea unites hearts and minds. Strangers can become friends, and barriers can dissolve over a shared appreciation of a simple yet profound experience.
In the bustling realm of Burning Man, the Way of Tea presents a sanctuary—a tranquil refuge amidst the kaleidoscope of colors. Chanoyu becomes a respite, inviting calm reflection and connection with others on a deeper level, granting wanderers a momentary escape from the ceaseless whirlwind of commotion.
(4:30 & IGOPOGO)
Join us at Black Rock City Refugee Camp, where our stories intertwine, where the windswept desert echoes our triumphs and where we celebrate the strength of those who have journeyed far, guided by hope and the promise of a better life.
In our camp, we build more than just shade structures; we forge a community where shared meals and gifts symbolize the unity we sought in times of uncertainty. Together, we navigate the uncharted territories of the playa. With open hearts, we welcome all who seek solace, camaraderie, and belonging. Through collaboration, we construct a beautiful haven, reminding us of the home we left behind and the new one we've discovered.
As we dance under the desert stars, engulfed in the shimmering playa dust, we are reminded that we are not defined by our past but empowered by the dreams of our future. Join our journey of resilience and celebration, as we create a space where the enduring spirit of immigrants, refugees, and boat people shines brightly in the heart of Black Rock City.
Under the guiding principle of Radical Self Reliance, each burner takes responsibility for their needs to survive in the remote desert. However, as a community, we collaborate on certain survival necessities, building and bringing them together to provide essential elements for a vibrant and thriving camp experience.
Hydration Station
Fill up your water bottle with icy cold water.
Barebones Outdoor Cold Shower
A chance to refresh under the desert sky.
Vietnamese Bicycle Repair Stall
Bring extra tubes and we'll help fix your flat.
Grey Water Removal
Ensuring we leave no trace and care for the environment.
Chùa Quan Âm
A private ceremony space for Chanoyu, meditation, prayers, yoga, laughter, and fucking around:)
As we approach the Burn, we'll share more details on how you can contribute and be part of our collaborative efforts.
But hey, a little reminder: we ain't no fancy Princess Cruise ship, and your happiness is in your hands, not ours. As the name suggest, we're the badass Black Rock City Refugee Camp, and we're all about resilient mofos who know how to handle their own shit and unite to make pure magic happen on the playa. So, bring your A-game, leave entitlement at the door, and let's create something extraordinary together!
We believe in diving in and taking initiative to help one another. If we see a fellow campmate cleaning, fixing, or setting something up, we jump in without hesitation, eager to lend a hand.
At our camp, we value the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. Every campmate is expected to make a significant work contribution. There are various ways to fulfill this responsibility:
+ Join the Build Crew: Arrive on the playa a week before the main event to help build and set up the camp.
+ Join the Post-Strike Crew: Assist in packing and preparing for the journey back after the event is over.
+ Join the Kitchen Crew: Help with organizing food and actively participate in our camp's interactivity.
+ Contribute to a camp art project, help design and set up the camp vibe, or bring your own form of art!
+ Participate in assigned work shifts such as LNT (Leave No Trace) cleaning, refilling water coolers at the hydration station, ice runs, greeting guests, and doing random shit that needs to be done :)