Summerisle Burn: A Fully Participatory Experience
At Summerisle Burn, we embrace a 100% participatory model. We believe that community involvement enhances the experience for everyone, creating a richer, more meaningful burn.
Participation: A Core Principle
One of the Ten Principles of Burning Man, Participation, is central to our ethos:
Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, occurs through deeply personal engagement. We achieve being through doing. Everyone is invited to work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions that open the heart.
Participation isn’t limited to a single principle—it weaves through Radical Inclusion, Decommodification, and Immediacy as well. At Summerisle, we embody the “no spectators” mindset, ensuring that this experience is not a passive event but a collective creation by and for all participants.
How Can You Participate?
Volunteer!
The burn thrives on communal effort, and volunteering is one of the best ways to connect with others and make a direct impact. Whether you take on one shift or many, you’ll find this an incredibly fulfilling way to burn! We need volunteers for:
- First Aid
- Registration
- Greeters
- DPW (Setup/Breakdown)
- Parking
- Leave No Trace (LNT)
- Sanctuary & more!
Learn more about volunteering! Volunteer signups are open.
Run a Theme Camp!
From sound camps to chill spaces to wildly creative concepts (Turducken Basting Essentials Camp, anyone?), theme camps are the heartbeat of our burn. They provide unique experiences, interactive activities, and generous gifting to the community.
Learn more about Theme Camps! Theme camp applications close at Noon (12pm) on June 1, 2026.
Host an Event!
Want to run an event or activity? Whether it’s at your theme camp or independently, submit it via the reProgram Event Registration Form. Events will be listed in our official burn schedule and displayed at key locations across the event.
Submit an event to the 2026 reProgram! Submissions to the digital reProgram will remain open through the burn.
Submission deadline for the printed schedule is Noon (12pm) on June 1, 2026.
Create and Share Art & Experiences!
Summerisle supports artists and creators with grants to help bring their visions to life. Whether it’s a large installation, a performance, or even food gifting (yes, food is art!), we encourage all forms of creative contribution.
Learn more about Art Grants! Art Grant Applications close at 11:55pm on June 1, 2026 or when the art grant budget is fully allocated, whichever comes first!
Build the Effigy or the Temple!
Design and construct the centerpieces of our event—then watch them burn in a transformative celebration.
Learn more about the Effigy and Temple Applications! Summerisle has chosen the 2026 Effigy Builder! Applications to build the Temple are still open!
Other Ways to Participate
Participation isn’t just about volunteering—it’s about co-creating in any way that resonates with you. Here are some additional ways to contribute:
- Organizing a carpool
- Stage managing or scheduling DJs
- Preparing and gifting food or drinks
- Transporting gear and infrastructure
- Leading a discussion on the 10 Principles
- Helping with site prep at Work Weekends
- Heading up a team or department
- Offering professional services like accounting, web development, or communications
Have a new idea? Let’s make it happen!
Email us at summerisleburn@gmail.com
Decide how you want to participate—then dive in!