As we see more and more children attend burner events, it’s important to touch on the subject of safety. AZBurners have welcomed children of burners at regional events and hope to continue this tradition in the future. Children are the future of our culture and we want to include them along with the burner expansion as they grow and become adults. In fact, I have 3 children of my own and personally feel that way.

Experiencing the great outdoors with your family is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. With that comes education, understanding, compassion, responsibility and safety when it involves the burner culture.

When it comes to communication as well as the safety of children, sometimes the best way is to be blunt and straight forward so everyone understands. So, excuse me while I do just that. It is the burner parent’s responsibility to teach their children our customs, courtesies and respect for other lifestyles. Hopefully, you have already explored those topics with your children.

If you bring children, you must prepare them for what they will see and hear. You must also be prepared to answer some difficult questions that will surely come up. One thing we stress is that we will absolutely NOT change our culture or events to shield children from things you do not want them to see and hear. If you have problems with that, then leaving them at home with trusted sitters may be your best option.

When bringing children to our events, we also expect parents to be in control of their children and responsible for their behavior. It is NOT OK to let them play, climb, rummage through or get into other people’s camps and personal possessions without that camp’s permission; no more than it would be OK for you to do so.

Neither Burning Man nor regional events are safe places for young kids to be turned loose without supervision. Read the Burning Man ticket you purchased. It says “Death or serious bodily injury can occur by attending this event.” They wrote that to remind adults who know better. However, children don’t! For your peace of mind and ours, parents must make sure their children are safe at all times during events.

We want the children to have as much fun as us, but are very concerned they don’t get hurt or ruin another's experience. Please understand, your child's safety is not anyone's responsibility, but your own. Don’t expect your kids to be safe from harm in someone else's camp, or expect others to make their camp child proof.

I know it is not one of those feel good subjects of the year, but it is an important one to cover to help maximize happy and safe burner experiences. On a lighter note, it’s been amazing to watch the AZBurner family learn, grow and have a blast. I look forward to the continuing events and seeing you there. It just gets better and better!

Gary Taylor
Burning Man's Arizona Regional