Camp Abs Updates

Overview

July 20, 2026 Video 0:59

The meeting discussed preparations for the Burning Man event, focusing on logistics, roles, and volunteer commitments. Key points included the need for 120 people to be at Swing City, with 80-100 attending directly. Build Week starts on August 24, with early access passes allocated to 28 people, 18 of which are currently filled. The kitchen team needs volunteers for meal plans and moop shifts. The camp will hub with New York Deli for power and water. Specific roles such as lighting, plumbing, and shade setup were highlighted, along with the need for additional rigging materials and willing labor. Speaker 6 is planning to bring equipment to a new space, which is a 30-foot tall scaffolding structure about 60 feet wide. They are coordinating with Shane, who is in California, to transport equipment in his van. Speaker 6 is more interested in the creative and supportive aspects of the event rather than the psychedelic experience. They discuss the logistics of bringing equipment, including the need for a harness and carabiners, and the availability of internet connectivity during the event. Speaker 5 advises against bringing long ropes and suggests using existing hardware. Speaker 6 is considering attending the event and mentions the need to finalize camp fees and other logistics.

Action Items

• [ ] @Christopher Filkins - Ensure Noah is added to the New York WhatsApp group (by obtaining permission from Christopher/Filchy or guiding her to join herself via the Swing City profile link).
• [ ] @Christopher Filkins - Add Mauricio to the New York City WhatsApp subgroup so he stays connected with the local crew.
• [ ] @Christopher Filkins - Create and activate the Slack-based SCAT workspace/channel around mid-July (about 30 days before leaving for the playa) so SCAT members can organize projects and timelines.
• [ ] @Christopher Filkins - Stay after the call with JQ and other relevant organizers to investigate and resolve the website portal issues preventing payment of camp fees, water plan, and similar selections.
• [ ] @Christopher Filkins - Connect with Avery to obtain updated blueprints and guidance for building the swing-city shower structure before the burn.
• [ ] @Christopher Filkins - Post details on the website and/or email the community about the new weekly Zoom meeting schedule (starting next Monday at the usual time, or the following Monday if needed).
• [ ] Contact Christopher about the website dietary requirements form issue and inform him that Noah cannot save his dietary preferences.
• [ ] Visit the fabric store to purchase additional shade fabric for the rig, choosing colors/patterns consistent with the camp aesthetic.
• [ ] Support installation and setup of lighting for the rig (LED sign, floodlights, etc.) during build week based on prior experience with sound and lighting for TV.
• [ ] Use the existing inventory app to track all kitchen equipment and supplies for the upcoming burn.
• [ ] Coordinate with Christopher to reconcile any missing inventory items from last year in the inventory app.
• [ ] Once their attendance decision is finalized, complete payment of their Swing City camp fees and related charges through the online portal.

Outline

Meeting Kickoff and Initial Conversations

• Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 exchange greetings and discuss the meeting's purpose.
• Speaker 1 mentions being 80% packed for the burn and jokes about the meeting not being fun.
• Speaker 5 joins the conversation, and Speaker 1 notes the long hair of Corey.
• Speaker 1 welcomes new participants, including Ryan and Zep, and discusses the upcoming festival.

Introductions and New Participants

• Speaker 5 introduces himself as the meeting conductor and asks new participants to introduce themselves.
• Noah from Israel introduces himself, mentioning his excitement for the burn and his athletic background.
• Lance introduces himself, mentioning his previous burn experience and his current dilemma between the burn and an indigenous ceremony in Colombia.
• Nina from LA introduces herself, expressing her excitement about her first burn and the steward ticket she received.

Discussion on Camp Logistics and Roles

• Speaker 5 discusses the need for people to step up in various roles, including power, lighting, and plumbing.
• Speaker 1 mentions the kitchen department's eight departments and the need for people with skills in these areas.
• Speaker 4 asks about the moop captain role, and Speaker 1 suggests someone to lead the volunteers for kitchen shifts.
• Speaker 5 emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated and preparing for the burn.

Build Week and SCAT Team Details

• Speaker 5 discusses the SCAT team, which will be the first in during Build Week, and the need for people to commit to building the camp.
• Speaker 1 mentions the need for people to arrive on specific days and the staggered access passes.
• Speaker 5 talks about the power distribution and the need for people with electrical and power skills.
• Speaker 13 discusses the shade structure and the need for more fabric for the rig.

Camp Infrastructure and Volunteer Roles

• Speaker 5 discusses the camp's infrastructure, including the kitchen, tensegrities, and the rig.
• Speaker 1 mentions the need for people to help with the water plan and the shower.
• Speaker 4 talks about the welcoming committee and the need for people to help with moop shifts.
• Speaker 5 emphasizes the importance of people being willing to help and not just showing up.

Questions and Clarifications

• Speaker 19 asks about volunteer shifts and the layout of the camp.
• Speaker 4 explains the welcoming committee's role and the layout process.
• Speaker 20 emphasizes the need for willing labor and the importance of helping out.
• Speaker 6 asks about the commitment required for people coming during event week, and Speaker 5 explains the expectations.

Final Discussions and Next Steps

• Speaker 3 asks about the shower project, and Speaker 16 offers to help with the setup.
• Speaker 6 asks about bringing additional rigging materials, and Speaker 5 encourages it if it's easy for them.
• Speaker 8 asks about the logistics of SCAT and the pre-build, and Speaker 5 explains the process.
• Speaker 5 mentions the upcoming Slack channel for SCAT and the need for people to start preparing for the burn.

Discussion on Equipment and Logistics for Camp Construction

• Speaker 6 expresses interest in bringing familiar equipment to the new space, despite not knowing the structural setup initially.
• Speaker 5 explains that their rig is about 30 feet tall and 60 feet wide, made of mason scaffolding.
• Speaker 6 clarifies that they don't need a long rope for a tall tower and can bring shorter range equipment.
• Speaker 6 mentions they are in Colorado and will be driving with Shane, who is in California, to the camp.

Plans for Equipment Transport and Camp Involvement

• Speaker 6 discusses their excitement about the camp, focusing more on the creative and supportive aspects rather than the psychedelic desert landscape.
• Speaker 6 plans to fly out to meet Shane and bring some equipment, as Shane has a well-built van.
• Speaker 14 expresses enthusiasm about early arrival for the build and mentions their van's capabilities, including power and solar options.
• Speaker 6 considers checking a bag for equipment and bringing essentials like a climb harness and rigging.

Internet Connectivity and Professional Needs During SCAT

• Speaker 6 inquires about internet connectivity during SCAT, as Shane needs to professionally interact with the outside world.
• Speaker 14 mentions they don't want internet during Burning Man but might need it for SCAT to finish a contract.
• Speaker 5 explains that there are various internet connection options available, but the camp culture encourages disconnecting.
• Speaker 5 clarifies that there are no hub Wi-Fi options, but emergency needs can be accommodated.

Finalizing Plans and Next Steps

• Speaker 6 asks about the feasibility of leaving the Playa for internet access, and Speaker 5 advises against it for minor needs.
• Speaker 5 reassures that basic email and GitHub push tasks can be managed on the Playa.
• Speaker 6 confirms they are not 100% sure about attending yet but mentions Shane has tickets.
• Speaker 5 and Speaker 14 discuss the camp fees and the portal for payment, with Speaker 18 asking about contacting someone for issues with the portal.