The Sparkle Pony Express

Help this Sparkle Pony bring out communication alter to the Burn, regionals & beyond.

The Sparkle Pony Express is a weatherproof, neon-lit message portal where burners can share gifts, notes, poetry, affirmations, jokes, and joy — all housed in over 50 personalized cubbies at the heart of camp.

Debuted at Utah’s Element 11 regional burn, and it delivered magic — now, with your help, it's headed for Black Rock City.

Making its playa debut at Ranch Sparkle Pony, Burning Man 2025

It started with an ache in a heart full of gratitude…and became a message station for the soul.

At my first Burn, I was lucky to be adopted by Camp IDeate. Right in the middle of camp stood a communication station — every camper’s photo, playa name, daily schedules, a lost & found — pinned neatly beneath the desert sun.

But it was more than a bulletin board.

It was a hub for connection without expectation — a place to share notes, gifts, updates, affirmations, and expressions of appreciation. It gave us permission to live fully in the moment and remain beautifully connected to each other.

It was practical. It was playful, slightly nostalgic, and deeply human.

Fast forward to 2024. I found myself at the Burn again — this time, gifted a ticket by a new friend whose life I had unknowingly touched. She couldn’t imagine experiencing it without me — and thanks to her generosity, I made it!

Though we both burned brightly that week, the magic of the playa meant we hardly crossed paths.

That contrast stuck with me — not with regret, but with inspiration.

What if more camps created intentional space for connection in motion?

✨ The Sparkle Pony Express

A vintage-inspired, modular art installation designed as a communication altar for campers and passersby.

Think of it as:

Debut: Element 11 Regional Burn

This summer, the first build of Sparkle Pony Express premiered at Element 11, Utah’s regional Burn — and it did exactly what it was built to do:

Love notes and affirmations

Thoughtful gifts and tokens

Campers and guests engaging through laughter and midnight musings

Participation from total strangers who became friends

Where Your Donation Goes

Your donation makes it possible to upgrade, expand, and transport Sparkle Pony Express to Black Rock City and beyond.

Here’s how your contribution helps:

(+) this would be a per/Burn cost due to rotating camp rosters.

Total Goal: $1,500

If we exceed the goal, funds will support expanded capacity (more cubbies, shaded writing space, regional transport, and collaborative playa gifting).

Why This Matters

Because connection can be designed.

Because magic doesn’t always announce itself — sometimes, it’s dropped in a cubby.

Because creating space for expression, gratitude, humor, and reflection is art.

Whether you’re a Sparkle Pony, a camp leader, or someone who knows the power of a well-timed message, this project is for you.

જ⁀➴ ✉︎

The Sparkle Pony Express is a camp communication altar,

a playa POST for the soul,

and a nexus for the in-between.

We’re not delivering mail,

We’re delivering meaning.

How You Can Help

Donor Thank-Yous

| Donation | What You Receive |

| -------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

| \$25 | Sponsor a cubby with your name on the donor list |

| \$50 | Above + receive a personalized thank-you e-postcard (pre-Burn) |

| \$100 | Above + a Personalized thank-you postcard from HOME (a.k.a. The Playa) *post Burn* |

| \$250+ | Above + Playa Dust Keepsake (Jar of Dust) ✨ |

| \$500+ | YOU are now an Honorary Postmaster & Yes - There is a badge! |

Thank you for helping build something beautiful. Let’s ride!

✨

♥ Captain Sparkle Badger Schemes