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2026 Event — Critical Corrections and New Information

Session: 9 Date: 2026-04-20 Sources: lakesoffire.org Lakes Letters (March 31, April 14), ESD/Rangers department pages, sound policy, ticketing pages

CORRECTION 1: Theme Camp Applications Are CLOSED

Previous guidance (DM-006, DM-007, EVENT-DETAILS-2026):

Matt must decide on theme camp registration before May 27 deadline.

Correction: Theme camp and Juror applications opened March 3, 2026 and closed March 30, 2026. This window has already passed.

What this means: - The group cannot register a theme camp for 2026 - Matt cannot run amplified sound at 100W or larger at Lakes of Fire 2026 - Sound for the group is limited to boom box / portable Bluetooth speaker levels - The theme camp sound decision in DM-007 is resolved by default: no theme camp, no amplified sound

Implication: - Matt's power plan simplifies significantly — no need for generator-level output for sound production - Solar + battery station is now the clear correct choice for camp power - Matt does not need to DJ with a full sound rig at this event; portable speakers for ambient camp music are the appropriate setup - If Matt wants to plan for theme camp registration in 2027, the window opens roughly March of that year

Owner: Developer communicates this to Matt immediately (combine with lottery conversation).

CORRECTION 2: Water Plan Confirmed — Second Well Underway

Previous note: On-site water availability for 2026 was uncertain.

Update: The org is actively drilling a second well at the Luther site. Permits are being secured as of late March 2026.

What this means: - The new site will have at least one (possibly two) wells - However, the distribution infrastructure and whether it will be accessible to general attendees is still TBD - Do not change the plan: bring 45 gallons as bring-your-own. On-site water access is still unconfirmed for distribution to open camping - If confirmed closer to event (June–July), this is a backup/bonus

CORRECTION 3: New Site Is More Complex Than Anticipated

Previous note: "Raw, undeveloped land — more primitive than prior site."

What we now know (per March 31 Lakes Letter): The property is 80 acres in Lake County, Michigan with: - Hardwood forests, evergreens, open meadows, rolling hills - Cedar swamps and a winding creek on-site - Active infrastructure work underway right now: - Parking lot clearing (logging company, permits pending) - Second well drilling - Road and trail network being mapped - Brush and tree clearing for campsite areas

What this adds to group preparation: - Terrain is varied — rolling hills, swamps, woods, meadows — not flat open field camping - No paved roads, no marked paths until org establishes them pre-event - Site will be better-developed by July but will remain rough compared to established campgrounds - Bring equipment that handles uneven terrain: stakes that penetrate hard/rocky soil, a mallet (not just hand-pushing stakes), ground tarps that manage wet/damp ground - Footwear matters: closed-toe shoes with real grip, not sandals, for navigation around an undeveloped site - Cedar swamps = mosquitoes. Insect repellent is not optional for Michigan summer on this land type - Rolling hills affect campsite drainage — low spots collect water after rain

Update to packing notes: Add mallet, insect repellent, and ground cover to priority items.

CORRECTION 4: Volunteer Ticket Deadline Is April 30

Note: The volunteer appreciation ticket window closes April 30, 2026 (not the May date previously uncertain). The group likely has zero 2025 volunteer hours as first-timers — this window is not applicable. This is confirmed: skip volunteer ticket process.

NEW: Ticket Transfers Also Opened April 20

Ticket transfers opened simultaneously with the lottery on April 20 at 4:20 PM ET. If for any reason someone in the group cannot attend, tickets can be transferred. This is not a current concern but worth knowing.

Summary of Changes to Prior Planning

Prior assumption Corrected
Theme camp deadline May 27 Window closed March 30 — group cannot register
Sound decision pending for Matt Resolved: boom box levels only
Power plan: generator vs. solar unclear Resolved: solar + battery is correct choice
On-site water uncertain Second well drilling; still bring 45 gal
Site is "raw" but undescribed 80 acres, varied terrain, active development

Decision memo

  • Resolved: No theme camp for 2026 — application window closed
  • Resolved: Matt's sound setup = portable speakers only (no DJ rig)
  • Resolved: Power system = solar + battery station (no generator needed)
  • Standardize: Site terrain is varied and rough; add mallet and insect repellent to packing checklist
  • Keep: 45-gallon water plan; on-site water distribution unconfirmed
  • Communicate today: Developer tells Matt about theme camp window closure when sending lottery link
  • Revisit June–July: Confirm whether on-site water distribution is available for open camping