Mission Statement
Rebel Camp Emergency Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professional, compassionate emergency medical care to the more than 70,000 participants who gather each year at Burning Man in Nevada’s remote Black Rock Desert. Our team of approximately 100 trained volunteers—including doctors, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, rangers, and specialists in communications and logistics—works tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of this temporary city in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
When a medical emergency occurs on the playa, there’s a strong chance one of our volunteers is the first to respond—bringing critical care with speed, skill, and humanity. Through our efforts, we not only safeguard individual well-being but also strengthen community resilience and preparedness in remote and resource-limited settings. By reducing the burden on regional emergency services and enhancing public safety, we serve as a vital link in protecting lives and supporting the spirit of radical self-reliance and communal care.
Together, we help keep Black Rock City safe—one act of care at a time.
2025 News
This year brought us heartbreak and loss. Our refrigerators, our carports, and the shade structures that sheltered us were damaged or destroyed.
But these trials have only lit a fire within us. They’ve shown us how deeply we need to build—not just stronger infrastructure, but a stronger camp, a stronger family.
We refuse to be broken. We will rise from this, more resilient, more sustainable, and more united than ever before.
We will return to the playa not just to rebuild, but to thrive—to care for one another, to stand together, and to carry our mission forward with even greater love and determination.
Volunteer-Powered Emergency Care
At the heart of Rebel Camp Emergency Services is the incredible power of volunteerism. Every life we touch, every emergency we respond to, and every moment of care we provide is made possible by individuals who choose to show up—not for recognition or reward, but out of a deep commitment to community and service. In one of the harshest environments on Earth, our volunteers bring not only their professional expertise but also their compassion, resilience, and humanity. Their willingness to give freely of themselves transforms strangers into a safety net, and a desert into a city where people look out for one another. Volunteerism is more than just action; it’s a radical expression of love, solidarity, and shared responsibility. It’s what makes our mission possible—and what keeps Black Rock City beating.
There are incredible opportunities to volunteer with ESD on the playa—whether you’re a licensed medical professional, a first responder, or someone with skills in communications, logistics, or support, your time and talents can help save lives and serve the community in one of the most unique environments on Earth.
Why Your Support Matters
Rebel Camp Emergency Services operates entirely through the dedication of trained volunteers and the generosity of donors like you. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on contributions to fund critical equipment, medical supplies, infrastructure, and logistics that make it possible for us to provide lifesaving care in the extreme conditions of the Black Rock Desert. Your donation directly supports the safety and well-being of thousands at Burning Man—helping us respond to medical emergencies with speed, skill, and compassion. With your help, we can rebuild stronger, remain fully equipped, and continue offering care where it’s needed most. Support us today, and be part of something that truly saves lives.