Children at Nowhere

So you’ve searched the site, and seen the pictures. With the nudity and rude language, hot desert days and wild colourful nights, where do kids fit into the picture? If you have been to Nowhere before, or Burning Man, you know that the event is driven by radical self-expression and radical self-reliance. If, after reading this, you have any hesitations about bringing your little one, it may be a good idea to come on your own for your first time and see if it is an event you and your child can enjoy together.

Self-expression

What is or is not appropriate for a child is not determined by Nowhere, but by the parents. Because each year brings new people, ideas and events, there is no way to predict what will or will not happen. The things that may seem strange or taboo in the default world are seen through a different lens at Nowhere, and if you set the example of an open mind, you may find your kids will have an even easier time accepting their surroundings than you think. When you are sitting on the ground doing arts and crafts, enjoying a mid-day nap or jumping on a trampoline dressed as a cowboy, you realise that here everybody gets to be a kid again.

While Nowhere does bring out the kid in many adults, it is still primarily an adult atmosphere. You may want to let your kids know in advance about the kinds of things they might see or hear, and check their comfort level. Neither you nor your children will ever be forced to participate in activities beyond your level of comfort. It’s up to you to determine where your limits lie, and those around you will respect them. Most importantly, have fun! There are lots of opportunities to meet new people, participate, learn, dance and play. Whether you are 5 or 65, good times can be had by all.

Self-reliance

One of the central tenets of our philosophy is radical personal responsibility. Surviving in the desert for a week is a challenge for anyone, but it also provides a great opportunity to learn to be self-reliant and confident. Before you leave for Nowhere, sit down and read over the survival guide with your child, and make sure they understand what they can expect. This will also allow time for you to contact us with any questions or concerns before the event begins.

When you arrive, ask Information to find one of the Kid Representatives, and they can take you and your child on a walk around the site. The terrain around Nowhere is tempting to explore, but most of the surrounding mountains are not as stable as they appear. It is up to you to set the boundaries you would like your child to stay within, but there are some off-limits areas to all of us (for safety), and these will be clearly marked. It is important for your child to know where things are – it gets very dark at night, and a trip to the toilet can be challenging and potentially dangerous. You might want to go with them and be sure they have a torch.

This international community supports a wide range of languages, and this may be a barrier between your kids and the other members of the community. Try to introduce them to people as you meet them, so they have familiar faces around them during their time at Nowhere. Most people around the city are happy to hang out with kids and won’t need to be prompted, but if you find that you want to go off without your kids for a night, it will be up to you to arrange for someone to look after them. We do not provide a babysitting service at Nowhere.

Participation

You’ll find that Nowhere brings out the kids in everyone, and most of the events and workshops will be enjoyed by any age. There will be some events created with kids in mind, but it is hoped that the entire community will enjoy them. The small community of Nowhere lends itself to a tribal mentality – there is a lot children can teach adults as well.

Dressing up is a great way to participate and express yourself. Costume Camp has a great collection of clothing and accessories, but it could always use more, especially for kids! See if your kids have anything they would like to bring or a special costume idea – this is a great opportunity for self-expression for them as well!

First aid/emergencies

It’s important to remember how far away you will be from civilisation. You may want to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travelling abroad. The nearest hospital is about an hour away from the site, and a basic medical centre about 20 minutes away. We aren’t legally allowed to administer medication, so if there is anything you feel you or your child will need, please be sure to bring it. Any child with long-standing conditions should bring meds and spares in case of loss or damage. Onsite, there will be a medical tent with basic first aid. There will be someone there 24 hours a day, with a hand radio and cell phone.

Safety

Nowhere is a microcosm of the real world, and is therefore subject to the same safety issues of the real world – always know where your child is. The community of Nowhere is small and friendly, but we cannot predict the actions of everyone there. We can guarantee, however, that if there is an incident of any person being subjected to inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour, it will be handled with swift disciplinary action, and with respect of the privacy of those involved.

Teenagers

Most teenagers coming to an event like this are capable of taking care of themselves, and some may have even been to events like Nowhere or Burning Man before. While we understand this and will be sure to treat your teen as an equal member of the community, legally anyone under the age of 18 will be considered a child. What you feel is appropriate for your teen is up to you, but without the presence of a parent/guardian, we cannot make assumptions or exceptions, and things like under-age drinking will not be tolerated.

Preparation

With searing heat in the day and plunging temperatures at night, you need to dress for the occasion. It’s always good to wear natural fibres, which allow the skin to breathe. Be sure to cover the head and neck. Pay close attention to footwear to prevent injuries from loose screws or sharp rocks – they’re easy to miss, especially when it’s dark. With all of these accessories, we might as well make it fun! This is the perfect chance to break out the pirate hats, bandanas and mad-scientist goggles. With this world being so different from their own, consider bringing things that are familiar to them (such as teddy bears or blankets) so they feel more at home.

You may wish to consult with your family GP before going into the desert, explaining the nature and duration of the trip. If you have any specific medical questions, feel free to email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What to bring

In addition to the supplies recommended in the survival guide, you may want to consider the following additional supplies for your children:

-          diapers, powders and anything else needed for changing an infant.

-          proper shade structure

-          sunscreen (the highest sun factor)

-          moisturiser for skin

-          Paediatric-appropriate mosquito repellent

-          antiseptic lotions

-          anti-histamines for all children over 2 (for mosquito bites)

-          paracetamol and ibuprofen

-          plenty of snacks with sugars and salts to replenish those lost through sweating

-          goggles (winds are not as harsh as at Burning Man, but there is still a good amount of dust)

Children at Nowhere FAQ

Will there be changing stations?

We have not had changing facilities in the past, but if you are bringing a little one who needs changing, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and we can discuss options.

If we come, and then we have to leave Friday night because the kids don't like it, can we get a refund?

Ticket sales are non-refundable.

Are there discounted tickets for children?

Reduced price tickets for 5–12 year olds and free tickets for under fives are available. This is for two main reasons: we need to know how many people are coming (and this is especially true in the case of children) and we believe that you, as a parent, will need at least a month to prepare yourself and your child for the event.

I'm arriving early on site to help build my theme camp. Can I bring my kid with me?

No children under 12 are allowed on site during set up or take down. During these times the site is effectively a building site, and hence a) it is a much more dangerous environment, and b) people on site will be far too busy to take extra care around a child. If you are thinking of bringing a teen with you for set up, please contact us and we can discuss options.

For more information, or to let us know you are bringing your child, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it We look forward to seeing you and your young one out on the dusty plains of Nowhere!

*Please note that from the standpoint of Nowhere, a parent refers to anyone legally and, more importantly, emotionally responsible for the health, well-being, and upbringing of a child, whether a genetic parent–child relationship exists or not. From the standpoint of the law, and of responsibility, a child is anyone under the age of 18.