Menu Close

Theme Camps

SMan Main Page | Volunteering | SurvivalGuide/FAQ | Directions | WWWW | Tickets | DPW | About

Theme Camps

SMan Playa Layout

Theme camps are a big part of what makes Saguaro Man such a unique and interactive experience. 

Theme camps are groups of participants who, together, contribute a service, engagement, art, or other creative interactive experience available for citizens of Saguaro Man, without an expectation of anything in return. As a community, we create Saguaro Man every year because we all believe there is value in having an entirely different kind of experience — one grounded in what you have to contribute, say, make, do, and share. Theme camps think beyond typical exchanges, and apply their creativity, resourcefulness, and their unique expression of our culture, toward creating experiences that encourage participants to share their expression with the Saguaro Man community. 

Theme Camp Registration

Theme Camps Registration – Opening Oct 1

Key Requirements

1. Interactivity, Visual Impact, and Uniqueness of Offering

  • Interactivity: Theme camps are expected to provide some kind of interactive experience for participants. This could be anything from games, performances, workshops, and art installations.
  • Visual Impact: Camps should be visually appealing and contribute to the overall aesthetic of Saguaro Man.
  • Uniqueness of Offering: The most successful theme camps offer something that’s not commonly found on the playa.
  • Is a Theme Camp for you?
    • If you do not want to do any of the above, but just need an address to share with your campmates, a Theme Camp is not for you.  Instead, there is space held open camping – the first person in your group to arrive can find a plot of land designated for Open Camping and set up shop.
    • Then email/text your friends with your camp location/cross streets.  We have decent cell connectivity on our land. 
    • Please be considerate and do not try to make a huge land grab and inconvenience other SMan participants. Prior to SM, talk to your friends and figure out the bare minimum you need, and only save as much land as needed for your vehicles, shade, and tents. 
    • When saving land for your campmates, go deep and leave an access road, so that you don’t take up a lot of street frontage.  If you have questions, contact the on-call Placement team member. Any volunteer with a radio will be able to reach someone from the Placement team.

2. Good Neighbors and Citizens of Saguaro Man

  • Respect: Camps must respect the principles of Saguaro Man, including radical inclusion, gifting, and leaving no trace.
  • Safety: Camps are responsible for the safety of their participants and visitors.
  • Communication: Camps should be communicative and cooperative with Saguaro Man organizers and other camps.

3. Culture and Values

  • Alignment: Camps should align with the culture and values of Saguaro Man. Please see our 11 Principles
  • Inclusivity: Camps should be welcoming and inclusive to all participants.
  • Consent: Camps must prioritize consent in all interactions and activities.

4. Safety, Protocols, and Procedures

  • Safety Plans: Camps should have safety plans in place for all activities and potential hazards.
  • Compliance: Camps must comply with all Saguaro Man rules and regulations.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Camps should be prepared for emergencies.

5. Leave No Trace 

  • Leave No Trace: Camps are responsible for leaving their area clean and free of MOOP (Matter Out Of Place).  Leave the land cleaner than you found it.
  • Cleanup: Camps must participate in MOOP cleanup efforts.  We strongly recommend that, after tear-down, the last person takes video of your camp area, showing that you left it pristine. 

6. Self-Reliance and Strain on Resources

  • Self-Sufficiency: Camps should be self-sufficient in terms of water, power, and waste disposal.  Camps may partner with other camps and share resources (like generators, etc).  This would require coordination between camp leads and the Placement team (email below).
  • Resource Management: Camps should be mindful of their impact on the environment and the resources required to bring their camp/art to the event.

Additional Considerations

  • Placement: To get a designated location at Saguaro Man, theme camps need to apply for placement through the Saguaro Man organization (see link below).
    • Camps will need to complete the Theme Camp Registration Form (below) detailing their interactivity, offerings, and provide a layout of the camp physical space requirements.
  • Sound Camp or Not?
    • SMan has a city layout with areas designated for louder and Quiet(er) participants. Both have their charm and are open to everyone. Indicate your preferred location based on your camp’s activities and the experience you wish to have. In the above map, the sound area is on the right, and the quiet(er) area is on the left.
    • Sound Camps – Please familiarize yourself with the Saguaro Man Sound Policy. The use of generators falls into the Sound Policy and affects both sound and non-sound theme camps. Remember, a generator should not be any louder than that of an idling passenger car.
  • Flame Effects – All flames that are automated, switched, pressurized or having any action other than simply being lit on fire, as well as projects using propane or other liquid or gaseous fuels. Flame Effects need to be cleared with the Fire Team before lighting. Please review the Flame Effects page and apply for a permit.
  • No open fires in camps. You may have propane cookstoves and fire pits, but no open fires. Any fires must not be left unattended. Please have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher handy when using your propane fires.
  • Post-Event Report: After the event, camps must submit a Post-Playa Report to provide feedback and help improve future events. A link to the feedback form will be sent to the camp lead via email.
  • Each camp will have early access if needed. These will allow your setup team to access the Saguaro Man site from Saturday through the end of the event.
    • In and out access is permitted during the setup period (Saturday-Tuesday)
  • SAP / Work Weekend is ONLY for setting up.
    • There must not be any amplified music, lights, etc. or other signs of partying. 
    • You may test your sound and lights for a few minutes at a time, but please respect our neighbors and the rules established by City of Willcox.  Keep your testing to the bare minimum, and the volume as low as you can make it.
    • Violating this request would impact the event permit restrictions and could result in the event being shut down or your camp and campmates being ejected from the event.  
  • The event itself starts on Wednesday and runs through Sunday. Once the event starts, we ask that you park and stay through your date of departure.

Important Resources

By carefully considering these requirements and utilizing the available resources, you can create a theme camp that contributes to the magic and wonder of Saguaro Man.

Questions:  placement@azburners.org