Red Folder for Theme Camps
What is a Red Folder, Why Does Every Camp Need One and How Do You Set It Up
A red folder is a collection of documents with all the camp information your campers might need, with a big emphasis on how to prevent and deal with difficult situations and emergencies. It need not be a folder, nor need it be red. In my camp, it's a white binder with the words "Red Folder" spelled on it in sparkly stickers.
A good red folder has basic camp information, like interactivity and chore shifts; guidelines on how to be a good campmate and good burner; materials to make sure your camp is prepared for injuries and health problems; and instructions on how to find help and what to do if things go really off the rails.
Creating and maintaining a red folder is one way to acculturate campers, make sure they understand the camp's expectations for them and, most importantly, keep them safe. It also helps the camp lead think through important aspects of planning and operating a camp (as you'll see when you read the sections below.) If you're a new camp lead, going through all of this will really help you hit the ground running and avoid basic mistakes.
Camp leads should customize each folder and the materials within them for their own camp. But a great starting point is to go through this page, section by section, to create your first red folder. I have included explanations of what I include and, in many cases, examples you can download.
Make sure you create materials that are right for your camp. The materials in my camp's red folder are, in some cases, made by scratch from me; some were given to me by other camps and then modified by me for my camp; and some were simply passed around between camp leads and included, as is. A great way to find other camp leads and share materials is to attend the yearly Camp Symposium.
Since getting burners to do anything is like herding rabid kittens - and I want them to actually familiarize themselves with the contents of the red folder - I try to make it as easy as possible for my campers. I send them the written materials in advance; I have a private YouTube channel so they can watch videos instead; and I pull the audio track off the YouTube videos to create audio files they can listen to during the long drive to Black Rock City. One final tip: consider sending materials in Microsoft Word, which has features to read the file to them and to translate to another language. That makes it easier for those who don't like to read or don't read well in English.
Inside & Outside Covers
One reason I use a binder is that it has plastic pockets to place a document on the front and back of the binder and, inside each side of the binder are two pockets. I use these for the materials that are needed soonest or that campers will ask for frequently throughout the burn.
Inside Front Cover: Table of Contents, Build Schedule & Heat Safety Lead Instructions
In the two pockets of the inside front cover I put my build schedule, heat safety lead instructions and then the first page in the binder rings, before the labeled sections is the table of contents.
The build schedule is something each camp lead should create in a way that makes sense for her. Mine is simple. It has a section for each day, noting which builders show up, what our goals are for blocks of time throughout the day and dividing the build crew into two teams: one for infrastructure and one for support activities, decorations and organization. In essence, I break the camp into two build teams, one heavy and one light. I, by the way, lead the light build team, since that tends to require more micro-management due to the myriad little tasks; my core builders know the infrastructure well; and it's easier for me to answer people's frequent questions when I'm not on a ladder or running power tools
I designate a heat safety lead for each build. Ideally, this is someone I can rely on but who is low on the physical wherewithal or skills to safely contribute to other aspects of build (think of campers who are older, alter-abled or just too urban and young to have strong build skills.) I give them my Heat Safety Lead Instructions (in advance and on-Playa) and put them in charge of keeping everyone safe from heat illness. I developed these instructions based on best practices in agricultural labor management (part of my work background.) I also make sure to have a large cooler of cold water, cups for the whole build crew, spritz bottles, a hand pesticide sprayer for really spraying someone down, bandanas - consider getting some customized to celebrate the build crew - for soaking in cold water and a thermometer. The heat safety lead can also be on top of keeping MOOP to a minimum or other small tasks to fill their time when they aren't focused on keeping people safe.
The Table of Contents is just meant to make it easy for campers to find what they need in the red folder. It's important and easy to make. You can download mine as a starting point, if you set your red folder up similar to mine.
The back cover should be a sheet of paper with large text indicating the camp name and address, the camp lead's real and Playa names and off-Playa contact info. Just in case the binder ends up with the wrong person on-Playa or for Exodus.
Outside Front Cover: Shift Schedules
My camp has daily chores for campers and interactivity shifts. Depending on camp makeup, some of these can be assigned daily. But some of them - or all of them when the camp is larger with more new people - need to be assigned in advance. To make it easy for campers to know what they need to do each day, that shift schedule goes in the front cover of the red folder. I haven't included an example here, since (1) it's easy to make one; (2) how it's set up depends on how your camp is run; and (3) it would give away which camp is mine violating my commitment to Decommodification.
Outside Back Cover: Camp & Camp Leadership Info
Inside Back Cover: Camp Roster, Early Arrival Information & Burner Express Bus Information
The inside back cover contains instructions for early arrival and information on the Burner Express Bus. This is sent to camp leads by BORG every year a few weeks before gate open and can be printed out and included. In addition to being in the binder, it is useful for the camp lead and, whomever is arriving first, if it's not the camp lead, to have copies ready in their vehicle when arriving.
The Camp Roster is a spreadsheet with a list of all your campers and useful information: Playa and real names, off-Playa address, emergency contact, ticket numbers and vehicle information. In all likelihood, you can just download my version and use it, as is. I try to have campers send me whatever info they can in advance.
Section 1: Camping Together
The first labelled section of the binder contains information on how to have a successful week of camping together. It's focused on campers' basic responsibilities to each other and the Burning Man community.
Leave No Trace Information
The next page is an explanation of how we make sure to leave no trace, including expectations that everyone always be de-MOOPing; how to sort waste; requirements for MOOP patrol shifts and our protocol for the final MOOP sweep. You can download my version here: LNT Instructions
Camp Commitments to Burning Man
Following the Leave No Trace document, is a sheet that contains an explanation of everything the camp agreed to in order to be placed. When camp leads fill out an application for placement, some of the form is an agreement to do things right. I take screen clippings of all of these and then print them out for the red folder. I also send the full application to my campers first.
Camp Notes
The first page in the Camping Together section is a simple Camp Notes page. It's just somewhere campers can jot down things we forgot to bring, things we should keep in mind to improve for next year and similar stuff so we preserve institutional knowledge learned on-Playa.
Trash & Recycling Locations
The Survival Guide has a page with the addresses of legitimate waste disposal places. I print that out and put it in this section.
Camp Agreements
I strongly recommend having all of your campers read and agree to the Camp Agreements. The agreements should (a) make expectations for campers clear; (b) convey the vibe and mission of the camp; and (c) have some language limiting liability for the camp lead and other campmates.
My Camp Agreements are definitely not for everyone. My camp - identifying information is sanitized from the file - does not charge camp dues. I also based most of it around the Ten Principles. I created these agreements from scratch, because all the camp agreements I saw from other camps didn't seem like a good fit. I'd encourage you to do the same, but do download the file for inspiration.
Camp Interactivity Information
I include one page explaining what is required for the interactivity we bring to the Playa. Most of this is explained directly, in-person or by Zoom prior to arrival or in Black Rock City. The page in here is just a listing of things that need to get done and other information that campers can reference so they know how they can contribute. I'm not including a copy, since it's so different for each camp and I don't want to identify my camp.
Information on Camp Meetings
I include a page giving the times of camp meetings, expectation for attendance and the typical agenda. For instance, this page will include the expectation that people attend camp meetings and go over what they are contributing that day, along with how to still contribute and stay in touch on those days they just couldn't make it because their favorite DJ was doing a set or they got tied up in the Orgy Dome.
Camp Schedule
I also include a schedule of when the camp is doing its interactivity, when specific campers are expected to arrive, when we start break, etc. I like to color code the days to show how full the moon will be, which is a useful piece of information.
Section 2: Conflict Resolution
Oh, if only Burning Man were conflict-free. The heat, the dust, the booze and drugs, cramming big personalities and introverted weirdos into a tight space... the list could go on and on... it isn't the best environment to keep everything kumbaya. Everyone in the camp needs to work to maintain a loving and collaborative environment but, like all families, that's not always possible and figuring it out usually falls to the heads of households: in this case, the camp lead(s). The materials below provide guidance. While camp leads should be asking all their camp to familiarize themselves with the red folder in advance, it can be useful to personally ask a couple of your more emotionally-intelligent campers to read this section over. It's the shortest section, but I still give it its own binder tab so it's easy to find. Above all, just remember these guidelines for dealing with conflict:
Separate the feuding parties and have them take a break before trying to address the issue. At least 15 minutes, probably longer. It's best if everyone sobers up before working things out.
Have them sit in the shade, drink some cool water or, better yet, something with electrolytes that will raise their blood sugar, like Gatorade or Martinelli's apple juice. Dehydration and overheating are major causes of crankiness.
Hunger also makes people irritable and we all know how easy it is to forget to eat at Burning Man. Potato chips are great - they're comforting and provide potassium and salt. A cold, crisp pickle also replenishes potassium and sodium and they're so popular on-Playa. Making someone a sandwich or quesadilla can be really comforting, give them some post-prandial tranquility and helps you build rapport so they're more receptive to your attempts to mediate a conflict
Not every issue needs to be resolved during Burning Man, especially with couples. As John Craigie sings in the clip above and to the right: "Let's talk this over when we're sober and not at Burning Man."
Conflict Resolution Steps for Mediators
Here's a similar document, for someone in camp who finds themselves mediating a conflict: Conflict Resolution Steps for Mediators.
Conflict Resolution Steps
The first page of this section is just a simple one-sheet for people to reference to help them resolve conflicts among themselves. Sounds silly, but hopefully it's helpful. Here it is: Conflict Resolution Steps.
Section 3: First Aid & Maintaining Health in Black Rock City
Burning Man is a great place to get sick, injured and/or physically worn down. This section is focused on preventing some of those issues and dealing with them as they arise.
Guide to the Camp First Aid Kit
It's great to have a good Burning Man first aid kit - and you can use this document to know what to include - but it's better if people know what they can and can't find in there and how to use it. Here's a guide to a good Burning Man First Aid Kit. You may also want to include antibiotics (especially for UTIs), ondansetron (an anti-emetic, which is useful if someone drank or drugged too much and can't stop vomiting) and an anti-seizure drug (also for overdoses), but if you give out prescription meds, you do set yourself up to be legally liable if things go wrong.
Narcan Instructions
It's Burning Man; people do drugs. It's America, fentanyl ends up in lots of our drugs. Narcan is a really safe drug to give someone that can keep them from dying from an opiate overdose. It works well. If you're not sure if their problem is opiates, it's safe to give them just in case. You should get them to medical afterwards. And Nevada law protects you from liability for trying to save someone from an opiate overdose by giving them Narcan or getting them medical help. Here's the one-sheet I include in our red folder: Narcan Info
Black Rock City First Aid Booklet
The first document in this section is a pretty extensive guide to first aid at Burning Man. While of course everyone should read it, you may want to reach out personally to campmates who are in the medical field or who have other positive qualities you can mention and ask them to take a good look at it, so you have people ready to help. You can download it here:
First Aid Booklet Word Doc
First Aid Booklet PDF
Heat Illness Prevention, Identification & Treatment
I wrote this one myself. It's a thorough, but concise guide to what I assume is the most common injury at Burning Man: heat injuries. Ask your Heat Safety Lead to read it. Hopefully, other campers will, but make sure at least one person other than you has. Download here: Heat Illness Prevention, Identification & Treatment
Section 4: Where to Get Help
Provide a general summary of the services you provide, highlighting key features and benefits for potential clients.
Important Locations
This is a short, single page that gives the locations of important, emergency services, like Zendo and Emergency Medical services and more quotidian resources, like ice purchases and recycle camp: Important Locations
Black Rock Rangers
Download and include this information sheet about how and why to reach out to the Black Rock Rangers and what they do.
How to Initiate an Emergency Response in Black Rock City
This is the first sheet in the section and it is a clear, concise explanation of the best way to get help during an emergency: How to Initiate an Emergency Response in BRC
Emergency Services Department
The Emergency Services Department has medical professional, mental health professionals and firefighters. Burners are most likely to come into contact with them when they need medical help. Hopefully your camp has a good camp first aid kit and the skills to use it (see above) and everyone should have a little travel kit in their backpack. ESD will help you if you don't, but be self-reliant and make sure you'll only need their help if it's something you couldn't have been prepared for. Download the sheet explaining this and giving their location(s) and put it in the red folder.
Crisis Intervention Team
The one-sheet on the Crisis Intervention Team also gives more broad information on dealing with a mental health crisis at Burning Man (or after Burning Man.) For drug-induced mental health crises, Zendo is appropriate and CIT will generally send you to them.
Zendo
The volunteers over at Zendo are angels. They deal with drug-induced and other mental health crises and they're really good at it. They weren't in Black Rock City in 2027, but my understanding is that they'll be back for future burns. The one-sheet includes information on how to find them, but also some basic advice for dealing with bad trips on your own, in-camp.
Law Enforcement
I like to talk to law enforcement at Burning Man. It's always a great conversation. But if you're talking to law enforcement because you need help, something must have really gone wrong. Remember, law enforcement at Burning Man is there to keep people safe, but... their job is to arrest people. So, only contact them if the issue can't be handled by your camp, Black Rock Rangers, mental health folks, etc. You can assume that if the situation involves illegal drugs, involving law enforcement will make the situation a lot worse - the big exception being if it is necessary to preserve life. Your campers should be aware of this, too, so download and print out my Law Enforcement one-sheet.
Planned Playahood
Planned Playahood has condoms, lube, pregnancy test and post-sexual-encounter counseling, including condom retrieval. They also have feminine hygiene products, but I would recommend to camp leads that they make sure their camp has some extra pads and tampons of different sizes. It's a good thing for camp members to know about this lesser-known resource, so that if they need it they can discretely look at the one-sheet to find out where Planned Playahood is located that year.
Non-Emergency Resources
Not every resource your campers need is to solve and urgent or major problem. The Non-Emergency Resources one-sheet is a great way to reduce the amount of time camp leads spend telling people where to take their recycling or where to go for the ice run.
Section 5: What to Do When the Sh*t Hits the Fan
Black Rock City has up to 80,000 people in it, with limited resources, in the middle of one of the world's harshest environments, in the middle of a world that already has great scope for catastrophe. Though increased strictures and infrastructure, along with plug-n-play camps and Off-Site Services has taken some of the edge out of Burning Man's Radical Self-Reliance ideals, we are still responsible for taking care of ourselves out there. This is even more true if things go really wrong. This section is focused on ensuring your camp is prepared for when the sh*t really hits the fan.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
We all assume we know how to use a fire extinguisher, but it's easy to do a bad job, especially when you're under pressure. I've never set my camp on fire, but when trying to make breakfast at a friend's camping bachelor party, I set a whole table on fire. In Black Rock City, if a fire breaks out, it could spread quickly and turn into a disaster. So make sure your whole camp knows how to use a fire extinguisher. They should also know where it is and where the fire blanket is. You do have both, right? Download the one-page explanation for your Red Folder and send everyone in your camp the video to the right. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
How to Respond When You're Concerned About a Camper's Well-Being
Trying to help out a distressed camp mate can be fraught with pitfalls that will make things worse. This one-sheet has some good tips for everyone to avoid those pitfalls and offer useful support: How to Respond When You're Concerned About a Camper's Well-Being
Worst-Case Scenario Response
I created a What to Do in a Worst-Case Scenario document that explains how we take care of each other and navigate scary situations and how we take care of others. It should be revised each year to indicate a meeting point out on the Playa (not in Black Rock City), in case camp or the city needs to be abandoned. It should also have a printed map of how to get out of the area, if roads are closed.
The Envelopes: Medical Forms
If someone needs medical care while at Burning Man and is not able to tell medical staff about any allergies or important conditions, it can be very difficult to get hold of someone who can in time to provide care. I ask all my campers to print and fill out a Camp Medical Emergency Form and place it in a sealed, manila envelope and then print and fill out a Consent for Release of Information Form and tape it to the front of the envelope. The first form has all the information you need to hand off to medical staff and the second gives permission to share that information.
