Decision Memo — DM-005 — Session 5 Completion Assessment
Session: 5 Date: 2026-04-20 Topic: Day-by-day rhythm, pre-event conversation guide, quick reference summary; playbook completeness review
What was completed this session
- ORIENTATION-day-by-day-rhythm.md — event rhythm by day; daily camp maintenance routine
- PRE-EVENT-group-conversation-guide.md — structured 45–90 min conversation framework for developer
- QUICK-REFERENCE-summary.md — single-page orientation document combining most important decisions
Playbook completeness review
Core deliverable types from program.md
| Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Principles translation memos | COMPLETE — all 10 |
| Role-specific prep memos | COMPLETE — Amber, Matt, Developer |
| Camp operations memo | COMPLETE — minimum viable model |
| Infrastructure checklist memo | COMPLETE — 6 core systems |
| Packing framework memo | COMPLETE |
| Social/psychological prep memo | COMPLETE |
| Comparison memo | COMPLETE |
| Failure modes memo | COMPLETE |
| Decision memos | COMPLETE — DM-001 through DM-005 |
| Post-event debrief template | COMPLETE |
| Quick reference summary | COMPLETE |
| Day-by-day orientation | COMPLETE |
| Pre-event conversation guide | COMPLETE |
What the playbook can now do
A group member reading this playbook can: - Understand all 10 principles in practical terms for their role - Know what their preparation responsibilities are - Know what camp system they need to run - Know what to pack and who's bringing what - Know what to expect emotionally and socially before, during, and after the event - Understand the specific failure modes they're most at risk for - Run the pre-event group conversation from a structured guide - Debrief effectively after the event for Year 2 improvement
What remains unresolved
Event-specific details (not possible to resolve without external research): - Lakes of Fire 2026 exact dates - Campsite assignment process (pre-assigned vs. first-come) - Campsite size limits - Generator and amplified sound rules - On-site water availability - Ticket purchase process and registration dates
These do not block the playbook's usefulness — they affect specific planning items (water volume, power setup, sound scope) that can be finalized once known.
Nice-to-have additions (low priority): - Weather prep specifics for Michigan June (temperature range, storm probability) - Contribution/participation plan if group wants to offer something to the event - Year 2 expansion if the group attends again
Decisions
Keep: - This playbook structure — all artifact types from program.md are addressed - QUICK-REFERENCE as the primary handout for Amber and Matt before the event - PRE-EVENT conversation guide as the required 4–6 weeks before the event - POST-EVENT debrief as required within 2 weeks after
Standardize: - Any new sessions should build on what's here rather than re-derive - Reference existing memos rather than re-explaining; use QUICK-REFERENCE as the orientation entry point
Next immediate actions for the group: 1. Developer checks Lakes of Fire 2026 registration status and buys tickets if available 2. Developer schedules pre-event group conversation (4–6 weeks before event) 3. Matt begins shade structure, water containers, and kitchen kit procurement 4. Each person reviews QUICK-REFERENCE and personal packing checklist
Reject: - Further principle memos — all 10 are complete - Redundant role memos — all three are complete - Generic camping or festival advice not tied to this group
Revisit: - Weather specifics once 2026 dates are confirmed - Power/sound scope once site rules are confirmed - Group contribution plan if interest exists after the pre-event conversation
Mission self-review
- Which outputs most reduced uncertainty? Role-specific prep memos + failure modes memo. These are the ones where prior experience gives false confidence.
- Which principles needed the most practical translation? Radical Self-Reliance and Decommodification — both challenge the event baseline assumptions from Amber and Matt's backgrounds.
- Which responsibilities are now clearly assigned? All major responsibilities are assigned by name. Nothing is "the group's" without an owner.
- What's overthought? Gifting memo is the most philosophical; it's fine but adds less value than the operational memos.
- What to standardize for future sessions? The "what the event provides vs. does not provide" framing and the role-assignment table are both reusable in future planning sessions.