She’s a longtime senior leader of the Black Rock Rangers and the principal of the Gerlach K-12 School. Keeper lives year-round in Gerlach, one of the smallest and most remote towns in the US, and the closest community to Black Rock City.

In this storytelling episode, she shares her unique perspective on blending the worlds of Burning Man and rural life.

She tells the tales of keeping the town’s school open after the local mine closed, transforming it into an all-ages institution of families. 

She shares about how locals offer a year-round outpost for helping townsfolk and visitors stay safe and thrive.

Keeper’s dual roles—Ranger and Principal—are deeply informed by the principles of Gifting, Civic Responsibility, and Radical Inclusion. Woven in is the philosophy of building supportive environments where everyone feels they “belong here.” 

How? 

And how does a school that is barely on the map support its kids to be local ambassadors and worldly humans?

Hear how now! And in the words of Ranger Keeper (and Bill & Ted), be excellent to each other!

Black Rock Rangers

If you’re curious about Ranger learnings, check out the publicly available Ranger Conflict Resolution and De-escalation Training on Burning Man Hive.

gerlach.washoeschools.net

Ranger Takes Gerlach School from Remote Town to National Stage (Burning Man Journal)

Class Trip to Black Rock City (Burning Man Journal)

burningman.org Gerlach Black Rock Station

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