Anchors aweigh!!!
Alright crew, we've set sail on the open sea and- wait, what's that ahead? We're headed directly for that monstrous maelstrom! Clear the decks, batten down the hatches, and strap in! This is going to be one wild ride.
This will be our last message before we wash up on shore; below you'll find essential survival tips, info on activities and provisions, and some packing notes. Every link you need can be found up top here, and any further queries can be answered in our Fuckiteer Discord. Okay, you ready to get stranded with us? Let's dive in...
Quick Links
Activity Guide | DJ Schedule | Volunteer Sign-up | CFIU 2025 Discord | Camp Website | Camp Map | Camp FAQ | Our Values
Washing Ashore
CFIU officially opens at NOON on Thursday, July 10
We recommend you leave early to avoid traffic and arrive with plenty of time to get set up before nightfall. We know everyone has circumstances that will dictate when they will arrive, but if you can, it's best to arrive between 12:00 and 6:00pm on Thursday to get the most support from your counselors and volunteers. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed at the gate and directed where to set up. Please have your CFIU ticket email ready for quick entry.
Remember, there is no car-camping in the Orchard (the primary camping area); so you'll be asked to drive up to your spot to unload your vehicle, then come back to park in the lot near the gate, a couple minutes walk away. If you would like to camp next to your car, there is a separate dedicated area for that. Lastly, if you prefer a quieter experience, we have spots at Camp STFU, further from the main areas of camp. You can review all these options on the map.
Arrival Hours
The gate will be open during the following times...
Thursday: 12:00 pm - Midnight
Friday: 10:00 am - Midnight (see note about midday arrivals below)
Saturday: Gate closed, no entry.
If you plan to arrive outside of those hours, you need to contact your CFIU counselor before Wednesday to make arrangements, lest you find yourself sitting outside the gate trying to call us with no cell reception.
Important note about Friday: Please arrive before 1:00 pm to get immediately placed. If you arrive between 1:00-4:00 pm, you will be allowed entry to the parking lot by Mendocino Magic staff, but you will not be able to set up in your final spot until later. Please park your car in the lot, grab some provisions, and come have fun at the lake; we'll get you placed after 4:00.
The Lay of the Land
Island Activities
Once you've got your camp set up, it's time to explore! Our Activity Guide is your best way to know where and when everything's happening. The DJ lineup and musical themes for the trip can be viewed here. Take a gander at both, and print them out if you'd like to have them on the island.
If you're organizing an activity, check in with Jessi or Marianna after you arrive. If you have an installation, please find Cara or Graham for its placement. Please remember, if you are setting up an activity, an installation, throwing an event, whatever, it is your responsibility to clean up and pack out everything you bring.
Working Together
In so many ways, we can't make this camp happen without you, and that includes everyone dedicating a small amount of time over the event to help us throw this wonderful thing. So, if you haven't yet, you must sign up for a volunteer shift. Do this now by clicking here. If you don't have a shift by the time you arrive, you'll be given one at the gate. These jobs aren't hard, and it's everyone pitching in that keeps the event fun, affordable, and repeatable.
Daily Provisions
Once again, our awesome culinary team will be providing three meals to campers this year, and still needs volunteers, so sign up!
Friday Evening: Cheeseburgers in Paradise - Burgers with slaw & potato chips (Impossible burgers & gf buns available on request)
Saturday Evening: Pintxos Pirates - Gazpacho, assorted tapas and paellas (chicken/chorizo, seafood or saffron/veggie).
Sunday Morning: Lord of the Flies - coffee & donut power hour
There will be several events and installations with drink offerings, but please come with your own drinks, both alcoholic and hydrating, plus some to share. It's a party, you don't want to show up empty-handed.
Ice will be available from 3:00-6:00 on Friday and Saturday, but supplies are limited, so come up with an ice-packed cooler.
And as we are all veteran burners with a passion for sustainability, please bring your own cups, plates, bowls and flatware. We won't have disposables.
Consent & Respect
Get consent! We pride ourselves on our community values of respect and self determination. We take violation of these values and of others’ personal boundaries extremely seriously. CFIU’s zero tolerance policy dictates that anyone who engages in unwanted behavior (verbal or physical) toward another camper will be immediately ejected from the event and barred from future attendance. If you have an issue, please contact Sanctuary or a counselor. Respect each other, the staff, the space, and of course, yourself.
The Surrounding Isles
The town of Laytonville is a 10-minute drive away, where you'll find a few restaurants, a grocery store (it's back!), plus gas and cell service (which is limited-to-none at the event.) It's best to bring up all the provisions you need; CFIU will allow in & outs, but we request everyone limit their trips and please be extra-careful driving, especially at night. Please obey all marked traffic speed limits and do not drive under the influence.
Leave it Pristine
We all, as a community, will pack out what we pack in! Please do your part to leave excess packaging at home, bring (crushable) aluminum cans, and pack reusable containers as much as possible. Cigarette butts need to be contained; we'll get fined for each one found on the ground after the event.
Keep your camp area and Mendocino Magic clean by using the provided bags to take out what you bring in. If you wish to drop off your garbage before driving home, the Laytonville Transfer Station is located nearby at 1825 Branscomb Rd (directions) and is open until 4pm Sunday.
Tips for Survival
Almost there! Just a few final reminder to help you life your best island life:
Remember this is still camping, bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and keep an eye out for poison oak.
Warm weather is expected, so please take precautions. Stay hydrated, fed, and sun-covered. If parasols are your thing, bring 'em!
It gets dark, so light yourself up at night. Fabulously.
Camp only in designated areas. We will guide you to where to set up, don't go rogue.
Leave the flora and fauna alone. Don't take anything.
Mendocino Magic forbids styrofoam, like coolers and cups, leave it at home.
Propane camp stoves are permitted, but no open flames elsewhere. Smoke only in designated areas.
No amplified sound in the camping area after 10:00pm.
No megaphones, sirens, or obnoxious amplified noises.
Respect your neighbors at all times.
No dogs please.
No glass on the beach. Bring cans.
And don't forget to bring...
A gift for the Brown Elephant Gift Exchange
A cotton piece of clothing or bandana for CFIU Swag Making
Thumb drive with some tunes for the Key Party at Tims' Cabin
Tropical wear donations for the Surf Shack Boutique
Some spare sunnies for Trader Shady's
And of course, your fav floatation device (and tether, if you have one). Don't forget to write your name on it.
Safe Passage!
That's it! Please get here safely, with a full tankard, an adventurous spirit, and an open heart. Remember, you can jump into the Fuckiteer Discord for any extra coordination and excitement in these last few days, otherwise... We'll see you on the beach.
Surf's up!