Survival Guide

Welcome to Amber Burn, where are all the creators, the participants, and the volunteers! Where imagination knows no bounds, where self-expression is celebrated, and where community thrives.

This is the place to showcase our talents and passions, create, celebrate, and share love by being our authentic selves (as long as we respect others).

Have a read through the Amber Burn Survival Guide if you want to not only survive but thrive!

CULTURE

Amber Burn is an official Lithuanian regional Burn event that is guided by the 10 Principles of Burning Man. Although the principles are descriptive, not prescriptive, they are the guidelines for how we, as a community, are building the world for ourselves and how we seek to live in our daily lives.

RADICAL INCLUSION. Anyone can be a part of Burning Man. We welcome and respect strangers. No prerequisites exist for participation in our community.

GIFTING. Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift-giving. The value of a gift is unconditional. Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value.

DECOMMODIFICATION. Our community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising. We aim to preserve the spirit of gifting and stand ready to protect our culture from such exploitation. We resist the substitution of consumption for participatory experience.

RADICAL SELF-RELIANCE. Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise, and rely on their inner resources.

RADICAL SELF-EXPRESSION. Radical self-expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content. It is offered as a gift to others. In this spirit, the giver should respect the rights and liberties of the recipient.

COMMUNAL EFFORT. Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration. We strive to produce, promote, and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art, and methods of communication that support such interaction.

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY. We value civil society. Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for the public’s welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants. They must also assume responsibility for conducting events in accordance with local and state laws.

LEAVING NO TRACE. Our community respects the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather. We clean up after ourselves and endeavor, whenever possible, to leave such places in a better state than when we found them.

PARTICIPATION. Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through the medium of deeply personal participation. 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.

IMMEDIACY. Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.

CONSENT. It’s outside the famous 10, yet extremely important for the community. As participants and volunteers, we are in a great position to model ‘ask first’ behavior: whether it’s a potential sexual encounter, physical touch of any kind, something requiring permission that will radically alter the experience of another person, or recording someone’s image or voice, you are responsible for getting verbal consent before engaging in it. Check out more information here.

LEXICON

What the hell is MOOP? And who should be STRIKing what? If some of the words do not make sense, fear no more; check out the Burner Lexicon here.

ARRIVALTO THE GATHERING

Arrive with your ticket downloaded to your phone (or printed). You must be registered (fill out the questionnaire) and have an account at www.amberburn.lt/login.

TICKETS

Everyone older than 16 years old must have a valid ticket (printed or digital) and a personal ID card.
Kids up to 16 years old must also have a valid ticket (kids’ tickets are 0 EUR).
Tickets are not sold at the gate, and there is NO ENTRY without them or an ID.
All tickets can only be transferred during the ticket transfer. The transfer is possible only to someone who has an account at www.amberburn.lt/login and has filled out the registration form.
All tickets are personalized with the individual’s name and can only be transferred during the ticket transfer.
To enter with a car, van, camper, or RV, you must present a vehicle pass. There is NO PLACE to park outside the territory.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at tickets@amberburn.lt

EVENT ENTRY

If you want to help build the city, you can apply for an Early Builder Pass and come to the location starting June 26. You can also complete the magical circle and stay for the strike after the event until July 9. More information and applications will be sent to ticket holders.
Your car might be inspected for forbidden items (such as fireworks, explosives, all kinds of guns, and illegal substances) by the Gate Crew.
No one under the age of 18 is admitted without a parent or guardian.
Anyone trying to enter illegally (or helping someone to do so), i.e., without a ticket, highly intoxicated, unfriendly, or carrying prohibited items, will be denied entry, asked to leave the event, and/or will have his/her/their ticket voided.

GATE OPERATING HOURS

The Gate will be open from Thursday, July 4, to Friday, July 5. Gate operating hours: 12:00 – 22:00.
Afterhours: if you arrive outside the above opening hours, the gate crew will come to check you in as per below:
- Thursday at 10:00 and at 00:00 (midnight);
- Friday at 10:00 and at 00:00 (midnight).

PARTICIPATION

A true burner achieves being through doing. We create everything by ourselves, and it’s up to us what kinds of experiences we have.

Yes, sometimes it is scary to reveal yourself, be vulnerable, and open your heart and soul to the world. But this is exactly why getting involved is so important, and there are a few ways to do so:

VOLUNTEER. This is the cornerstone of our community. There is no paid staff; we are all making the event happen together! If you registered to participate in the event, you will receive an email with information on how you can volunteer. If you are still confused, please go to the Info Point during the event. Read more about volunteering HERE.
GIFT YOUR ART. Express yourself through creating and installing art or providing experiences.
- The form TBA (if you would like to be placed and/or need help) or go with the flow.
- Please note that you do not have to gift your art or installation to the event forever, i.e., you can bring it, share it with the participants, and take it back at the end of the event.
GIFT YOUR SKILLS. Perform and/or share your skills by teaching a workshop or a class. Fill out the form if you would like your gift to be placed and/or need help or go with the flow.
DECORATE. Go wild! From Feng shuiing your tent to hanging the brightest of lights in the forest, everything goes. Don’t forget Leaving No Trace though!
DRESS UP. Go wild, go bizarre, and go unique. Don’t forget that all garments should not leave any MOOP!

Simply embrace the principles of Burning Man and engage in spontaneous acts of self-expression and connection throughout the event.

GENERAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION

LOCATION. In order to protect the privacy and remoteness of the event, the location will be disclosed to all ticket holders a few days prior to Amber Burn. It is roughly 100 km and 1.5 hours drive away from Vilnius.

CAMPING, CAMPSITES, THEME CAMPS

Members of a registered Theme Camp stay in the designated Theme Camp areas.
Burners with kids are welcome to camp in the Kids Valley and join the Amber Burn with Kids Facebook group.
Vans and Campers have a designated area. Make sure you have a Camper or Van Pass!
Everyone else can camp anywhere, where camping is allowed (see map). There are few exception, a few marked areas like Pievaya, Central Portal, or where thyme grows where camping is not allowed.

FOOD AND WATER

Radical self-reliance is the key to the gathering. Plan ahead and bring your own water, drinks, and food to cook.
Open flames are not allowed in campsites except for portable gas stoves.
Some camps might offer food or beverages, so don’t forget to bring a plate or bowl and BYOC (bring your own cup)! Seriously, it’s a must to carry a nice cup; otherwise, you might not be served.
Make sure you have the proper dishes and utensils. No disposable plastic, please!

POWER

There is no electrical distribution provided unless you have very specific needs. Contact the Infrastructure team (+370 652 28785) if required.

HYGIENE AND TOILETS

Portable toilets are provided. Keep them clean and be respectful; we are guests in a beautiful place.
Make sure to wash your hands or disinfect after the WC!
There are no showers, but there is a pond.
Don’t use chemical products in water bodies; bring natural sunscreen that does not leave traces in the water; bring biodegradable soap and shampoo; or wash yourself without it.

MOBILE DEVICES

Leave the phone behind for a while; stay offline for a change. Open yourself to the HERE and NOW, and you’ll experience wonders.

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

If you feel like taking a picture or a video with other participants, always ask everyone in the frame for their consent and make sure they are OK with it.
It is NOT OK to take a picture of someone without their permission.
Feel the magic by taking fewer pictures and enjoying just being!
Visual artists will document the event and thus gift our skills and talents; you can see them with EYE PASS badges if you wish yourself to be photographed or filmed.
No photos or videos can be used publicly without the permission of Amber Burn (legal entity: “Lithuania Burners” Bendruomenė). The digital rights to all pictures and videos taken during the event belong to the “Lithuania Burners” Bendruomenė. Commercial use is strictly prohibited.
You confirm your understanding that you may be filmed or photographed by official event media Eye Pass holders (people with cameras and Eye Pass badges) during the event; nonetheless, you are free to refuse to be in the frame and refuse that your image be published. Please inform the Eye Pass holder and/or send an email to hello@lithuaniaburners.com about your refusal.

PERSONAL SAFETY

There are no general lights in the territory, and it gets really dark during the night. You are responsible for your own safety. Illuminate yourself, your camp, and your artwork.
Keep sharp parts (like those of tent stakes or installations) covered or marked, it’s very dangerous during the night and sometimes even during the day!
Have a fire extinguisher if you bring a portable gas stove.
Make sure you have anti-mosquito spray, sunscreen, a hat, etc.
Do not forget about the ticks; after all, we are in the wild!

FIRST AID (MEDIC) STATION

There are usually medic volunteers at Amber Burn City, so if you have any health issues or emergencies, please go to the Medics.
The medical station will be marked on the site and on the map, which will be shared before the event.
However, there are not enough medic volunteers, so if you can help, please contact us at hello@lithuaniaburners.com and volunteer.

EMERGENCY AND HELP

In case of an emergency, a question, or any uncomfortable situation, find and talk to a RANGER (heroes wearing bright “Ranger” vests).
If you feel overwhelmed and want to relax in a calm place, you could go to one of the places: Info Point, Medics and around is a calmer and quieter zone.
If you have any other questions concerning volunteering, program, etc., then people at the Info Point can help you out.

FIRE

We burn art and effigies following the Fire Art Safety Guidelines prepared by Burning Man.
The fire perimeter team sets up and protects the perimeter, but you need to be conscious and stay out of the danger zone.
Listen carefully to the instructions from the fire team and keep an eye on your friends, your dog, and any fluffy, flammable stuff.
Remember that there is no open flame allowed in the campsites except for portable gas stoves.
We use only those fire pits that were already there, and for the rest, we protect the grass in every possible way and use portable gas stoves.
Remember, if there are no volunteers for the perimeter, then no burn will happen. Pick a shift.

KIDS

Kids Valley area with sun or rain shade for families and bio-toilets nearby. It is a place to explore, find new best friends, relax, and learn new skills for kids and their guardians. Bring activities and create magical experiences.
Parents or guardians are responsible for their children’s wellbeing at all times. If a child goes missing or you encounter a lost child, alert a Ranger. Always be respectful and aware of the children’s presence.
There will be a possibility of camping and parking a camper in Kids Valley.

ANIMALS

If your quadrupled friend is a passionate burner too and wants to join Amber Burn, here are some non-negotiable statements for both of you:

Your dog, cat, unicorn, or any other creature with four legs is like a human friend and participant in AB, so the 11 BM Principles also stand for them.
You can keep your friend without a leash, but if you do so, hold her/him near you and keep an eye on the fact that it is not breaking consent principle.
if your quadrupled friend wants to run free around the location, run together; you can’t let it go on her/his own.
POO POO Fuuu, bring biodegradable poo bags and have them all the time with you; they fit with your outfit. Also, a shovel is very useful for leaving no trace.
If you see other POO, sing a song like “Pick it up… pick it up right now…” and really pick it up and bring it to the special market place.
If you did not create a very trusting relationship with your quadruped friend, you will have to keep it on the leash or put a muzzle on it. The most important thing is to create safety for all four-legged and two-legged participants.
If your dog has angry temper or is aggressive, the best would be if it stayed at home to contemplate about it.
Before and during the BURNS, fireworks keep your friend paw in paw; DO NOT let it go free or leave it alone in the wild.
Worst scenario, if you decide to behave in a different way, violations might result in the removal of both the dog/quadruped friend and the owner from the event.

Finally, we are co-creating with dog lovers and haters, so if you feel the urge to create a friendly, leash-less environment, join Burning Dogs and bring your ideas and helping hands (get in touch with Martyna at +370 68234209).

Great freedom creates great responsibility, so let’s co-create.

LOST AND FOUND

First of all, mark and tag all your belongings with our name (and Theme Camp or other location). This is the easiest way for your lost items to find you safe, sound, and fast.

All lost and found items end up in the box at the Info Point. If you find something that does not belong to you, pass it on to the Rangers or just bring it to the Lost’n’Found box.

MAP

Don’t worry; all of the important places will be marked on the map, which you will receive via email before the event. It will also be displayed in numerous places around Amber Burn City as well as at the Info Point.

CONSENT

Consent is about respect and personal boundaries and is the cornerstone of a healthy community.

It’s simple: whether it’s a photo taken without permission, a hug without asking or intention, physical touch of any kind, or something requiring permission that will radically alter the experience of another person, you are responsible for getting verbal consent before engaging. It is neither ethical nor acceptable to proceed without that person’s awareness and clear consent. No always means no.

We, as a community, take care of each other. If you see someone who needs help, offer it. If you see someone being mistreated, step in and help, and/or contact a Ranger or anyone else around. We are all in this together, and we are all responsible for nurturing a culture of consent.

Consent extends beyond intimacy and encompasses many aspects of our interactions, including:

TOUCH. Just because you hugged someone yesterday doesn’t mean you can surprise them with a hug today. “Surprise contact” isn’t always wanted, even if it’s affectionate.
KINK. Consent for one thing isn’t consent for another. If it was said you could spank me, that doesn’t give you permission to grope me.
SEX. Consent can be revoked once it’s been given; someone can say YES to sexual activity and change their mind at any point. This means you would have no consent to continue.
GIFTS. Disclose what’s in your gifts, even if it’s just essential oils. This is particularly relevant for gifting any substance. People can have sensitivities, allergies, and reactions you cannot predict. No one should be pressured to accept a gift, be it an object, something consumable, or an interaction.
FOOD. Disclose the ingredients, as one person’s innocuous ingredient can be someone else’s allergy.
PHOTOGRAPHY. First, we invite you to enjoy the moment and leave your phone for at least a while. If you decide to take a photo for memory, always ask for consent before taking pictures. Remember, consent to take a picture is not consent to post it on your blog or social media. And it’s never a consent to sell the photo or use it for any commercial purpose.

Consent can be a really difficult and sensitive topic. If you ever want to talk about your feelings and thoughts related to consent or feel the need for a safe and supportive space, please get in touch with any Ranger or crew shift.

PROTECT THE NATURE: LEAVE NO TRACE

We, the Burners, are environmentalists. With respect to our environment, it is the principle of Leaving No Trace that allows us to build and burn. We leave the place of a Burn event the same or better than before. Everything that stays in the City that was not there before us is considered MOOP.

This is a Burn, not a festival! Carry a MOOP bag with you during the day, and pack out all your waste at the end of the event.

BEFORE THE EVENT

Plan ahead and leave all of the extra food packaging at home. There will be less trash for you to take back with you then. Do not bring hard-to-pick-up MOOP like glitter or feathers. These are strictly prohibited items, and you will be denied entry if the Gate Crew finds such prohibited items.

DURING THE EVENT

There are no trash bins at Amber Burn.
Everything you bring to the City, you must take back with you.
Keep recycling trash bags at your camping place; bring and share trash containers with your neighbors — it’s a very kind gift!

AFTER THE EVENT

Pick up after yourself before you leave.
Scout the surroundings for any micro-trash on the ground, regardless of whether it’s yours or not.
Your camping area will be inspected before you leave to ensure that no traces are left.

MOOP

MOOP is anything or any condition that is not natural to the immediate environment and should not be there.
Examples of MOOP: wood, trash, bottles, bottle caps, cans, cigarette butts, plastic debris, metal debris, fireworks, glow sticks, but it can also be in the form of debris from camp fires, firewood, splinters, wood chips, sawdust, glass, plants, burn scars, gray water spills, fuel spills, decomposed granite, and dunes.
DON’T BRING feathers and glitter (for example, on your costume) to the Amber Burn; they do not belong here. Feathers and glitter are easy to lose and almost impossible to clean; therefore, they are not welcome.
Remember, you have to leave your camp as clean as it was before, or better. It is your responsibility to collect your trash and bring it along with you when you leave.
Carry a bag or container with you to pick up stray MOOP.
If you are a smoker, a transportable ashtray is a must.

PROTECT THE ART

If you didn’t make it, don’t break it! Whether you’re on a volunteer shift or not, please share responsibility for watching out for the artwork in our city. Tagging, breaking, burning, taking a “souvenir”, or any kind of willful destruction is an act of disrespect, not creativity. If you see this happening, ask the person if it’s their art, and if it’s not, then kindly ask them to stop or find a Ranger.

TEMPLE OF THE FREQUENCY

Temple with its healing energies, embraces all those seeking reflection, resolution, contemplation, release, and renewal and is open to all visitors. It is considered a calm place; please be considerate about noise and respect other people’s experiences.

Be very cautious about smudging, or placing candles or incense inside the Temple. This will help ensure the Temple, its participants, and their offerings remain safe until Sunday’s burn. Temple will burn Sunday 9 P.M. and will be closed to prepare for burn (around 6 P.M.)

Be respectful of photography at the Temple, you must ask for their consent. Most participants would not like their tributes or themselves having a vulnerable moment to be photographed.

The Temple is built to be safe for climbing, but remember that you do it at your own risk. This is a potential hazard for you and other Temple visitors.

Temple Guardians are the silent peacekeepers holding the space at the Temple. If you see something out of the ordinary, please find Temple Guardians on the shift.

Temple Guardians can be identified by their bandanas, and bracelets with a silent, tiny bell ringing, wandering around, and peacefully holding space.

Get in touch if you need more information: Templeguardiansofab@gmail.com.

COMMERCE

Amber Burn is created on the principles of decommodification and gifting; it is not possible to buy anything as we do not have vendors or suppliers on the spot, and we do not use money during the event.
Marketing, product promotion, or any commercial activity of any kind is not welcome here.
Let’s help each other keep Amber Burn free from advertisements; you can even duct tape the beer brands! Be creative; let’s rest from the default world of marketing and ads; let’s create our own utopia!
There is nothing to buy, and you cannot sell anything either.

SO, WHAT TO BRING?

Amber Burn is a self-reliance event; bring everything you need or might gift and share.

Your ticket and ID (for confirmation and legitimacy).
Bring your ID copy and stick it to the cup; servings at the bars won’t be provided without an ID!
Food and beverages, including water. Take everything you need to fill up your energy levels for the whole event, from water to your favorite meals and snacks.
By the way, there will be a collective bar, which will serve drinks that everybody shares (including you). You are welcome to help out and donate some exciting drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for everyone to enjoy! Remember, it is important to bring more non-alcoholic drinks.
Your own plate, fork, knife, spoon, and cup. There will be no serving at the bars without a cup. And do not bring any disposable plastic, please.
BYOB – bring your own bike. Eco-friendly and fast way to go around the city!
Fire extinguisher if you bring a portable gas stove.
Camp tent or other shelter, and warm sleeping bags with bedding and pillows, if needed.
Swimwear (nudity is also welcome) and a towel or blanket.
Unwanted stuff from the Free Shop – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
Crazy costumes, a warm coat for nighttime, and a spanking whip. Seriously, take warm clothes and an extra pair of shoes and socks. Lithuanian weather can be very unpredictable; make sure you do not freeze under a cold rain but instead dance in your rain boots and raincoat!
Garbage and recycling bags, as well as tools to clean up your camp!
If you smoke, use portable ashtrays (e.g., an altoids tin that closes securely). We Leave No Trace.
Flashlights, LEDs, headlamps, shining fairy wings, and spare batteries.
Eco-friendly hygiene products.
Hand sanitizer, baby wipes (useful), and toilet paper. Condoms are also useful.
Prescriptions, contact lenses, and anything else you need to maintain your health in a remote area with no services.
First-aid kit, sunblock, and anti-mosquito spray.
Duct tape and cable ties —you’ll find a need for them, guaranteed.
A bike to drive around and a hammock to chill in between the trees! Why not?
Common sense, an open mind, a sense of humor, and a positive attitude.
Burn bright!

COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

Discord is the main communication channel. All discussions are held here and divided by topic or team.

Facebook group: Amber Burn participants!

If there are any questions that haven’t been answered here, please drop an email at hello@amberburn.lt