Decision Memo — DM-006 — Event Details and Sound Decision
Session: 6 Date: 2026-04-20 Topic: Event-specific research findings; Matt's sound decision; ticket urgency
⚠️ Session 9 update: Theme camp application window closed March 30, 2026. The sound decision is resolved: Matt cannot register a theme camp. Sound = boom box levels. Power = solar + battery. See DM-007 and DM-010.
Critical findings from research
1. Lottery opened today
The general lottery for Lakes of Fire 2026 opened April 20 at 4:20 PM — that is today. This is not a future task. The developer needs to contact Amber and Matt immediately and all three need to register at volunteer.lakesoffire.org.
Missing the offer email = forfeiting the ticket. Extensions require advance request.
2. New site — raw land in Luther, MI
The event moved to a newly purchased permanent property. This is a more primitive site than prior years. The developer's knowledge of Lucky Lake (prior site) does not transfer to site layout. 2026 will require learning the new site from scratch.
This also means: - No established paths or paved roads - More self-reliance than ever - New campsite dimensions TBD
3. Amplified sound requires theme camp registration (deadline May 27)
Matt cannot run 100W+ sound without a registered theme camp permit. The deadline is May 27, 2026. This decision must be made in the next 5 weeks.
Options: - Register a theme camp — requires describing what the camp offers to the community; opens the group to full DJ/sound equipment; adds planning work - Don't register — sound stays at boom box levels (Bluetooth speakers, portable speaker); simpler logistics
What a theme camp registration involves: - Submitting a theme camp application through Lakes of Fire Placement - Describing the camp's name, what it offers participants, how many members - Receiving a designated placement (often better placement than open camping) - Committing to what you said you'd offer (a sound camp that offers music is expected to actually run music)
Recommendation: For a first-year group of 3, registering a theme camp is a significant added commitment. If Matt wants to DJ, it's worth it. If he wants background music at camp, boom box levels are fine. This is a group decision but Matt should drive it.
4. Water: bring your own — confirmed
The new site's on-site well exists but distribution is not confirmed for 2026. Bring-your-own is the correct baseline. Updated water math: 45 gallons for 3 people over full trip.
5. No campfires in open camping
Propane only. No wood fires at the camp. This affects evening ambiance expectations — the "campfire at camp" feeling won't exist unless the group attends communal fire areas.
Decision registry (updated with new information)
Immediate (this week)
| Decision | Owner | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Enter the lottery at volunteer.lakesoffire.org | All three, initiated by Developer | Today/this week |
| Matt decides on theme camp registration for sound | Matt (group input) | Before May 20 to allow submission before May 27 deadline |
Soon (next 4 weeks)
| Decision | Owner | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle plan finalized | Matt + Developer | Before June |
| Water container procurement (45 gallons total) | Matt | Before June |
| Shade structure + ratchet straps procured | Matt | Before June |
| Generator vs. solar + battery | Matt (after deciding sound scope) | Before June |
| Group food plan | Group | Before June |
Closer to event (June–July)
| Decision | Owner | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Volunteer shift sign-ups (optional) | Each person | After tickets secured |
| Site map review when available | Developer | June |
| 7-day weather forecast | Developer | July 1 |
| Final packing list cross-check | Matt + Developer | July 13 (2 days before) |
| Pre-event group conversation | Developer | Late May or June |
Updates to existing memos
The following existing memos need addendums based on this session's research:
| Memo | Update needed |
|---|---|
| INFRA-checklist-core-systems.md | Water: update to 45 gallons; Kitchen: propane only, no wood fires; Power: sound baffle required for generator |
| PACKING-framework.md | Add ratchet straps to Matt's shade equipment; add rain jacket + warm layer to each person's personal list |
| QUICK-REFERENCE-summary.md | Update water volume to 45 gallons; add "no campfires in open camping"; add sound permit note |
| DM-004-early-logistics.md | Lottery is open now — this is no longer "decide soon," it is "act today" |
Decision summary
Urgent: - Enter lottery: today - Matt's sound decision: before May 20
Keep: - Bring-your-own water as the plan (confirmed correct) - Generator viable with sound baffle; solar + battery simpler - Pre-event conversation 4–6 weeks before event (schedule for late May/June)
Update: - Water math: 45 gallons (from 30) - Storm prep: ratchet straps added to required shade equipment - No wood fires at camp — propane only
Revisit: - Theme camp registration decision → drives sound scope, camp placement, and planning work - Site maps when available (new property) - On-site water distribution closer to event