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DM-010 — Session 9: Critical Corrections, New Site Protocol, and Medical Reference

Session: 9 Date: 2026-04-20 Triggered by: Lottery opened today (April 20); web research revealed critical planning errors from prior sessions

What This Session Found

Critical correction: Theme camp window closed

Prior memos (DM-007, EVENT-DETAILS-2026) said Matt had until May 27 to decide on theme camp registration.

This is wrong. Theme camp applications opened March 3 and closed March 30, 2026.

The group cannot register a theme camp for 2026. The amplified sound question is resolved by default: - No theme camp → no permit for 100W+ sound - Matt's sound setup for 2026 = portable Bluetooth speakers only - No DJ rig at the event

This simplifies the power plan decisively: solar + battery station is the correct choice. No generator needed for sound.

New site is more specific than previously documented

The Luther, MI site is 80 acres with varied terrain: hardwoods, evergreens, open meadows, rolling hills, cedar swamps, and a winding creek. Active infrastructure work is underway (parking clearing, well drilling, road/trail mapping, brush clearing).

Cedar swamps + creek = mosquitoes. Rolling hills + raw land = uneven ground requiring a mallet and footwear that handles terrain. Low areas = drainage risk after rain.

Medical and safety system documented for the first time

Prior playbook had no specific documentation of ESD, Rangers, and CIT. This session adds a full quick reference: - ESD: credentialed medical volunteers (ER, EMS, military medics) - Rangers: trained de-escalators and situational responders (wear khaki) - CIT: licensed mental health professionals, 24/7 on-call, activated by Rangers - Protocol: find a Ranger for any uncertain situation

Decisions

RESOLVED

  • Theme camp 2026: no — window closed, not a choice anymore
  • Matt's sound setup: portable Bluetooth speakers — no permit available
  • Power plan: solar + battery station — no generator needed, clear simpler answer

STANDARDIZE

  • Developer locates ESD and Ranger HQ during Day 1 site walkthrough and reports back to Amber and Matt
  • "Find a Ranger" is the group's first-response protocol for any uncertain situation
  • Arrivals: Tuesday July 14 (not Wednesday) — campsite selection on a new undeveloped site matters more

ADD TO PACKING LIST

  • Rubber mallet (stake driving in unknown terrain) — Matt
  • Insect repellent DEET/picaridin — each person
  • Closed-toe shoes with grip (not sandals) as dedicated camp shoes — each person
  • Long sleeves/pants for evening — each person
  • Permethrin-treated clothing (apply before trip) — each person

KEEP

  • 45-gallon water plan — on-site water distribution still unconfirmed despite second well drilling
  • Tuesday July 14 arrival as recommended plan

REJECT

  • Camping in low-lying, creek-adjacent, or cedar swamp areas
  • Treating Rangers as security/enforcement — they are de-escalators

REVISIT

  • June–July: Check org site map when released (new site map for Luther property)
  • June–July: Confirm whether on-site water distribution is available for open camping
  • 2027: If Matt wants to DJ, theme camp applications open roughly March 2027

Group communication needed immediately (today, April 20)

Developer sends to Amber and Matt: 1. Lottery link (volunteer.lakesoffire.org) + deadline context 2. Theme camp window is already closed — Matt's sound setup = portable speakers; power decision resolved 3. Arrival is Tuesday July 14 not Wednesday 4. New site note: bring mallet, bug spray, closed-toe camp shoes

Artifacts produced this session

  • reports/concepts/EVENT-UPDATE-2026-critical-corrections.md — corrections to prior planning + new site details
  • reports/concepts/MEDICAL-SAFETY-quick-reference.md — ESD, Rangers, CIT reference for group
  • reports/concepts/SITE-arrival-new-luther-MI.md — new site terrain, campsite selection, arrival protocol
  • reports/decision-memos/DM-010-session-9-corrections-and-new-site.md — this file