Youth Policy

Revised: March 2026

We welcome participants of all ages to SOAK and are excited to have families join us: who else is going to take over bringing Burning Man and bring it to our communities? To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please adhere to the following guidelines when attending with minors. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in being asked to leave the event. Our community's safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.​

Supervision:

  • All minors (individuals under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is ultimately responsible for their safety and well-being at all times during the event.​

  • Children under the age of 12 should be supervised by a parent or guardian..​

Documentation:

  • Parents or guardians bringing minors should carry proper documentation to prove their authority to make decisions for the child. This may include an original birth certificate, passport, or other official documents. In the event of an emergency, this information may be required to establish custody and duty of care.

Responsibility:

  • Parents or guardians are solely responsible for the care, supervision, and well-being of their children throughout the event.

  • Be aware that the event may include activities or behavior that parents/guardians find to be not suitable for their children. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to supervise their child's exposure, not the responsibility of other event attendees. 

Safety Measures:

  • Ensure your child has a form of identification on them at all times, including your contact information.​

    • Ex. Make a card they can wear around their neck with name, phone number, and camp name or write with a sharpie their name, phone number, and camp name. 

  • Prepare your child for the event environment, including appropriate clothing, ear protection, and awareness of potential hazards.​ 

Behavior:

  • Please be mindful that other participants may not censor themselves around children.

  • Any camps or areas designated for adults (e.g., 21+ camps) are expected to be clearly marked, checking ID’s, and the event will provide two color and marked wristbands for added clarity. If you find an area that you feel is not designed for minors as is not clearly marked as designated for adults, please inform a SOAK Ranger.

Youth Volunteering: 

  • We believe in the future of our youth to change the world. Some of our departments offer youth opportunities to volunteer. In order to volunteer, the youth will need an email address and fill out the SOAK volunteer form like any other participant. When contacted to volunteer, your minor should be clear about their age in case there are roles that may not be appropriate.

  • Youth volunteer ticket policy (ages 12 - 17 at time of event) for 2026 looks similar to the adult policy but with slightly lower credit minimums:12 credit hours for a DGS and 16 credit hours for a Gift Ticket.