Q: What is Playa Academy Makers Camp?
A: Playa Academy is a class-based event, inspired by the 10 principles, where community members share their skills, knowledge, and creativity with their peers. A preparation for the playa and other regional events.
Q: When is Playa Academy?
A: April 12 – 14, 2024. Rain or shine. Friday entry for early set-up at 12:30pm. The opening ceremony is at 6pm. The first class session is Friday evening from 7pm to 9pm. First session on Saturday is at 9am, with multiple sessions throughout the day – ending at 7pm. Gates close at 10pm. Two one-hour sessions on Sunday starting at 9am to 10am and 10:30am to 11:30am, allowing participation in teardown and LNT.
Q: What does it cost?
A: Admission is $80 per person which includes two nights of overnight camping. Teenagers 13 – 17 are $30 and Children 12 & under are free. After expenses, all proceeds go to benefit Sacramento Valley Spark (SVS) nonprofit organization. Ticket prices will increase to $100 per person / $50 kids on 3/16/24.
Q: How does Ticketing & Registration work?
A: The main ticket sale will begin Saturday 2/24/24 at
11am. Ticket sales for teachers, artists and volunteers will
begin on Thursday 2/15/24 at 11am.
In order to register and track classes for individuals, we can only process one registration at a time.
If you have questions or issues regarding payment
processing please see the document:
Registration Payment Questions (PDF)
Children under 13 do not need to register for classes. However, if there are material fees for a class they would like to attend, you can pay your child’s fees under “Additional Fees” when you purchase your ticket.
This Is a class based event. You must choose classes at the time of registration. There are drop-in classes that do not require registration to attend. However, if there is a drop-in class you’re excited about, we highly recommend registering to help the instructors prepare.
To prepare for your registration, please visit the 2024 Class Catalog for details about this year’s classes and instructors.
Please note: Some classes have a very limited class size. Once a class is full, additional registrants will be put on a wait list. We will do our best to notify you asap if/when that happens.
Q: How many people can attend?
A: 150 people.
Q: Is there overnight camping?
A: Yes. There are NO utilities services at campsites (no electricity, water or fire rings). RVs are allowed to “dry” camp.
Q: Is there a fee for RV’s, Campers or Trailers?
A: New for this year, we are asking those bringing RV’s, campers or trailers to contribute $20 to Sacramento Valley Spark’s “Positive Impact/Carbon Offset Fund”. Additional travelers may opt to contribute to the fund as well. These Positive Impact Funds will be earmarked by Sacramento Valley Spark for the planting of a Miyawaki Forest (*or other tree-planting effort).
Sacramento Valley Spark is working to lessen our impact on the environment and encourages carpooling and other steps to reduce the carbon footprint or our activities. Visit SacFoothill Miyawaki Forest to learn more about Playa Academy Positive Impact Fee for RV’s Campers and Trailers.
Q: Is there water onsite?
A: Yes. The locations will be provided on the event map.
Q: Will there be porta-potties and hand-wash stations?
A: Yes. The portos will have battery lights inside for nighttime safety, and porta-potty guardians will make sure they are stocked with toilet paper. The locations will be on the main map.
Q. Is there a shower?
A: Yes. There is an outdoor shower, between HQ and the Lake kitchen, available for use.
Q: Is this a Leave No Trace event?
A: Of course. We are burners! There will be recycle areas and pick sticks and trash bags available where needed. Everyone is expected to participate and honor this important principle.
Q: Do we cook for ourselves or are there group meals?
A: We are self-reliant! Campers are expected to prepare meals in their camping area. There is limited availability for use of the on-site cooking facilities in the lake kitchen and dock house. To make a special request to use these amenities,
please email: playaacademy@sacvalleyspark.org
We are also inviting everyone to join in a Saturday evening potluck @ 7:30pm.
You can start bringing dishes after 6:30pm
Please enter your dish here: https://signup.com/go/KzQdiyZ
to let us know what you’re brining and to help reduce duplicates and leftovers.
Q: Is Playa Academy family friendly?
A: Yes. Children 12 & under are free with parent or guardian.
Q: Is there a place for fire flow art?
A: Yes. There is a large parking area and some open space available. Spotters and proper safety equipment required.
Q: Is alcohol allowed?
A: Participants must be 21 years or older to drink alcohol. Gifting of alcohol is allowed, but proper ID must be shown.
Q: Can we burn in a fire pit?
A: Yes. There is a large open fire ring north of the dock house and two designated burn barrels that can be used. No fires are allowed at campsites or outside of the designated areas.
Q: I heard there will be an effigy burn. Is that true?
A: You heard right. Participants can help assemble the effigy in the effigy build sessions. The intention is to burn it on or near the island on Saturday night depending on wind conditions. The downwind shore area will be flagged off as a safety zone. No camping in this zone.
Q: Is there an emergency plan?
A: A team of people will be available with walkie-talkies who can assist participants in case of an emergency. There will be a first aid station located at the volunteer station on the kitchen deck, where there will also be a lost and found. The team will be on hand to coordinate with county fire or emergency assistance and evacuation. There will be fire extinguishers placed near the fire performance area, near burn barrels, kitchen, and workshop areas. Camping areas will be marked clearly to identify fire lanes.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: NO.
Q: Is there shade?
A: There is a dock house that can be utilized as community space. Most teaching/workshop areas will be shaded. Bring personal camp shade and a lawn chair.
Q: Is smoking permitted?
A: No smoking on the dock or on the cottage deck, nor in or near workshop/session areas. Please be respectful. Bring an ashtray and leave no butts. Do not flick your butts into the pond.
Q: Can artists sell their work?
A: No vending. We are working towards becoming an official Burning Man event and vending is not permitted on-site.
Q: Can participants swim in the pond?
A: All participants must sign a release at the Headquarters (HQ) to allow swimming in the pond. No lifeguards will be on duty. Kayaks and blow up rafts are allowed. Nothing with a motor permitted.
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Rain is always possible this time of year, and high winds are likely coming up the Delta channel. Typical temperatures can be in the 40’s and 50’s at night.
Q: Will the cottage be available for staff?
A: No. This is the owner’s private property, although the outdoor deck is used as Headquarters (HQ).
Q: Are art cars allowed?
A: YES. Pre-approved art cars are welcome. Event staff will be marking spaces near the front of the dock house.
Q: Are there “quiet hours”?
A: Midnight to seven AM.
Q: Can we play music or have a sound system at our camp?
A: Music levels at individual camps must be kept at a level that it cannot be heard outside of your camp. Theme camps can request approval for sound at specific times that do not conflict with event music provided in the Dock House.
Q: Is there internet access?
A: Do not count on the internet / Wi-Fi while you are on site. Your cell service may work, but it could be spotty as well.
Q: Is exit and reentry allowed?
A: Yes, but the gate is closed from 10pm to 6am. Please show your wristband upon reentry to the event at Headquarters
Q: What is the refund policy?
A: Due to limited space, we request that you cancel at least as early as possible. This gives us the opportunity to fill the event. Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the event date, will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 3 – 6 days will incur a 50% fee. Cancellations made within 72 hours to the event will not be refunded. You may cancel by emailing playaacademy (at) sacvalleyspark.org and we can assist you.
As SacValley Spark is a Non-profit covering local artists expenses with ticket revenue we ask that you understand we cannot grant any exceptions after the event has passed. If you have any other questions or concerns please email contact (at) sacvalleyspark.org
Q: How do I get there?
A: Directions to Jovia Farms – 8320 King Road, Dixon, CA 95620
From Sacramento- Take I80 west toward San Francisco. Approximately 10 miles.
- Take Exit 75 for Mace Blvd. Turn left at the exit and go south 4 miles.
- Turn right onto Tremont Road and go 1.5 miles.
- Turn left into Bulkley Road go 5.5 miles.
- Turn left onto Midway Road go 50 feet.
- Right again on Bulkley 1 mile. (there’s a little bump Bulkley-Midway-Bulkley)
- Turn left onto King Road 1 mile
- Turn right into Jovia Farms. Follow the aphorisms for about 200 feet.
- Go North on I-680 to Sacramento-17.68 mi
- Go East on I-80 to Sacramento 19.67 mi
- Take Midway Rd East (right) 9.41 mi (cross train track)
- @ 4 stop (Bulkley Road)
- Turn Right on Bulkley 1 mi
- Turn Left on King RD (go straight onto dirt road) 1 mi
- Turn right at white gate
- Hwy 160 to Rio Vista
- Hwy 12 towards Fairfield
- At the flashing light turn right and go North on 113 * May be closed due to storm damage (about 6 miles West out of Rio Vista)
- Go past the two flashing lights on hwy 113. Go another 8 mi and Turn right on Midway
- Turn RIGHT on Bulkley 1.0 mi
- Turn Left on King RD (go straight onto dirt road) 1 mi
- Turn right at white gate.
**Some GPSs will not get you into the correct location, so keep these printed directions handy. **
DOWNLOAD a PDF of FAQ’s with directions