The GlamCocks Camp Guide
OUR PRINCIPLES
Decommodification
We reject passive consumption and embrace participatory experiences. This applies not just to commercial brands and exploitive advertising, but also to ourselves. We must consider that the essence of being a “GlamCock” is not in the label, it’s not in the brand, and it’s not in membership. It is not something that can be bought, sold, or bartered. The true, meaningful value of being a “GlamCock” lies in the experiences we create for each other, and for those around us.
Civic Responsibility
Every GlamCock is responsible for the safety of our brothers and the guests at our camp. Look out for potential problems. Don’t put yourself or others at risk. If you see anyone who needs help at any time, help them, get help for them, or help them get help for themselves. If a camp member or guest is behaving irresponsibly or dangerously, tell them to stop. If a guest appears to be under 21, immediately validate their ID. If a camp member is doing something illegal in a public area, tell them to stop. Know your rights and the rights of others. Never invite strangers into private areas of camp (RVs, tents, etc) - they could be an undercover cop, and an invitation into a shelter is grounds to allow them to conduct a search.
Radical Inclusion
When guests come to camp, show them love. Welcome them into camp and show them the kind of love we give to everyone on the playa. We welcome all people, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race, appearance, or other discriminating factors. Be an ambassador for the group wherever you are, and share the GlamCock spirit we have at camp. Be open and inviting. Make sure those who visit us or see us out on the playa come away feeling the love, and wanting more!
Gifting
Look for ways to bring surprise, delight, joy, revelation, and transformation into to the lives of others through unconditional gifting. A gift can be an object or an experience, a word or a gesture. Gifting personally touches, moves, and lifts individuals in unexpected ways. The right gift at the right time can seem truly miraculous. Gift a bag of ice to someone at the end of the line. Nurture someone having a rough day. Share a story with a stranger. Compliment someone wandering alone. When someone gifts to you, resist the automatic impulse to give back in return; your simple acceptance and experience of that gift is the mutual reward.
Radical Self-Reliance
We are a camp of adults. You are responsible for your health, your safety, and your own experience. Always be prepared, and always be safe. Burning man is dangerous. Bring water, have your survival gear with you at all times. Do not take risks. If you do have an issue, take responsibility and try to resolve it yourself. That said, if you know you definitely need help with something, ask for it.
Communal Effort
The GlamCocks give the gift of our structures and our events to the Playa, and we all are all responsible creating them. Every GlamCock has a role in helping build, maintain, and breakdown camp. Pick up a hammer and help build. Help refill drink coolers if the bartender needs it. If the shower water needs a refill, fill it up for the next person. If you see MOOP, pick it up. If a cable falls, grab some tape and fix it. Our camp only works if we all work together. We aren’t just here to enjoy it, but also to make sure our gift is made available to everyone on the playa.
Radical Self-Expression
Express yourself how you want, how you feel, and without fear of judgment. GlamCocks support the right of everyone to be who they are, however they are, and joins in celebration of their individuality. Free, honest and radical self-expression is an invitation to the world to see you as you truly wish to be. It is the purest gift you can give to those around you.
If you see MOOP on the Playa, always pick it up and bring it back to camp.
Especially really adorable MOOP.
Participation
Whether you’re a virgin or a veteran, participate in camp life. Everyone is invited to work, and everyone is invited to play. Burning Man is not a spectator sport! True living takes place during active participation, and not while observing from the sidelines. Plan your day so you can be at our parties. Come out of your tent or RV and have dinner with your brothers. Sit on the front porch and get to know someone new. And don’t forget to go explore the rest of the playa too!
Leave No Trace
We are committed to leaving the Playa as pristine as it is found. Leaving No Trace starts with what you decide to bring to Burning Man. Reduce packaging, make sure your outfits are MOOP-free, plan ahead. On the Playa, make sure trash and recycling is taken care of promptly and correctly. If you notice MOOP during the week, wherever you are, pick it up and dispose of it properly. If you see a continual MOOP problem, make sure it gets addressed. At the end of the week, we all pack up, clean up and work together to leave no GlamCock trace behind. Every GlamCock participates in the final MOOP-sweep of the campsite. We are all equally responsible for this, so everyone must do their part.
Immediacy
Immediate experience is the touchstone value of Burning Man as a whole, as well as the GlamCocks. We come here for a larger purpose. This is not a circuit party or a gay resort. We come here to overcome personal barriers, to connect with our inner selves as well as like-minded people who want to share this experience together, and to boldly expand ourselves and our relationships in new ways. Each moment holds infinite possibilities for action. Follow your instincts. Challenge your habitual ways of being, try something new, push your limits. Revel in the constant play of spontaneous action and reaction, and dance from moment to moment. Take time to step back and let this experience in.
Radical Family Love
We are all friends and family, and we are building a community that cares for each other year-round. We strive to help each other, look out for each other, support each other, and we challenge each other to achieve our greatest dreams and live to our fullest potential. Love is the foundation of our tribe. Put your GlamCock family first. If a campmate looses their water, offer yours. If you see a a campmate excluded, bring them in. If a someone has an off-day, encourage them. Forgive each other’s failings with compassion. Encourage vulnerability and be vulnerable. We are a family on (and off) the playa, and we value unconditional love for each other.