Alchemy's Care Bear mission is to reduce ranger, sanctuary and medical calls by encouraging our participants and volunteers to Care for themselves!

Throughout Alchemy, both participants and volunteers can be forgetful! Volunteers can work too hard, participants can participate too hard, we are here with a soft reminder to drink water, eat food, rest, and to indulge in self care.

We are not here to rescue, fix, or save anyone. We are not here to tell people what to do. We are here to help all participants help themselves!

The Care Bears symbolize the 10 Principles of Alchemy, showcasing how these principles intertwine to make CARE the most valuable gift we can offer. We firmly believe that by extending a helping hand to others, we are nurturing our own well-being, providing support within the Alchemy community at large.
As ambassadors of self-care and gifting at Alchemy, we focus on providing the tools and resources to exemplify the principles of Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Communal Effort, and Civic Responsibility by championing care in the Alchemy community.

C - Compassion and connection guide your path while on shift

A - Amplify the 10 Principles in your actions and words

R - Respect the people, process, and procedures

E - Empower others to care for themselves through acts of kindness

This team spirit also extends to the time when you are off shift. The commitment to "Once a Care Bear, Always a Care Bear" ensures you can talk to our team lead, Tony (Auntie), if you encounter something distressing on or off your shift. Our Care Bear Director has immediate connections to experienced leaders within the Safety Department and Events Committee. Tony (Auntie) is available for tough conversations or moments when you aren't sure who to report to. Care Bears also encourages using Sanctuary as an on-site resource available to all Alchemy participants who need a safe place. 

This support doesn't end after the event. Whether it's a day, a week, or even a year after your shift, if you need someone to talk to, Care Bears are here for you.

wHAT DOES A CARE BEAR DO?

Care Bears are responsible for circulating throughout the event, seeking out the right person at the right time, assisting wayward participants, and offering care and kindness to all attendees. 

As a Care Bear, you will never go it alone. When on shift, you will always have a partner to engage with, hang out with, and embody the spirit of a Care Bear with you. Like all great duos, Care Bears are stronger together. We believe more Bears means more care.

Have fun! This job is almost always enjoyable. Ride around, find the parties, talk to people, answer questions, offer to help people, admire some art, get to know your partner, swap stories with other Burners, leave a message at the Temple. In essence, be seen being a Care Bear! You can do whatever you would typically do at a burn (minus getting yourself radically un-sober while on shift), but with an added focus on helping people when needed.

Want to know more?

Check out our 2024 Care Bear Handbook or email carebears@alchemyburn.com