“…I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody’s around – nobody big, I mean – except me. And I’m standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff – I mean if they’re running and they don’t look where they’re going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That’s all I’d do all day. I’d just be the catcher in the rye and all.” – J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
The Black Rock Rangers are a volunteer organization dedicated to the safety of the citizens of Black Rock City and its environs. The Black Rock Rangers are a cross-section of the Burning Man community, who volunteer some of their time in the role of non-confrontational community mediators. Responding to the ever-changing environment, Rangers address situations within their community that might otherwise require outside intervention. By encouraging and facilitating communication, Rangers promote awareness of potential hazards, from sunstroke to tent fires. Through their radios and shift briefings, Rangers carry the latest information to the citizens of Black Rock City.
Requirements and Qualifications
Rangering is probably not what you think. It’s about contributing to a sense of community and well-being. We have fun meeting people while we roam Black Rock City and we feel a sense of fulfillment from knowing we played a part in helping others enjoy Burning Man safely.
Some qualifications we look for in potential Rangers are:
- A great sense of humor
- Patience, patience, and more patience
- Generosity and sympathy
- An easy-going attitude
- Creative problem-solving abilities
- An ability to look great in sunglasses and sunscreen
- At least two years of attendance at the Burning Man event
The Process
- Fill out a Volunteer Application
Once your application has been accepted, you will receive notices of all future ranger events, and your email address will be added to the Ranger announce lists. Applications are accepted through July 1, or until the Rangers have fulfilled their new-Ranger needs for the year. - Attend a Ranger Training
You will receive lots of information about who Rangers are, what role they play in the Burning Man community, and how to best serve the community’s needs. You’ll have an opportunity to refine conflict mediation skills and become updated on information specific and relevant to the particular year. - Complete the Administrative Steps
Before you can sign up for your on-playa Alpha-Mentoring shift you must:a) Submit a volunteer application;
b) Have an approved Black Rock Ranger handle (assigned by the Ranger VCs with your input);
c) Successfully complete a full day of Ranger training; and
d) Have a photo taken for your laminate (photos are taken at the training).Once we confirm all the administrative process stuff has been completed, you are able to sign up for your on-playa Alpha-Mentoring.
- Pass Alpha-Mentoring
Alpha Rangers go through a mentoring process on-playa. Alpha-Mentoring shifts start promptly at 8:00 AM and end by 6:00 PM Sunday through Wednesday. Do not attempt to do your alpha-mentoring shift immediately after arriving on the playa, but do try to complete it early in the week. Show up well-rested and 30 minutes early to check in, and bring everything you’ll need to walk for 6+ hours in the dirt (including a lunch!). Arrive at Ranger HQ (located on the esplanade near Center Camp), sign in at the Alpha check-in table in front of Ranger HQ and hang out until the Mentors call over the Alphas to begin the mentoring shift. - Sign up for Ranger Shifts
If you pass, please take some time to sign up for shifts at the Ranger HQ window. You are also welcome to attend the Rebar Ceremony (1:30 PM Sunday – day of the Temple Burn, at HQ) in which new Rangers are welcomed into the Ranger community.
If you have any questions about becoming a Black Rock Ranger, please contact rangers@burningman.com