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Decision Memo — DM-007 — Theme Camp Registration Decision

Session: 7 Date: 2026-04-20 Topic: Should the group register as a theme camp for Lakes of Fire 2026? Deadline: ~~Must decide before May 20 to submit before May 27~~

⚠️ SESSION 9 UPDATE — DECISION CLOSED

Theme camp applications for 2026 closed March 30, 2026.

This decision is no longer open. The group cannot register a theme camp for 2026.

Outcome: Option B (no registration) — by default. - Sound = portable Bluetooth speakers only - Power = solar + battery station (confirmed) - Matt connects with existing sound camps informally if he wants to participate in music programming

This memo is retained for Year 2 reference (applications open ~March 2027).

What a theme camp is

A theme camp is a camp that offers something to the community — sound, food, activities, art, workshops, or experiences. In exchange, it receives: - Assigned placement (often better, more central location than open camping) - Sound permit (required for 100W+ amplified sound) - Community identity — the camp appears in the event guide, people seek it out

A theme camp is not just a camp with a name. It is a commitment to offer something.

The decision for this group

Option A: Register as a theme camp (sound focus)

What Matt would need to commit to: - A camp name - A description of what the camp offers (music/DJ sets at specific times, or ambient music, or both) - Running sound at committed times during the event (typically 2–4 hour blocks) - Meeting the 85 dB at 40 feet limit - Observing subwoofer cutoff times - Having a soundboard operator available during active hours

What the group gets: - Matt can bring and run actual DJ equipment (100W+) - Placement team assigns a spot — likely better than open camping - The camp appears in the Lakes of Fire event guide - A community role and identity

What the group takes on: - More planning work before the event - Responsibility to actually deliver what was promised - Permit must be posted near the soundboard during the event - Three-strike rule for sound violations

Is this realistic for a first-year group of 3? It is doable — many small theme camps at regionals are 2–4 people running ambient or curated DJ sets. It adds commitment but not unmanageable work.

The key question for Matt: Does he want to DJ at this event, or does he want music playing at camp in the background? These are different things.

Option B: Don't register — boom box levels only

What this means: - Sound is limited to portable / Bluetooth-level speakers (no permit required for casual camp music) - No DJ setup, no 100W+ amplified sound - Placement is open camping (first-come, first-served) - Significantly simpler for the first year

What the group gives up: - Matt doesn't get to run DJ equipment at the event - No placement advantage - No community-facing identity

Is this the right call for first-timers? Possibly yes. A first year where the group is oriented, participatory, and comfortable is more valuable than a first year where they're managing sound permits and set times while also learning the event.

Recommendation

If Matt's primary motivation is to DJ: Register. The sound ecosystem at Lakes of Fire is real and welcoming. His skills are valued and he will likely have a good experience running even a small set.

If Matt's primary motivation is to camp and experience the event: Don't register. Run background music at boom box levels. Come back with a theme camp plan for Year 2 with more lead time and clearer scope.

For a first-year group of 3: The default recommendation is Option B (don't register this year), but this is a group decision and Matt's instincts should drive it. If he has strong interest in participating as a DJ, the extra planning work is justified.

If the group decides to register — minimum requirements

  1. Choose a camp name
  2. Write a 2–3 sentence description of what the camp offers (music programming, times, genre if relevant)
  3. Submit theme camp application through Lakes of Fire Placement (via the website — check lakesoffire.org/departments/placement/ for the form)
  4. Plan the sound setup: determine what equipment Matt is bringing and the power source
  5. Build a loose set schedule (even 2–3 time windows per day is sufficient)

Who does what: - Matt: drives sound setup decision and scheduling - Developer: handles application paperwork and submission - Amber: camp name and description input (she's good at this kind of community framing)

If the group decides NOT to register

  • Sound stays at boom box/portable level — this is completely fine
  • No additional planning required for sound
  • Power decision becomes simpler: a small battery station is sufficient for lighting + portable audio
  • Redirect Matt's DJ/music thinking toward volunteering at an existing sound camp or connecting with the Lakes of Fire music community — this is a valid and often more interesting path than running your own camp sound

Decision framework

Ask these questions: 1. Does Matt want to DJ at this event, or just have music playing? (DJ = register; music = don't) 2. Is the group comfortable with the added commitment (set times, permit compliance, soundboard management)? (Yes = register; uncertain = don't) 3. Does the group have enough lead time to execute well? (May 27 deadline is 5 weeks away — tight but doable)

Decision memo

  • Decide: Yes or No to theme camp registration — before May 20
  • Owner: Matt drives the decision; group agrees or disagrees
  • Deadline: Submit application before May 27 or the sound permit option is gone for 2026
  • If Yes: Developer handles application paperwork; Matt plans sound scope
  • If No: Power planning simplified; Matt considers connecting with existing sound camps instead
  • Revisit: Year 2 — if the group attends again, theme camp registration with a full year of planning is a real option