Our 10 Guiding Principles

In the same vein that the Burning Man Guiding Principles were developed, these have been crafted not as a dictate of how our campers should be and act, but as a reflection of the community’s ethos and culture. These principles are set to guide our actions not only at camp, but everywhere we are on Playa.

  1. Don’t be a dick.
    • Seriously. Hashers hug, not hate.
  2. Consent is SEXY.
    • First and foremost, our camp is a safe place. We have an absolute zero policy on consent being compromised in any way. We pride ourselves in knowing that if anyone on Playa needs to seek refuge, they can come to us. But consent extends beyond the confines of our camp’s footprint. While out and about on Playa, you represent BRCH3, and your actions are a direct reflection of our standards and principles. Additionally, if you see anyone violating consent, you are expected to help intervene. Should you find yourself feeling frisky, be sure not to just ask yourself if this is a good idea, but make sure the person/people you are with feel the same way BEFORE things proceed. No means no, not maybe, not in 10 minutes. Your body’s a temple, and you are it’s keeper. Got consent? Then let us hear you screaming YES, YES, YES! For more information, hop into BED!
      Seriously. Hashers hug, not hate.
  3. Save the drama for your Mama.
    • While we all know that there will be that one day during the week of Burning Man when you might have a complete and utter meltdown, when packing for the trip, leave the rest of your drama at home. It is hard enough living in the desert for 8 days, so when it comes to emotional baggage, pack lightly.
  4. All. The. Things.
    • Although you know someone is eventually going to make extra bacon, and that someone else is probably going to have that awesome tequila you like to drink, radical self reliance is key. Plan your packing carefully and know what you’re getting yourself into (i.e. living in the desert for a week).
  5. Leave no trace.
    • Respect the Playa. You know that Black Rock City only exists for a short time every year, right? This isn’t a city that comes with its own infrastructure, street crews and janitors. We have the luxury of temporarily borrowing it from the National Conservation Area (NCA), a unit of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). So your job is to make it look like you were never there. MOOP is Matter-Out-Of-Place. If you see something on the ground, pick it up and take it to its final resting place, our garbage can. Leave your cheap feathery boas at home, and don’t leave a sparkle trail behind you.
  6. Row, row, row the boat.
    • As they say, many hands make light work (they also make for an awesome group massage, but that’s another story). Our camp is a machine that only can only function when all of its parts are running smoothly. Participate, lend a hand, fix something, clean something, make something. There are plenty of ways to get involved and many different ways we need your help!
  7. Community First.
    • Community is not just a place to hang your furry coat for a week, but a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. We may all come from different backgrounds, but together we become the Black Rock CIty Hash House Harriers. We create a kick ass camp, fix hundreds of bikes, keep the beer cold and our guests entertained. Be proud and represent! Spread the word about camp activities and recruit all the virgins you can.
  8. Come as you are, as you were, as you wanted to be.
    • We welcome and respect the stranger. No prerequisites exist for participation in our community. We accept each other for who we are and leave judgment at home.
  9. No man left behind.
    • Never leave camp! But if you do, and choose to go out in groups or venture alone, it’s good to know our camp is home base. If you see a fellow camper on Playa who appears to be in distress, or possibly has enjoyed too many playa cocktails for one day, don’t leave them alone or behind. If you notice any campers are looking lonely, invite them out with you! We look out for each other. We are family (I got all my campers with me!)
  10. It was better this year!
    • Sure, we can always make improvements, but keeping a positive attitude and outlook will help us overcome any stumbling blocks that may appear. If you recognize a way to improve, be actionable, rather than voicing complaints. The more participation and action we have from the camp the more successful we will all be as a group. It takes a village, let’s make every year our best year yet!

Oh!  And in case you need a refresher on Burning Man’s 10 principles….here they are!

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