Temple Guardians
The Temple means different things to different people. Some people call it the heart of Burning Man and have a strong spiritual connection with it, others use it as a place of contemplation, a place to mourn, a place to rest, a place to release, a place of reflection, a place of rituals, weddings, reunions, and connection. Temple is a place of reverence.
Temple Guardians help provide what is necessary for each person to be able to have the Temple experience that they need. We remain visible, but at a distance. Unobtrusive, but available as needed. Quiet, but open to what people in the Temple want and need to share..
At the Big Burn, Temple Guardians are a core part of the Temple team. As of 2025, Freezer Burn will have Temple Guardians at our official regional event too.
What we do
The mission of the Temple Guardians is to hold the space of the Temple, maintaining an environment that allows equal access for everyone to have the experience and expression that they need. We keep the space, as well as the participants who visit it, safe.
Team Dynamics
Temple Guardians are part of a team who is committed to the mission. Each person is valued for what they bring as individuals, and each person is valued for how they show up for community.
The Temple Guardian lead is also the co-lead of the Temple design and build team.
Number of Volunteers
1-2 volunteers per shift; full size of the team to be determined after our first year
Shift Length
3 hours
Pre-Event Tasks
Be available for a 2-hour virtual team meeting and training, to occur before Freezer Burn at a date to be determined based on committed, ticket-holding volunteers’ availability. The 2025 Temple Guardian role requires volunteers who are 18+, able to commit to a 2-hour virtual training before Freezer Burn (date to be determined based on committed, ticket-holding volunteers’ availability), able to show up for their shift sober, and for night shifts (21:00 – 2:00) at least 1 Temple Guardian will need to be able to ascend and descend the hill and/or stairs unassisted.
Event Tasks
The 2025 Temple Guardian role requires volunteers who are 18+ and able to show up for their shift sober. For night shifts (21:00 – 2:00) at least 1 Temple Guardian will need to be able to ascend and descend stairs unassisted, and be comfortable and able to activate a shut-off valve for a propane flame feature.
Post-Event Tasks
Temple Guardians will be invited to attend a virtual debrief.
Recommended Training
Learn more about Temple Guardians here https://templeguardians.burningman.org/