What Worked 2011 - PolyParadise Burning Man

Thursday December 8, 2011

Each year this is my space to reflect on the year that was in Black Rock City. To take a look at what we did right and what we did wrong; how the changes we instituted from the previous year worked out and what we might do to improve in 2012. This was the 13th year of PolyParadise; There is no doubt that it gets better & better each year.

You all should be very proud of the Community you created & nurtured all week long. I thank you all for being part of the 13th Anniversary of PolyParadise. I offer my own observations and as always welcome Comments, Praises, Bitches & Roses for areas of your concern as campers that I have not addressed. Please post to our Yahoo Group, generate some chatter; let's get PSYCHED!!! 264 Days!!

****PolyParadise****

PolyParadise's population decreased by 24 campers in 2011, to an On-Playa total of 144. Within our borders there was an additional 6 people; who did not use the camp infrastructure, who wanted to be part of us but separate, I know they all enjoyed their Playa Address. Total population was 155.

We had 75 veteran campers return and 69 new campers and of that number 46 VIRGINS. I thank all of the returning campers for making PolyParadise your Playa home, I so depend on each & everyone of you in making our camp an amazing loving space. We had 13 International campers from (Canada, England, Germany, Israel & Finland).

I hope that all of our Virgin campers have seen what Community really means, and I hope that you will all camp with us again.

I hope that everyone had an amazing time as a PolyParadise Resident.

Our 2011 Playa dimensions, almost identical to 2010 gave us the necessary space to give each camper enough area to erect whatever infrastructure they brought to the Playa, enough space for our Community Shade/Kitchen, Event Space and Human Carcass Wash. With efficient placement of vehicles in vertical rows between Engagement & Funeral we had defined walkways thru camp that made getting from the ends of the camp to the Community Space easier. The Community Space, Serving Area & Kitchen was an INCREDIBLE space in both day light and at night.

PolyParadise continues to be a ‘Camp Drama Free Zone’, I mean everyone seems to get along, no assaults, no fisticuffs between campers.

We did have our fair share of Camper Medical issues that necessitated the calling of Rangers & EMT services. Most of the incidents were for dehydration, I cannot stress enough the necessity of drinking enough water. Other calls were related to persons ingesting 'Baked Goods'. It is not enough to know your pharmacist, but it is also important for you to know your own limits. Start out with smaller portions, you can always ask for more...Enough said...

A special Callout to all Rangers & Medical Staff that cared for campers of PolyParadise and all Playa Citizens. Your dedication and sharing of your heart and skills is a real gift to our Community and I thank you so much.

Congratulations & Kudos to Corvus and Gizmo for becoming Rangers at Thursday's pinning ceremony. We all appreciate your effort & service to the greater good of the Playa Citizenry; know we are proud of you both.

****Playa Location****

In our Theme Camp Registration we asked to have the same location that we occupied in 2010. Our location @ 4:15 & Engagement is in my opinion ideal. This is a great neighborhood with Porto Potties on the 4:00 & 4:30 sides between C & D. We had great neighbors with whom we shared with all week. We had awesome foot traffic in our Community Space and incredible attendance at all of our camp events. I would certainly be in favor of asking for the same Playa Location for 2012.

What were your impressions of 4:15 & Engagement & Funeral -

****Community Space****

The space itself was awesome, area for chairs, pillows, crash space and the massage table. Thanks again to Dr. J for that wonderful gift to the community, it has lasted 3yrs now and shows no major wear & tear..

The space worked out well with the Community Space, Serving Area, and Kitchen all just one big connected space, so that the straight edge met instead of at the peak. The space measured 80’x40’, we used tarps to 'Wall Off' 20' (10' on either side), having a 20' opening (in the middle) between the two structures to better manage wind thru the kitchen.

The space really kicked ass at night. With all the lights, the Glow Stick Arches, Rope Light…It was really an awesome sight!! Thanks to everyone that helped create such an amazing space.

****2011 Financial Shortfall****

I our Financial Report for 2011 - we ended the year with a negative balance of $837, of which $800 is owed to Master-Twist as he fronted the monies for the Battery Brick System. It had been discussed between us that if a shortfall of funds ensued that it would be made up and given to TWIST upon registrations from PolyParadise 2012.

I so appreciated posts on PolyBurn and to me privately that many of you wanted to donate to the stated financial shortfall from 2011. If you still would like to donate additional funds to make up the gap – please send funds via Paypal to: scott(at)azcompuguy(dot)com.

****Kitchen & Stuff****

In 2011 PolyParadise continued with the Community related ‘Requirement’ upon registration; to be part of the daily cleanup crew or cooking a meal for 25 and sharing a meal. The Community Kitchen was an awesome success! Thanks so much to Stephanie & Patrick and all of their helpers that maintained the kitchen all week long.

The kitchen & serving areas encompassed a full 40'x40' – the layout was awesome for ingress & egress in and out of the kitchen area. With the six (6) 3-Burner Cast Iron stoves, we had plenty of cooking surface area.

We had plenty of snacks for everyone, and all seemed satisfied with the selections available. There was some comment post-playa about the ‘Amount’ of snacks we purchase and their respective total cost. The total amount of snacks that are left and brought back to Phoenix is minimal and very small in relation to the total amount we purchase. There have been some other comments about the ‘Type’ of snacks we purchase. As mentioned in the Survival Guide; if you have special dietary requirements, the camp is not responsible for meeting those needs in what snacks are purchased or what our campers choose to cook. There still must be some moniker of Radical Self-Reliance.

Thanks to everyone that took the time & effort to create some awesome meals all week long. There were so many great courses served each day. Thanks to everyone who assisted with Trash Can Pizza & Trash Can Turkey!!! Thanks to everyone who cleaned up, picked up, MOOPED up.

Dishwashing and keeping the Pots/Pans washed and available for the next person continues to improve as some campers used this option as their contribution to the camp. Thank you everyone who washed dishes!!!

Was very excited that as this year’s MOOP MAP was revealed - we were shown as ALL GREEN!!! Amazing job to all that assisted all week in Never Letting It Hit the Ground!!! Thank you to everybody that stayed for teardown and beyond...You guys ROCK for making those last sweeps through our space and making sure we would be GREEN! Kudos to Stephanie, Mark, Patrick, Jacques, Theresa, Uncle Bob, Knotch, Shadow, Nikki, Wanderingangel, Tailfeather & Endeavor.

In 2011 we rotated the two 40’x40’ structures (Kitchen/Serving Area & Community Space) so that the straight edge met instead of at the peak and used tarps to 'Wall Off' 20' (10' on either side), having a 20' opening (in the middle) between the two structures to better manage wind thru the kitchen. It Worked AMAZING and also gave us the two corner areas that housed the shelving with the snacks, pots & pans and the other side was the coffee tea area as well as coffee pot, toaster & microwave. I thought this worked as I envisioned and will certainly be our setup in the future.

We purchased additional shade hardware to make the Kitchen/Serving Area & Community Space actually four (4) 20'x40's structures and also purchased new 20’x40’ tarps. This reduced the total mount of poles in between each structure. We will need to purchase additional 20’x40’ tarps to complete this on each of the structures.

In 2011 we were required to apply for and adhere to the standards of a Nevada State Health Department Food Permit. This requirement was new and was mandated for camps with a population over 125 serving community meals. The cost of the Food Permit was $50. With our Official Food Permit prominently displayed within the kitchen; we had a visit on Tuesday from the Nevada State Health Department to see that we were complying with the stated rules, which included: Hair Nets, Food Handler Gloves, Hand Washing Station (Hand Soap, Towels, Continual Flow Water) Bleach cleaning supplies, clearly visible menu, separate food preparation/serving areas, food thermometers, and clearly marked Community/Personal Coolers.

During then inspection we were flagged for two things: In addition to the Wash/Rinse sink area, we were asked to have a sanitizing bowl/area post rinse for pots & pans; In the community cooler there was salmon (Purchased by me) that was repackaged with a Food Saver that did not have within the packaging the original UPC/Label and was deemed not able to be served to the community and must be a personal meal. Other than those two areas we passed with flying colors. Again thanks to Stephanie and all her helpers in keeping the kitchen clean & organized all week long.

I realize that using the paper plates and plastic silverware creates additional trash, but I am convinced that going the disposable route is better than having regular tableware - having to constantly clean dishes & silverware. Of course needing to continually wash your own dishes and silverware for each meal requires water – then disposal of additional waste water. We will continue to use paper plates and plastic silverware in 2012.

Having the Menu & Volunteer list printed in a 4'x5' poster size board displayed in the Kitchen was awesome, letting everyone know what was going to be cooked at each meal and who volunteered for what events.

With regards to Syrup - We had many campers volunteer to make pancakes/waffles or things that needed syrup. The food items were delicious & tasty but each person brought their own supply of syrup, which means we have lots & lots of syrup. We now have enough syrup for pancakes/waffles to feed several armies. So if you plan to cook Pancakes/Waffles for 2012 WE HAVE SYRUP, no need to bring anymore.

Thanks so much to Alien & Sarge for taking over as Garbage Czar and heading up the Trash area and to everyone that assisted in bagging, tagging & tapping up trash. More importantly, thanks to all of you for taking some trash home. We generate this trash as a camp; we need to deal with its removal from the Playa as a Community. Because of your efforts and commitment and Love of Community Trash…We transported ZERO bags of trash off the Playa in the truck back to Phoenix. We did have 4 buckets of general slop, generator oil, left over food stuff slop, the remnants of many a thing on the Playa.

Thanks to Taz for purchasing several oven mitts for moving hot pots & pans on and off the stoves.

Many thanks to Trevor for creating a shade cover for the Dish Washing area so people are not out in the sun getting a Tan/Burn while doing dishes.

During the annual Work-Party in March we got rid of several redundant items and saw other kitchen items that had seen better days, those items were replaced.

Thanks again go to Twist for the Dishwashing Station. A marvelous portable double sink with drain…A great design; easy setup and durable enough to last another Playa Year.

Thanks to Tailfeather for constructing a new sink faucet with pump and black hose. We had HOT running water for dishwashing, just amazing!!!

****Community Meals****

In 2011 PolyParadise had a Community related ‘Requirement’ upon registration, a choice of being part of the daily camp cleanup or cooking & sharing a meal for 25. The meals and the variety of all things cooked were amazing!!!! There was never a want for food, there were always choices.

Special callout to everyone that assisted in the creation of Trash Can Pizza on Tuesday, Of course to UncleBob for coming up with this crazy idea. Thanks to for everyone that assisted with Trash Can Turkey and a HUGE Thanks to Trevor, Patrick, Tailfeather, The Doctor, Knotch & Shadow for jumping right in and carving up all 5 turkeys (100lbs of BIRD) while an anxious crowd awaited food…Amazing!!!

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to the planning, cooking, serving & cleanup of each and every meal. For when we share a meal and break bread together we grow from just being friends to being FAMILY!

****Gray Water Reclamation****

Our Gray Water disposal was again assisted by Twist with the drain system for the sink and the shower that emptied into the holding tank provided by Sani-Hut, this system provides us as a camp a no-worry way to deal with the Gray Water issue.

The Tank delivery, service and pickup were without incident and thanks have been given to Sani-Hut. Over the course of the week we generated just over 1,800 Gallons of Gray Water. We will again be using the services of Sani-Hut in 2012 for our Gray Water collection & disposal; it is well worth the cost.

In 2011 we paid for & received Gray Water Tank service by Sani-Hut on Thursday & Saturday. We did this to avoid having the Gray Water Tank in possible overflow on Monday breakdown (as happened in 2010) when Sani-Hut comes to retrieve the tank.

****Water - Water - Water****

In the desert water is a commodity – it is used to cook – clean posts/pans & dishes, starter for the Human Carcass Wash and of course for taking a shower. As a camp we require each vehicle in camp to donate 5 gallons of water to assist with our water supply as a camp. We obviously use a lot of water to do these tasks; even if we had 75 vehicles all bringing 5 Gallons of water that is only 375 gallons to add to the 100 that we bring in the U-Haul.

I have looked into getting potable water delivered On-Playa, of course there is a cost for that service as well as needing additional service for the Gray Water tank as this is not water that would just evaporate, it would be additional waste water. It is my opinion that the additional costs out way the potential benefit, we just need to be more vigilant in our use of the water we have. Of course if some campers were able to donate additional water to the camp’s supply that of course would help.

****Garbage, Garbage, Garbage****

In 2011 we were in need of a new Garbage Czar as Stagger was unable to make the Playa. I cannot thank Alien enough for stepping up and taking on the role of TRASH!

Please all thank Alien & Sarge with me for taking on this daily chore; thank you all for taking Community Generated Trash Off-Playa; major kudos to anyone and everyone that transported more than one bag, you are aces in my book!!

From the Czar de' Garbage

It’s a trashy job but someone has to do it. My first year doing it and it was an eye-opener as to how much garbage we created. It’s definitely a full time job for one person and should probably be handled by several people. The aluminum cans go to recycle camp. The paper and garbage can be burned in the burn barrels on the playa (hey, you can have your own burn). The plastic water bottles go back with campers to be hopefully recycled but probably thrown away. What’s left, the rubbish, is sent home to also be disposed. Yes, some of this could be recycled, however, there’s no way to do it on the playa and even if it were to be separated out, the problem would be to get it to someone who would do the recycling and not just put it in the trash. Thanks Knotch and Shadow for your help. We also had a LOT of glass bottles which someone graciously volunteered to take to a recycler. Please do not bring glass containers to the playa; they are heavy, they are bulky, they can break potentially injuring the person taking them away.

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****Scotto Speak****

2011 was my 12th Burn and the 10th serving as Camp Daddy, Benevolent Dictator of PolyParadise. We gather together from all corners of the globe to share, learn & grow - a passion & commitment to Community and lifelong friendships created on the hallowed grounds of BRC and within the borders of PolyParadise. I cannot imagine my life without Burning Man or PolyParadise. I thank you all for being part of it all with me.

The Burning Man/PolyParadise experience is different for each person. It is my hope that each of you felt you had a home & a family within the borders of PolyParadise and that each one of you had the MOST AWESOME TIME EVER!!! I hope that if you return to Burning Man again, you will camp with us and again help create the Community we love, PolyParadise in BRC!

My overall assessment of our camp is that after 13 yrs we have this Playa thing down pretty good. We provide a great home within the Gates of BRC, a drama free space with an amazing Community Space/Kitchen, Events area, The HUMAN CARCASS WASH, Shower and of course the power of family & friends.

There is an extra special Callout; reserved to my Life Partner, Wife, Friend & companion, WildChild. You teach me each day the value of a Big Heart and are constantly there all year long with a smile, encouragement and new ideas to make the Burning Man/PolyParadise experience better & better each year. You are there to meet each challenge, you are there for our campers and most importantly you are there for me, I am forever yours.

Again, it has been my pleasure and honor serve as your Camp Daddy (Benevolent Dictator). Each year brings a different set of challenges, a different set of lessons to be had & learned or stumbled upon; you just never know what the Playa will bring....

We will learn from our mistakes, we will again come alive with PolyParadise, Version 14, it will be better than ever!!!

August 27 - September 3, 2012 - 262 days left till Burning Man!

Scotto
- Camp Daddy
- Benevolent Dictator PolyParadise
- Burning Man Lifer/Geek/Zealot

PolyParadise - 2011 - What Worked