Family Survival Guide — Blazing Swan

This guide forms part of the Blazing Swan Survival Guide and we recommend reading through other areas to help with your preparation.

This guide is for anyone who attends Blazing Swan with children / as a family.

Our event is for everyone!

Welcome to the Blazing Swan Family Survival Guide!

At Blazing Swan, we thrive on diversity, participation, playfulness and imagination. These values make Swan a wonderful place for children to experience and engage with what makes our community so special. You'll find plenty of mini-me Burners at the event, and they help make our community what it is.

But let's be clear: Blazing Swan is family friendly, but it's not a family festival. It's an adult environment where radical self-expression takes many forms, and things can sometimes get a little unexpected.

Bringing children to Swan can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with some extra responsibilities and considerations. A little preparation, some sensible boundaries and a willingness to adapt can make the experience enjoyable for the whole family.

Here's what you need to think about before bringing your little Burners to the dust.

You're responsible!

Let's start with the most important bit: you are responsible for your children.

It's a condition of entry that children aged 16 and under are accompanied by an adult at all times. As parents and legal guardians, you're responsible for deciding what's appropriate for your children, keeping them safe and knowing where they are.

Don't assume that other participants will supervise your children or modify their behaviour because kids are around. Radical self-expression means people may express themselves in ways that aren't necessarily suitable for children. It's up to you to decide what your kids are comfortable with, provide context and step away from situations that aren't appropriate.

Even older children and teenagers need supervision and clear boundaries. Talk with them about what to expect and agree on some basic ground rules before arriving.

Risk and Reward

Any Burn can be a radical and challenging environment, and Blazing Swan is no exception.

You need to be comfortable bringing your children into an adult environment where anything can happen. There may be nudity, unusual costumes, adult conversations, strong language, loud music and experiences that are outside their everyday world.

For many families, this is part of the appeal. Swan can provide a fantastic opportunity for children to experience creativity, community, participation and different ways of living. It can also be a great catalyst for open and rewarding conversations about things you might not normally discuss around the dinner table.

Think about your child's age, personality and ability to cope with unfamiliar situations. Not every child will enjoy every part of the event, and that's okay. Be prepared to change your plans, take a break or head back to camp when needed.

Getting Prepared

If you've ever been camping with your kids, you're already halfway there!

Everything in the main Survival Guide applies to children too, but often with a little extra planning. You'll need to be self-sufficient for the duration of the event. There are no shops, food vendors or general supplies available, so bring everything your family needs.

Think about the things that will protect your children from the elements, keep them comfortable and help them feel at home.

Some essentials include:

Plenty of food, snacks and drinking water
Suitable shelter and shade
Sunscreen, hats and protective clothing
Warm clothing for cold evenings
Comfortable and appropriate footwear
Ear protection for loud environments
A basic first aid kit and any required medication
Favourite toys, books or activities for downtime

A familiar blanket, favourite snack or something from home can make a big difference when little ones need some comfort.

Basic Safety

Before arriving, have a conversation with your children about some basic safety rules. Make sure they understand what is expected of them and why.

Some useful ground rules might include:

Never leave your camp without telling your parent or guardian.
Never leave the event site or agreed boundaries.
Never enter an enclosed space, vehicle or structure without permission.
Never get on a mutant vehicle without permission from your parent or guardian.
Always carry water when leaving camp.
Never accept food, drinks or gifts from someone without checking with your parent or guardian first.
Stay away from fires, moving vehicles, generators and other potential hazards.

Make sure your children know how to identify a Jilakin Rock Ranger, understand what Rangers do and know where to find help if they need it.

When you arrive, take some time to explore your immediate surroundings together. Get to know your neighbours, identify nearby landmarks and make sure your children know how to find their way back to camp.

Have a Plan For Getting Seperated

Talk to your children about what to do if they can't find you. Make sure they know to approach a Ranger or event crew member for help rather than wandering around looking for you.

If you become separated from your child, contact a Ranger immediately. Rangers have a lost child protocol and can coordinate assistance through Ranger HQ.

It's also a good idea to make sure your children have some form of identification with your contact details, and that you have a copy of those details on you.

Food and Water

Kids need food and water, and plenty of both!

Blazing Swan can be hot, dry and dusty. Children can become dehydrated quickly, particularly when they're busy playing and exploring. Make sure they have access to drinking water throughout the day and carry refillable water bottles whenever you leave camp.

Dehydration can cause headaches, stomach pain, cramps, tiredness and changes in mood or behaviour. If your child is showing signs of dehydration or becoming unwell, seek medical assistance.

A few food tips:

Bring familiar foods your children enjoy eating.
Don't underestimate the power of snacks. Hungry kids are rarely happy kids!
Pack plenty of nutritious, easy-to-eat food.
Bring more than you think you'll need.
Be mindful of food storage, particularly dairy products and meat in the heat.
Keep water bottles accessible and encourage regular drinks throughout the day.

Remember, there are no food or drink vendors at the event. You need to bring everything your family will consume. It is always better to bring more of the essentials and go home with it, than it is to run dry.

Protection From The Elements

The elements at Jilakin Rock can be challenging for adults, let alone little people.

Sun protection is essential. Cover up, wear hats, apply sunscreen regularly and make use of shade wherever possible. Children have sensitive skin, so consider bringing moisturiser and lip balm to help with dry, dusty conditions.

Don't forget that evenings can get cold, so bring warm clothing and blankets as well as lightweight clothing for the heat.

Dust can also be irritating, particularly for younger children. Consider bringing suitable dust protection and anything your family needs to manage allergies or sensitivities.

And remember, the weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for wet weather as well as hot and dry conditions.

Bring a basic first aid kit with items such as plasters, antiseptic and any medication your children may need. Make sure you have any prescribed medication with you and know where to seek medical assistance if required.

Protecting Little Ears

There's plenty of music and noise at Blazing Swan, and some environments can get very loud.

Children's ears are particularly sensitive to loud noise, so bring properly fitted ear defenders or earmuffs. These allow little Burners to enjoy the atmosphere without exposing their ears to potentially harmful noise levels.

This applies to adults too. Earplugs or ear defenders are worth packing for the whole family.

Making Your Camp Family Friendly

Your camp is your family's home base, so make it somewhere everyone can relax and recharge.

A few things worth considering:

Make sure you have plenty of shade.
Bring comfortable chairs and somewhere to sit together.
Create a comfortable sleeping area with warm bedding.
Have some quiet activities available for when children need downtime.
Keep food, water and essential supplies easily accessible.
Think about lighting around your camp so everyone can move around safely after dark.

It's also worth having a few familiar comforts from home. A favourite toy, book or blanket can make a big difference after a long day of adventures.

Know When To Call It A Day

Blazing Swan can be a big experience for little people. There's lots to see, hear and do, and it's easy for children (and adults!) to become overwhelmed.

Don't feel like you need to experience everything. Sometimes the best thing you can do is head back to camp, have something to eat and take a break.

It's a really good idea to get your children fed, washed and ready for bed before it gets dark. Everything becomes a little more complicated after dark, and having the essentials sorted beforehand makes bedtime much easier.

Remember H.A.L.T

Remember H.A.L.T.

Whenever you or your children aren't coping particularly well, stop and consider whether the underlying cause might be:

H – Hungry: When did you last eat?
A – Angry: Is someone frustrated or upset?
L – Lonely: Does someone need a little connection or reassurance?
T – Tired: Is it time for a rest?

Sometimes a drink, a snack, a cuddle or a quiet break is all that's needed to turn things around.

And parents, remember to look after yourselves too. Have a plan for your own downtime and consider arranging a trusted backup person who can help if you need a break.

Blazing Swan Resources

You don't have to work everything out on your own. There are people at Blazing Swan who can help if something goes wrong or you need assistance.

Jilakin Rock Rangers

Rangers are Blazing Swan volunteers who help support community welfare, safety and the overall event experience. They're available 24 hours a day and can help you find solutions to problems you can't resolve yourself.

Take the time to introduce your children to a Ranger and show them how to recognise one.

Ranger HQ and First Aid

Ranger HQ is located with the medical team at Camp Hart and is clearly marked on the event map. Make sure you and your children know where it is.

If your child becomes lost, contact a Ranger or event crew member immediately. They can radio Ranger HQ and initiate the lost child protocol.

If you or your child requires medical assistance, find a Ranger or crew member, or visit the First Aid post at Camp Hart. Trained medical personnel are on duty 24 hours a day and can assist with physical or psychological medical concerns.

Family Survival Checklist

Here's a handy checklist to help you prepare for Swan with the whole family. It's not exhaustive, but it's a good place to start!

Pack the Essentials

☐ Food, snacks and plenty of drinking water
☐ Refillable water bottles
☐ Shelter and adequate shade
☐ Emergency contact details
☐ Warm and cool clothing
☐ Comfortable and appropriate footwear
☐ Sunscreen, hats and sun protection
☐ Ear defenders or earplugs
☐ Basic first aid kit and required medication
☐ Identification with parent/guardian contact details
☐ Torch and camp lighting
☐ Bedding, blankets and familiar comforts
☐ Favourite toys, books or activities

Before You Arrive
☐ Read the main Blazing Swan Survival Guide (everything in there applies to your children too!)
☐ Talk to your children about the event and what to expect
☐ Make a plan for what to do if you become separated
☐ Agree on some basic safety rules and boundaries
☐ Make sure your children know how to identify a Ranger
☐ Have a plan for your own rest and downtime

When You Arrive
☐ Familiarise yourselves with the event site
☐ Locate Ranger HQ and First Aid at Camp Hart
☐ Show your children how to find their way back to camp
☐ Introduce yourselves to your neighbours
☐ Make sure your children have identification and your contact details
☐ Keep water bottles accessible and encourage regular hydration
☐ Get familiar with the areas and activities you plan to visit

While You’re at Blazing Swan
☐ Know where your children are at all times
☐ Keep your children hydrated, fed and protected from the elements.
☐ Keep water bottles accessible and encourage regular hydration
☐ Be mindful of their energy levels and take regular breaks.
☐ Get the kids ready for the evening before it gets dark.
☐ Look after yourself too!

And One Last Thing… Have Fun!

Blazing Swan is about community, creativity, participation and gifting. Sharing that experience with your children can be pretty special. Give them room to explore, make things, meet people and experience the magic of Swan, while making sure you're there to guide and support them along the way.

See you … and your family… in the dust!