welcome to the help guide, your resource for all things portal! · come dance or chill with us and...

Welcome to the HELP Guide, your resource for all things POrtal!

POrtalBurn is NY State’s official Upstate Regional Burn.

Happenings ____________________4 Art & Artists __________________________4

Theme Camps (Placed)_____________________5

Theme Camps (Not Placed)__________________8

Events____________________________9 Scheduled ____________________________9

Recurring, Ongoing, and Roaming__________16

Logistics________________________19

Information __________________________19

Map_________________________________30

Principles_______________________31 The 10 Principles ______________________31

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Happenings: Art & Artists

Happenings

::: Art & Artists

* = effigy ** = temple *** = art burn

“Forever Wishing Well” by Teeth***

“Harmonic Temple Lotus” by Nataraj

“Infinity Light PORTAL” by Zizi

“The Journey to the Center of Heart” by Masha

“Kong Rising!” by Kimmy D.

“The Lotus Object” by Mirror

“Mini Burn” by Heidi

“POGO” by Quentin Davis***

“Shipwrecked in Shangri-La” by Zignatius***

“The Sound of Insanity” by Sassafras

“Tent of Colors” by Dan Schneiderman

“Tower of Not Babel, Burning Man Edition” by Sheck

“The Tower Temple” by Willpower**

“XANTUS” by Vinny*

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Happenings: Theme Camps (Placed)

Happenings ::: Theme Camps (Placed)

Altered Prophets

Do you need a quiet break? Come experience our meditation tent, where you

can form your own prophecies!

Burn Haven

Kick back and relax with some tea and cookies to start your day. Burn

Haven is an open camp for those of you party animals who want that ‘touch

of class’ before the festivities. Our resident fashionistas will be on hand

to tell you how awesome you are and how fab you look. Need your kilt

tucked or your tutu ruffled? We will try to lend a hand. Sip, snack, smile.

Camp Garbage Squid

Reduce, re-use, recycle, re-imagine! We promote the creation of art with

found objects. We also encourage people to nurture their inner child by

playing with and creating toys!

Camp Sexy

We're bringing sexy back for your burning pleasure! Dance your tail off at

Old Gregbird’s Downstairs Mixup. Partake in our hopping Bunny Lounge by

the pond. Take a tastebud trip at our Amuse Bouche. And take your chances

at Sexy or Die. Or just come visit and be sexy with us. All are welcome! If

you don't agree we're the sexiest mofos at POrtalBurn, you're clearly not

drinking enough!

CandyButtons

Candy and buttons!!! That's what we do and we're sharing with YOU! Stop by

CandyButtons to eat some of your favorite candy and make a pin-back

button to add to your flair. We'll also be hosting an ongoing clothing

swap, so come add to your swag...or ours! We are ALWAYS open!

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ClusterPhuck

ClusterPhuck is the Original UnTheme Camp. We're a raggle-taggle motley

crew of misfit toys. We play obnoxious music of varying quality and

volume almost all the time. Some of it is seriously terrible. You'll

probably regret it if you camp near us. Keep off our lawn...but come to our

awesome events!

Crackerjack’s Booty Camp

We provide booty services to all the peoples. We have something from a rub

to a spank and everything in between. Are we trained professionals? As far

as you know, “Sure we are!” Okay, maybe we’re not, but we do really like ass,

so bring yours and let us touch it. We promise we’re (mostly) not creepy

about it.

Ginger Camp

Only a ginger can call another ginger, ginger. But you can, too, because

everyone is a ginger at Ginger Camp! Looking for a sunscreen massage? A

dance party? Gingery food and beverage to be used for all of ginger’s

healthy benefits? To express your inner ginger? Or meditate in the

Gratitude Yurt? You better get your ass to camp because we want you to

participate in all of our gingery awesomeness!

Harmonic Temple

Harmonic Temple is your home for heart-centered, uplifting grooves -

come dance or chill with us and enjoy our art installations and video

projections in the evenings, and workshops such as morning yoga during

the day!

Kindred Spirit

Come by Kindred Spirit for beats and tiki torches.

Prancing Pony

Neighborhood hole in the wall bar on playa. Gathering place for all!

Professor Willie’s Flaming Willie

A Rubens' tube, an antique physics apparatus for demonstrating acoustic

standing waves in a tube…fire responding to music…what more could you want? Will be fired up after dark…if it’s not windy!

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The Robot and The Mermaid

Come to The Robot and The Mermaid Boardgame Camp to spend a few hours as

a medieval trader in gemstones, or a Kaiju rampaging through Tokyo. Play

a sexy version of Dixit (AKA Sexit), get hammered playing a Dwarven

Drinking Game, and more.

Slacker Camp

Slack off! No, really, come slack off with us. We have comfy things for you

to lounge about in the Leopard Lounge, while slacking off from just about

anything...except your volunteer shift (not even the slackiest of slackers

would do that!). Come find us, and feel free to enjoy the space even if no

one is there, because we might be slacking off elsewhere, or whatever…

Tea & Crumpets (Get Your Sympathy Elsewhere)

Come join us for early breakfast! Serving up some tea and crumpets, but

make sure to leave the moral hangover of last night's events elsewhere, as

sympathy will not be served. But, rest assured, you might be able to find

some sympathy in a qigong and yoga workshop (schedule TBD) and/or burn it

up at our late night school bus disco dance party!

Think Alike Village

We are the village that gathers lonely campers. Camp next to us, and

become one of us. Come by our camp, enjoy our shade, and see what we have to

offer:

The Line (interactive typewriter project)

The Worst Fortune Tellers (interactive project)

Boots Camp (project help for hire)

Töad Meädow

Töad Meädow returns with our flaming bar, flaming art car, and late-night

jazz lounge. New this year will be the giant waterslide and the Töad

Meädow Co-Ed Olympics where you can test your strength and will against

other participants. Welcome to Töad Meädow; don't get comfortable.

Wiggle Zone

Wiggle Zone: Don't just walk by.

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Happenings: Theme Camps (Not Placed)

Happenings ::: Theme Camps (Not Placed)

Boots Camp

If you want to chill out, have a beer, and wait for someone to come to you

with a mission, come here, chill out, have a beer, and wait for someone to

come to you with a mission. If you have a mission to send someone on, come

here, find someone sitting around with a beer, and charge them with a

mission. If no one's there, write your mission in the book. We may or may

not get to it. Employ at your own risk. Located inside Think Alike

Village.

Day in the Life

Day in the Life celebrates inspiration. We dance. We play. We laugh while

we are crying. We create and hold transformative space. We love. We grow.

We glow. We burn.

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Events: Scheduled (Friday)

Events

::: Scheduled

* = kid friendly with adult supervision

** = kids spectate only

◈ = this is a burn!

>>> Friday, July 28th

10:00am - 11:00am @ Slacker Camp: Boobs and Bacon*

Want some bacon, show us your boobs, and we will gladly give you some

bacon. Have a package of bacon to share? Well then, we will show you our

boobs in appreciation, and gladly cook up that bacon to gift to the rest of

the playa! Consent is still a thing you know, so if you want bacon and not

boobs, or heck even boobs but not bacon, well we can do that too! Come see

us at Slacker Camp, there might be bacon, but there will definitely be

boobs! Event runs till the bacon is gone, and the slacking resumes.

11:00am - 12:00pm @ TIT: MANDATORY Virgin Acclimation Tour (M-VAT)*

This tour is MANDATORY for all burn virgins. You will be indoctrinated,

uh, I mean, educated, and acclimated to POrtalBurn and the burner culture.

The infamous Crackerjack will lead the tour, which will include

unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to some of POrtalBurn’s most

famous Theme Camps, as well as valuable tips and tricks to get the most out

of your first burn. This is a walking tour, so please come prepared, bring

a cup, and be on-time. (Experienced burners are also welcome to join.)

12:00pm - 1:45pm @ The Nest: MK Ultra Music*

A bumpin' house set so nice you'll want to see it twice.

12:30pm - 1:30pm @ Ginger Camp: The Art of Sunscreen Massage* Come over to Ginger Camp to learn the secrets of giving a great massage

and watch a little sunscreen massage demo. Bring a friend so you can

practice giving each other massages.

2:00pm - 3:45pm @ The Nest: Pond Music*

Sit in a pond. Listen to music. Bam.

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Events: Scheduled (Friday)

5:00pm - 6:00pm @ ClusterPhuck: UnHappy Hour

Does your face hurt from smiling? Trade in that stiff upper lip for a stiff

drink at Camp ClusterPhuck. Bring your sorrows and drown them in a

lachrymose libation delivered by a belligerent bartender, while

listening to some melancholy music. Should be fun!

6:00pm - 8:00pm @ Ginger Camp: Ginger Party

Did you know ginger is an aphrodisiac? Come to the Ginger Party so we can

prove it. Whether you’re an actual ginger or ginger fan, as long as you

have an ‘identity’ we want you here. Red hair and freckles will be

provided. Even better? There's music, dancing, and an open bar complete

with whiskey gingers and pale ale, sun screen massaging, cuddle puddles,

gratitude, and ginger snap-shots for all!

7:00pm - 12:00am @ Crackerjack's Booty Camp: Ouch!'s Happy Birthday

Spanktacular

Crackerjack's Booty Camp is celebrating Ouch!'s birthday with spanks

galore! Join us for birthday noms & drinks, celebratory shenanigans, and

- of course - spanking some birthday booty. Maybe you let the birthday boy

spank your booty, too- because it's much more fun to give AND receive.

Remember to ask for consent first!

8:00pm - 10:00pm @ The BoOB: Ranger Training

Required training for anyone signed up or desiring to be a POrtalBurn

Ranger. Topics presented will include, but are not limited to Ranger

resources, Ranger conduct and Ranger protocols. Training will also

feature interactive role playing scenario's of common ranger/participant

interactions. You can ranger if it's your first POrtalBurn and attend

Friday's training, but it is required that you have attended at least one

Burn prior to this one. Shift leads must have been a ranger at least twice

for two different Burns prior to this one.

10:00pm - 1:00am @ Harmonic Temple: Multimedia Sound Meditation and

Dance Party*

Harmonic Temple opens and closes with a sound meditation featuring

original tracks, live instruments, DJs and video projections, leading to a

full-on ecstatic dance experience featuring downtempo grooves.

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Events: Scheduled (Friday/Saturday)

10:30pm - 1:00am @ Camp Sexy: Old GregBird's Downstairs Mixup

You ever drunk Bailey's from a shoe? Come on by Camp Sexy, take a drink

from the shoe (if you want) and pick a number from the hat! The number you

choose will be the next song to play! Old GregBird plays the best in funk,

disco, 80s, pop, and everything else that'll make you wanna shake your

mangina like the fuzzy little peach that you are.

>>> Saturday, July 29th

2:00am - 3:00am @ Töad Meädow: Classical Music Appreciation Hour*

Prepare to scramble your emotions and light up your mind as we have a

group listening event of Edvard Grieg's String Quartet in G Minor. We'll

meet at the flaming bar at Töad Meädow, then travel together to a quiet

area for the listening and champagne.

10:30am - 12:00pm @ Camp Everything Butt the Kitchen Sink: Naked Kimchi

Making Workshop

This will be a how-to, hands-on workshop on the ancient art of kimchi

making. Participants will be taught, with hands-on instruction, the

mystical magic of how to combine the ‘13 or so’ supplied ingredients to

make real lacto-fermenting kimchi. In the end you will have a sample

batch to take home, to finish fermenting, and fucking enjoy! Did you know

that you don’t (yes, you do!) have to be naked to make kimchi? However,

participants are encouraged to be in the raw! Hey, the vegetables are in

the raw…you might want to be as well! Give it a try!!! Did you know kimchi is great for your digestion? And did you know South Koreans consume 40

pounds (18 kg) of kimchi per person annually? Let’s kimchi some kale, like

real Burners!

11:00am - 12:00pm @ The Gratitude Yurt: Guided Meditation*

This will be a short but meaningful guided meditation to help start the

day with clarity, peace, and mindfulness.

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Events: Scheduled (Saturday)

11:00am - 1:00pm @ Wiggle Zone: Mini Burn

Build your own Mini Burn. We'll supply the material (toothpicks, popsicle

sticks, matches, lint, twigs...) and you build a downsized burnable

sculpture under 12" high. We'll create a safe perimeter for you to burn

your piece. Come check out the sculptures and then watch them burn.

Dancing and frolicking around the burn is encouraged!

1:00pm - 2:00pm @ The Gratitude Yurt: The How and Why and How Did It

Happen of Burning Man, by The Postmaster General, Cesar Cesar*

New to the burn world or just wanna hear about Burning Man? Come on over

to the yurt and find out from none-time burner Cesar the postmaster, who

is in fact an honorary ginger - or a ginger with an access to a red marker!

Hear about the history and lore and do's and don’ts of how to do Burning

Man the right way for you.

2:00pm @ the effigy: Conclave Meet-Up

Meet and greet with Amanda at the effigy for a toasty run-through of

happenings for Conclave participants. Please bring your prop of choice

and water. It may get hot!

2:00pm - 3:45pm @ The Nest: Bunny Lounge

You’re chillaxin’ on your float, catchin’ some rays, toes dangling in the

pond on a hot summer day when the unthinkable happens...your cup is

empty! Oh the horror! Do not freak out! A sexy bunny will come to your

rescue and deliver a lovely cocktail to your lazy sun-soaked ass, and you

don’t need to move an inch. Crisis averted! Come swim, chill, and groove in

our sexy afternoon delight!

4:00pm - 5:45pm @ The Nest: New-Path*

Rehab from the world with a little Substance D(ance).

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Events: Scheduled (Saturday/Sunday)

6:00pm - 7:45pm @ The Nest: Doc’s Naked Disco Dance Party

George Bernard Shaw is quoted as once saying "Dancing is a perpendicular

expression of a horizontal desire". So, why not? Come dance to the

dazzling disco beats spun by the naked DJ Doc himself, while enjoying the

retro cocktails of the era with names like "Harvey Wallbanger" and "Tom

Collins". Shed the cares, concerns, and clothes that bind us to the default

world and disco your night away. Nudity is encouraged but not required.

Having fun, however, IS required. This is a non-judgmental, body

positive, 100% consent required event. So ask before you dance.

◈ sundown: Effigy Burn ◈

(“XANTUS” by Vinny)

11:59pm - 1:30am @ Camp Sexy: Sexy or Die**

Come join Camp Sexy for the inaugural version of Sexy or Die!

Participants should enter our Big Top prepared for a range of games that

may or may not require skill, strength, agility, or the willingness to be

silly and drink shots. Bring a friend since our games are designed for

teams of two. If you're solo, you'll take the risk of our emcee finding you a

friend.

>>> Sunday, July 30th

12:00pm - 1:45pm @ The Nest: ClusterPhuck Olympics**

Competitors and spectators- come see what ridiculous events the Phuckers

have in store for you this year! Who will win the ClusterGold and bragging

rights? Adult competitors only, alcohol included in some events.

2:00pm - 3:00pm @ The Nest: 2017 Best Booty Pageant*

Come and see the hand-picked contestants vying for the coveted title of

Best Booty 2017. Only those who have been given a Golden Ticket by the

booty specialists from Crackerjack’s Booty Camp can compete for the crown.

Don’t let the special guest judges fool you, they are anything but fair and

unbiased. If you want to win, you need: 1. a Golden Ticket, 2. a talented

booty, and 3. you need to get your friends to bribe the crap out of the

judges. Guaranteed to be a great time!

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Events: Scheduled (Sunday)

3:00pm - 4:00pm @ Camp Sexy: The Amused Bouche*

This event is sooooooo sweet! Have you ever tried taste tripping? You put

an all-natural tablet (miracle fruit) in your mouth and it makes

everything taste sweet! Here's how the event works: you bring your food

item (lemons, hot sauce, flavored chips, beer - we can give you ideas) to

Camp Sexy from 10:00am - 2:00pm on Sunday, and we'll give you a ticket.

Bring that ticket back at taste tripping time (3:00pm) and we'll give you a

tablet. Then it's bon appétit time! You can sample all the delicious food

that everyone has brought. We have about 80 tablets to give out - it's first

come first ticketed! Sweeeeeeet!

3:00pm - 4:00pm @ The Töad Meädow Bar: Töad Meädow Co-ed Olympics**

Co-ed teams of two compete in a battle of wills, coördination, and

athleticism. One team will emerge as the supreme POrtalBurn Powerhouse.

Bring your own partner, or come and be paired with someone at the event.

3:00pm - 6:00pm @ ClusterPhuck: Procrastination & Cheese*

Brought cheese for the weekend, but haven't gotten around to eating it?

Don't want to pack it out? Bring it to ClusterPhuck; someone will eat it

for you. We might even have crackers or wine if we managed to pants long

enough to shop. Sunday evening, 3:00pm-ish to 6:00pm-ish.

◈ 2 hours before sundown: POGO Burn* ◈

(“POGO” by Quentin Davis)

◈ sundown: Temple Burn* ◈

(“The Tower Temple” by Willpower) Once it has collapsed, artists will add their art, in pieces, to the fire.

- 14 -

- 15 -

Events: Recurring, Ongoing, and Roaming

Events ::: Recurring, Ongoing, and Roaming

Unsolicited Reverse Panty Raid*

multiple times throughout the event, in multiple locations

No need to raid your neighbor’s campsite for their underthings this burn!

We are taking it upon ourselves to gift you our skivvies, whether you

want them or not. They'll be coming at ya when you least expect them. One

moment, you’re snoozing under your shade structure. The next moment

*BAM* panties galore!

Playabrary @ ClusterPhuck*

7-27-17 @ 6:00pm to 7-31-17 @ 9:00am

Playa-library: Check it out, take whichever book you like. Books due

wheNEVER.

Candy and Buttons @ CandyButtons*

7-27-17 @ 8:00pm to 7-31-17 @ 12:00pm

Stop by CandyButtons for a sweet treat at any time of day! Our candy bar is

always open and our button machine is always going! Use the materials we

have for making a pin back button or bring your own image to fit a 2.25"

button machine (paper only). Don't forget that buttons make great gifts!!!

Swag Swap @ CandyButtons*

7-27-17 @ 8:00pm to 7-31-17 @ 12:00pm

Come on by to CandyButtons with that swag you no longer want and go

through our selection as well! Don't have swag to swap? No problem! Our

clothing racks will be out and stocked all weekend long for your browsing

pleasure. Keep the items you picked out or wear them and bring them back.

Our selection will be ever changing throughout the weekend so stop by

more than once! Open 24/4.

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Ninja Ginja Dance Party @ Ginger Camp* 7-27-17 @ 9:00pm to 1:00am

7-28-17 @ 9:00pm to 1:00am

7-29-17 @ 9:00pm to 1:00am

Real and wannabe gingers bring your dancing shoes and dancing feet to

the finally-cut grasses of POrtalBurn’s Ginger Camp, as DJ Schnuxx and

guest DJs spin some late night dance party tunes. If you want to guest DJ,

please text Postmaster at 786-877-6545 for details.

United States Beer Service

7-28-17 @ 9:00am to 7-31-17 @ 9:00am

Neither dust, nor heat nor the most terrible hangover stays these

dedicated couriers from bringing cold beer to those in need.

5k Run @ MASH Tent*

7-28-17 @ 9:30am

7-29-17 @ 9:30am

7-30-17 @ 9:30am

Just an easy fun run with friends. We will be running a 9 to 10 minute

pace.

Sunscreen Massages @ Ginger Camp*

7-28-17 @ 10:00am to 7-30-17 @ 6:00pm

Protect your skin from the blistering sun and soothe those muscles with a

nice rubdown. Ginger Camp will be providing a self-service sunscreen

massage station so bring a friend to pamper and protect yo'selves!

The Gratitude Yurt @ Ginger Camp*

7-28-17 @ 11:00am to 7-31-17 @ 2:00am

A sacred and magical space. Come to the Gratitude Yurt to express your

gratitude, meditate, chill, or hold an impromptu workshop with your new

friends. This yurt is headed out to Black Rock City, and would love

nothing more than to take all your positive energy with it. With

gratitude…

The Gift(ing) Shop @ ClusterPhuck*

7-28-17 @ 12:00pm to 7-30-17 @ 5:00pm

Stop by ClusterPhuck and make a souvenir pin or necklace. Great for

gifting!

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Live from the Burn: Conversation, Coffee, and Crap Talk with The

Postmaster @ Ginger Camp*

7-28-17 @ 2:00pm to 4:00pm

7-29-17 @ 3:00pm to 5:00pm

7-30-17 @ 11:00am to 1:00pm

Come to Ginger Camp and be on our live show, broadcast to millions of

blades of grass in the expansive field at POrtalBurn. Your guest is

honorary ginger, Lexicon, who weaves in and out of both serious and

silly, maybe sometimes sultry topics that run the gamut and spectrum of

the highest broadcasting excellence possible.

Tea Time @ Burn Haven*

7-28-17 @ 3:00pm to 6:00pm

7-29-17 @ 3:00pm to 6:00pm

7-30-17 @ 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Morning is for coffee. Burn Haven will be hosting a Zen tea time in the

afternoons. Just waking up from an awesome evening? Need a place to

mellow out? Let Burn Haven be your place for distinguished tea and

flavorful family.

KONG RISING! @ Kong*

7-28-17 @ 3:33pm: build

7-29-17 @ 3:33pm: RISE!

7-30-17 @ 3:33pm to 5:55pm: retire

KONG will rise again! Help build and stand the 25' tall KING KONG on his

feet! Reminiscent of the original Burning Man on the playa. We will

attempt to bring the horizontal KING to his feet by using ropes and lots of

hands to make it work!

The Sound of Insanity @ The Nest*

7-29-17 @ 12:00pm to 1:45pm

7-30-17 @ 10:00am to 11:45am

In 1484, a bell was cast by order of King Dhammazedi in what is now

Myanmar. However, the bell did not produce a sound...but a demon. In this

tactile interactive fiction experience, you will uncover the secrets of

the bell from the past through modern time by examining documents and

activities throughout history. Appropriate for all ages, though some

themes are dark in nature.

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Logistics: Information

Logistics ::: Information

Location Hummingbird Hill at 6780 Stanz Road, Almond, NY 14804. Watch your speed and be aware of increased law enforcement in the area. Dates The event starts at 5:00pm on Thursday, July 27th and ends at 12:00pm (noon) on Monday, July 31st. Seriously – the event ends at noon. We love you, but you need to leave at noon. Gate Hours Thursday, July 27th: 5:00pm through 12:00am (midnight) Friday, July 28th: 8:00am through 12:00am (midnight) Saturday, July 29th: 8:00am through 8:00pm Sunday, July 31st: 8:00am through 8:00pm No new arrivals will be permitted outside of gate hours. Early Arrival If you are not pre-approved for early arrival, do not show up before 5:00pm on Thursday, July 27th. Go get an ice cream. Don’t arrive before 5:00pm.

If you received pre-approval for early arrival, please do not arrive before 12:00pm (noon). There should be someone at the gate to greet you. If there is not, proceed to the parking tent and wait for someone to meet you and provide direction. Do not enter the event field without going through the ticket process and receiving a wristband. Once on-site, get yourself set up. We may still be working logistics when you arrive, so be patient. Theme Camps are welcomed to perform sound checks, but amplified music is not permitted until the event officially opens at 5:00pm. Tickets POrtalBurn 2017 is sold out! You must print your ticket and bring it with you, or have a mobile ticket saved on your device. We cannot guarantee mobile reception. No tickets are sold at the gate. There is no will call. There are no comp tickets. Don’t show up without a ticket. There will be no exceptions.

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If you bought a ticket from someone else, the ticket purchaser received an email from Brown Paper Tickets with a link to a PDF. They need to forward that link to you. You need to print it and bring that ticket with you, or save the PDF to your mobile device. Any tickets sold must be at face value. Profiting from a ticket sale is strictly forbidden. Wristbands Every attendee will be given a wristband that must be worn at all times during the event. When you get your wristband, please write your real name and where you are camping on it. If you are a parent or guardian of a minor, write your information on your minor’s wristband. This will help our MASH or Ranger volunteers if emergency assistance is needed. If your wristband is lost or damaged, go to the gate for a replacement. Anyone without a wristband may be ejected from the event. Parking We have a new expanded parking area! The main parking area is a grass lot above the Hummingbird Hill field. A segment of the road leading to parking is one lane only. Parking volunteers will guide you at this point. When no volunteers are on duty, access to parking will be restricted. Abide by all signage. There is a footbridge that joins parking to the open camping area on Hummingbird Hill for easy access. The gravel lot on the east side of the Nest is restricted for special-use vehicles only. Do not park there unless parking staff tells you to. Loading and Unloading A word about terrain: the event site has some inclined areas. If your vehicle does not have sufficient power to manage hauling over un-level terrain, please consider alternatives. You will be allowed to drive on-site to unload. Once unloaded, you must return your vehicle to the parking area. Supply trailers can remain at your campsite. Vehicles are not permitted to remain on-site unless you have pre-approval for on-site parking. When leaving the event, you can drive your vehicle into the event field for loading. Other than unloading and loading, vehicles are not permitted on the event fields. Please abide by all traffic markings.

All event traffic is weather permitting. If weather prevents vehicle access to the event site, you will need to carry everything to your campsite from the parking area. We'll make judgement calls closer to event time and will post updates on the POrtalBurn Facebook page and website so you know what to expect. Please monitor the pages for updates and be prepared.

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RVs/Campers/Sleeping Vehicles All RVs, Campers and Sleeping vehicles require pre-approval. Check in with parking staff when you arrive for guidance. If you do not have pre-approval, do not bring your RV or camper, or expect to sleep in your vehicle. All requests for on-site parking are closed.

RV’s & Campers over 20’: There is a designated area for RV’s and campers over 20’ within the event space. There is no water or electrical hook up. Please refrain from playing amplified music in this area.

Pop-Up Campers under 20’: You will be placed in The Bufflehead. There should be sufficient space to leave your vehicle with your camper, though it’s possible you’ll need to unhitch and return your vehicle to parking, so be prepared.

On-site Parking: If you want to park a vehicle on-site in your camp space, you need pre-approval. No vehicles can remain in the event fields without pre-approval.

Special Needs: Quail’s Quorner is a small lot accessible from The Bufflehead that is designated as an open camping quiet zone for our participants who need it. There is limited space available to keep your car parked with your camp, however it must stay onsite for the duration of your stay. It’s first come, first served. Upon arrival, Parking Volunteers can update you and give you a parking pass if space is available. Please be considerate and help make Quail’s Quorner accessible to all who need to camp there. The Nest The Nest is the on-site party house by the pond. It’s open from 10:00am to 8:00pm. It has a built-in sound system and large bar that can be used for scheduled events. No items can be stored in the Nest. Leftover items of any kind are not a gift - they’re MOOP. There are no trash cans and smoking is prohibited. If you host an event in the Nest, you are responsible for leaving it MOOP free.

When the Nest is not hosting a scheduled event, it is open to all participants from 10:00am to 8:00pm. The same rules apply - ANY items left behind are MOOP. It is your personal responsibility to Leave No Trace. This cannot be emphasized enough. If the Nest is not handled responsibly, it will be closed and available only for reserved events.

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The Pavillion (BoOB) The pavilion is connected to the lower level of the Nest, outside MASH. It is our Base of Operations Base (BoOB), used as our Ranger Station, and a central space for Safety Core volunteers. Electricity There is electricity in the Nest, however it will not be available to participants in the event space. The electricity in the Nest is only to be used for activities in the Nest. There is no other electricity on-site. Generators Generators are permitted. Please do whatever you can to mitigate sound, be safe, and be considerate of your neighbors. If a neighbor is bothered by your generator, be graceful and work it out. If you’re able to share genny power with neighbors, it’s a beautiful thing. Potable Water There is no potable water on-site. You need to bring your own potable water for any cooking or personal needs. Showers There is a communal shower shelter near the Nest. It uses well water and it’s cold! Any soaps MUST be environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic. If you choose to set up your own shower system, there are trees surrounding the perimeter of the event where you might find space to hang a solar shower bag. If you do, be cognizant of water run off and how it may affect the environment and other participants. Pond Rules The pond is open from 10:00am to 8:00pm. There will be no lifeguards on duty. Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Use the buddy system. Don’t swim alone or inebriated. Do not bring glass bottles or containers in or around the pond. Do not use the pond as a cleaning location: no soap or other cleaners of any kind in the pond. Do not dump your gray water in the pond. Do not swim in the pond outside of pond hours. Parents and guardians - there are NO lifeguards on duty. You are responsible for monitoring minors in your care. You must monitor your children in and around the pond at all times. Failure to monitor minors in your care is your fastest ticket out of POrtalBurn.

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Floats and toys are encouraged! They MUST float. No unmanned float toys are to be left in the pond. If you leave the pond, bring your toys ashore and secure them. When the pond is closed, it must be empty of all toys. When you leave POrtalBurn, collect all of your toys. Pond toys left behind are NOT a gift, they’re MOOP. Do not leave your pond toys behind for volunteers to deal with.

The pond depth ranges from 10’ to 30’. You can jump into the pond from the deck of the Nest, but be careful – it’s kind of shallow there. Or walk in using a ramp along the edge near the deck. Water shoes are recommended. It’s a natural pond. Leeches are possible, though not generally a problem. The pond contains trout and koi as big as 3’ long. They swim deep so they won’t bother you and please don’t bother them - we are guests in their home. The pond is strictly off-limits outside of 10:00am to 8:00pm, and will be closed if weather dictates. Supplies: Water, Ice, Gas, and Stuff No amenities or supplies will be sold at POrtalBurn. On-site vending is prohibited. There are a variety of stores in the town of Almond and other nearby towns. Google is your friend. Civic Responsibility is your principle. The Event Space: Fields and Camping The event space consists of five fields and a hiking trail.

Hummingbird Hill is the primary access point with some flat plateaus, some slope, and driving lanes that will get you to the three east fields (Falcontown, The Bufflehead and Quail’s Quorner). The lower loop is placed theme camps, the upper loop is open camping. The Nest and pond are at the base of Hummingbird Hill. Parking is above Hummingbird Hill.

Falcontown is the large-ish field east of Hummingbird Hill where you’ll find placed theme camps. If you are placed in Falcontown, follow the road on Hummingbird Hill to enter at the top and drive down the center to your camp site.

The Bufflehead is the smaller field east of Hummingbird Hill, below Falcontown, near the pond. It’s designated for pre-approved on-site parking and pop-up campers smaller than 20’. If you are placed in The Bufflehead, follow the road through Falcontown. Signs will guide you.

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Quail’s Quorner is a small lot accessible from The Bufflehead that is designated as an open camping quiet zone for participants who need to keep their car parked close to camp, for families or special needs. It’s first come, first served, and there is limited space available for cars. Parking volunteers can update you and give you a parking pass if space is available. Please be considerate and help make Quail’s Quorner accessible to all who need to camp there.

Mute Swan Meadow is an open camping field behind the Nest, with pockets of flat space, and probably the quietest field at POrtalBurn. It’s suitable for small tents. No amplified music, generators, or vehicles are permitted.

The Ruff is a heavily wooded area on the property with a half-mile trail that runs from the top of Hummingbird Hill to the lower part of Falcontown. The trail leads to an area high above the hill with a breathtaking view. No vehicles are permitted in The Ruff; however, it is suitable for hiking at your own risk. While you are welcome to hike The Ruff, it is not part of our official event space. Campfires Burn barrels and elevated fire pits are permitted at campsites. All campfires must be at your campsite, raised off the ground, contained in a barrel or elevated fire pit, and monitored at all times. Camps with fire must have a fire extinguisher or water bucket readily available.

No outside firewood is permitted. The region is highly sensitive to the Emerald Ash Borer and wood from outside of the immediate area could have disastrous results. POrtalBurn will provide locally obtained wood for camp burn barrels and fire pits, and the effigy burn.

You are responsible for Leave No Trace. When you leave, you must dispose of any ashes from your burn barrel or fire pit responsibly in the designated ash dump. Fireworks, Pyrotechnics, and Flame Effects Fireworks and pyrotechnics (anything with stray flames) are strictly prohibited. If you are unsure whether your effects fall into this category or not, contact the Fire Lead.

Flame Effects are permitted if you have prior approval either through the Theme Camp or Art application process, or from the Fire Lead, to ensure that your project falls within Fire Safety Guidelines. The bottom line is, if you’re bringing fire, our fire team needs to know about it.

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Fire Performance Fire performances will be permitted in safe spaces and we rely on the community to practice common sense fire safety procedures. Every fire performer is expected to have a designated safety person, fire blanket, and fire extinguisher. If you would like to participant in Conclave, seek out Amanda, our Conclave Lead. Effigy and Art Burns Our effigy and art burns will take place on Saturday night and Sunday night, and they’ll be glorious! See Art & Artists and Scheduled Events for details. Sound Policy Any camp with amplified sound needs to have Theme Camp Placement. At the moment, we are not imposing a strict sound policy. Our goal is to let camps play as long as they choose, and we will continually monitor sound levels. Sound camps are asked to honor the following guidelines: ● Point amplified sound south (uphill). Sound Volunteers will assist you

with this if needed. ● Make every effort to set up your speakers and adjust levels so that

sound is contained to your camp and doesn’t bleed into other camps or open camping.

● If you are asked to adjust your sound by someone in any official capacity, you are expected to comply. Bass travels farther than the event. If there is a neighbor complaint, we will ask you to turn down your bass at night, or possibly turn off your subs.

● If you are asked by a neighboring camp to lower your sound levels, we expect you to resolve the issue together. If you are not able to resolve it, find a Sound Volunteer. If further assistance is needed, find a Ranger.

● To respect the neighbors and our community, turn down your sound between 2:00am and 10:00am to 74 decibels (measured at 50’ from the sound source). Sound volunteers have decibel meters available if you need help gauging your sound level.

● The full sound policy can be found at the following link: http://portalburn.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/POrtalburn-Sound-Policy.pdf

The POrtalBurn Sound Policy is subject to change as the event unfolds, as deemed necessary. Sound Camps will be informed if changes arise and will be expected to comply.

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http://www.portalburn.org/




Nudity Nudity is allowed within the event space only. Nudity is not allowed at the gate or in temporary parking where you show your ticket and get your wristband. Pets Pets are not permitted at POrtalBurn. Please e-mail [email protected] for inquiries regarding service dogs. Children and Minors Children 12 and under do not require a ticket. Minors aged 13 to 20 will require a ticket and will be provided an underage wristband. Participants 21 and over require ID and a ticket, and will be provided an adult wristband.

POrtalBurn is a family event and welcomes participants of all ages. People under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a 21+ parent or guardian - both at entry, and at all times during the event. YOU are responsible for the welfare of minors in your care. You should know where your minors are at all times, and be aware that some activities are adult–specific. At the very least, non–sexual nudity will happen, and it’s your responsibility to determine what your minors are exposed to.

For the protection of minors at POrtalBurn, all parents and guardians are required to register each minor in their care at the gate. Please also write your name on their wristbands. Failing to adequately supervise minors in your care is your fastest ticket out of POrtalBurn, as you will be immediately ejected without exception or recourse. Minors at Theme Camps and Events If you are serving alcohol, you must check wristbands of anyone you are serving to be sure that they are of legal age. The Theme Camp or server is responsible for identifying minors at all events. This is worth repeating: if you are serving alcohol, you MUST check wristbands. Do not serve minors. Period. New York State Laws All New York State laws including those regarding drugs and alcohol apply. POrtalBurn, LLC does not condone ANY illegal activity. While we are creating a temporary community with its own rules, this community coexists within an area of real laws.

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mailto:[email protected]


Trash This is a 100% pack it in, pack it out event. There are no trash bins, no dumpsters. You are responsible for every piece of trash you generate. It is your Civic Responsibility to ensure our event does not negatively impact the community around us. DO NOT dump your trash at local businesses. This was an issue for our 2016 event. This behavior could put our event at this location at risk.

Have a camp trash plan. Discard any product packaging prior to arrival to minimize your trash. Bring trash bags and make use of reusable supplies. Burn your burnables. Avoid glass containers. If you smoke, bring your own portable ashtray. Keep trash and food in your camp covered to avoid attracting wildlife. Leave No Trace means you bring it out with you. It does not mean you leave it bagged up expecting the POrtalBurn volunteers to take care of it after you leave. Portal Potties There will be Portal Potties - same thing, cooler name, and they’ll be fancy. If it didn’t come from your body, don’t put it in the potty. Single ply TP only. No baby wipes, no tampons, no pads, no graffiti. Please use them responsibly. Cell Service From what we've experienced, there is service, but it may be limited. There are some dead zones, but overall you should be able to get service. Pictures, Film and Video Participants understand they may be photographed at POrtalBurn, and that consent must be obtained for all photography, film, or video at the event. Any person identifiable in the image or video must express consent to be photographed or filmed, and photographers must destroy any image or video at the subject’s request, even if prior consent had been granted.

Participants understand that it is prohibited to take photos or videos of a camp or person if a ‘No Photos’ sign is posted, or at an event where a ‘No Photos’ policy has been announced. Participants understand and accept that no use other than personal use of images, film, or video obtained at the event may be made without prior written permission from Portal Burn, Corp. and the written permission of any persons identifiable in the images, film or video.

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Accessibility The event site does not have paved roads or established paths that can guarantee accessibility for everyone. Areas of the site have rugged terrain, and much of the event field is sloped. We welcome all participants, however, we cannot assure accessibility to all areas of the venue. If you have a need or concern, please contact us for additional information at [email protected]. Survival Supplies This is a wooded, natural area. Practice radical self-reliance. The space consists of mowed fields, wooded areas, and a pond. Much of the terrain is sloped and uneven; good shoes or boots are highly recommended. Bring clothing appropriate for warmth and protection. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, and personal first aid needs. Be aware of ticks, and do daily tick checks. Bring whatever water, food, and necessities you need for the duration of your stay. Virgins You will be lei'd and greeted warmly by our Virgin Acculturation Guides (VAG) at the gate. They will educate you on the Ten Principles to help you make the best of your experience. Be sure participate in the Virgin Tour and Scavenger Hunt events that were designed with you in mind! Since you’re reading the HELP Guide, you're off to a great start! Medical Services All POrtalBurners are expected to be self reliant. This includes bringing any and all supplies you might need, such as OTC medication, first aid supplies, sunscreen, etc. We will have a MASH camp staffed with volunteers (if unmanned please use the radio in MASH to ask for help or find a ranger) on site to help with minor emergencies. No medical services will be available, but MASH volunteers can assist participants with obtaining appropriate medical care. Rangers will also be on duty and can help facilitate getting medical assistance if needed. The nearest hospital facility is approximately 15 minutes away: St. James Mercy Hospital, 411 Canisteo Street, Hornell, NY 14843. Sanctuary There will be an un-staffed sanctuary space near the Nest. If you require assistance, please call a Ranger on the radio located in MASH camp. If you have skills that might benefit those who use the Sanctuary space, please consider volunteering as a Ranger. All interested Rangers must attend training at 8:00pm on Friday at the BoOB Base.

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mailto:[email protected]


Rangers Rangers are helpful, clear-headed participants and non-confrontational volunteer mediators. They are not your cops or your mom, but good people to find if you need help! You can spot them in their super swanky khaki clothing. The TIT (The Information Tent) can radio a Ranger if one is needed. Volunteer POrtalBurn is a volunteer-driven event. Without YOU, POrtalBurn cannot happen. Once on-site, you can visit TIT (The Information Tent) to see the volunteer schedule and sign up for open shifts. Just do it. You know you want to. Waivers POrtalBurn Corp., the Leads and/or coordinators of POrtalBurn, and the landowner are NOT responsible for your safety and well being before, during, or after the event. You are responsible for your own health, safety and well being at all times before, during, and after the event. You will be asked to sign a waiver on arrival clarifying any liabilities.

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Logistics ::: Map

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Principles: The 10 Principles

Principles ::: The 10 Principles

1. Radical Inclusion Anyone may be a part of Burning Man. We welcome and respect the stranger.

No prerequisites exist for participation in our community.

2. Gifting Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving. The value of a gift is

unconditional. Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for

something of equal value.

3. Decommodification In order to preserve the spirit of gifting, our community seeks to create

social environments that are unmediated by commercial sponsorships,

transactions, or advertising. We stand ready to protect our culture from

such exploitation. We resist the substitution of consumption for

participatory experience.

4. Radical Self-Reliance Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on

his or her inner resources.

5. Radical Self-Expression Radical self -expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual.

6. Communal Effort Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration. We strive

to produce, promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of

art, and methods of communication that support such interaction.

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Principles: The 10 Principles

7. Civic Responsibility We value civil society. Community members who organize events should

assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavor to communicate

civic responsibilities to participants. They must also assume

responsibility for conducting events in accordance with local, state and

federal laws.

8. Leave No Trace Our community respects the environment. We are committed to leaving no

physical trace of our activities wherever we gather. We clean up after

ourselves and endeavor, whenever possible, to leave such places in a

better state than when we found them.

9. Participation Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We

believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in

society, can occur only through the medium of deeply personal

participation. We achieve being through doing. Everyone is invited to

work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions

that open the heart.

10. Immediacy Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of

value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us

and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us,

participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding

human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.

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Thank you!

Special thanks to the following individuals

for their time and talents:

POrtalBurn Board of Directors (BOD)

POrtalBurn Team Leads

For a complete listing of POrtalBurn 2017 Board of Directors & Team Leads, please visit http://portalburn.com/leadership/.

HELP Guide contributors:

Amanda McLaughlin (artwork) Betty T. Kao (artwork)

Painter/Prophet (artwork) Pocket (map)

YOU!

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