The Burning Man classes went great!
The camp leaders and Jim were all very supportive in my efforts to prepare for the class.
Just working out the logistics for the class was a challenge, but things worked out pretty much as we?d hoped.
The participant response was fantastic. For both of the classes there was a line of people waiting to get started before the workshop even began.
Folks showed up a half hour early and hung out in our public area until we were ready to start.
Several of my campmates offered to help, which made everything run smoothly.
A couple of people helped me hand out the materials, while others took pictures or helped people learn to flag once they were finished.
We ran out of materials on Friday, but even the people who couldn?t make flags were patient and understanding.
We scheduled the classes as the same time as the poi classes so if we had too many people there was another option. The poi classes were also very popular!
I tell you, seeing the whole area filled with people, patiently hand-sewing their flags for three or four hours was amazing.
It was kinda like a sewing bee ? everyone coming together and sewing while we chatted, shared stories, and learned about each other.
Very very cool.
On Friday, we had a major dust storm hit about halfway through the class.
We quickly moved everyone into our camp?s common area for shelter, and things became intimate and cozy while we sewed.
Lots of people came to our camp on other days asking about the classes and if they could reserve spots, etc.
People took the flags they made to the dances, which attracted even more students.
It was a bit overwhelming, in a good way.
In the evenings, we?d switch on the blacklights for our ?Flagger Paradise? installation and dance together. This was Jim?s brilliant idea that became something amazing.
The participants shared how much they appreciated our efforts.
Some were frankly amazed at what we were offering, and let us know how much they had enjoyed their time with us.
The excitement of so many of the students was delightful... (continued on Friday class)