Say Hello to Monster who joined the Ranger crew for the first time in 2022, and post event got really stuck into the AfrikaBurn community. Her love for Tankwa Rangers is evident through the countless hours of dedication and work. She is a senior Ranger who works across shift lead, Green Dot and Dust Lead. She is our favorite Monster!
Name/burner name: Cat Carlton / Ranger Monster
For how long have you been part of AfrikaBurn? I have attended two Afrikaburns and am happily preparing for next year.
What made you want to join the community? Many friends at Burning Man in the US told me about the amazing people, experiences and art at Afrikaburn, so I wanted to come see it all for myself. Plus, I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about the culture and meet some interesting local people!
What is your role within the community? I was invited to camp and volunteer with the Afrikaburn Rangers- which was wonderful! Since I have a couple of years’ experience, I was honored to be trained and volunteered as a Green Dot Ranger (helping when people need a little extra support) and as a Ranger Tortoise (the happy voice you hear on the Ranger radios). Both are fun and impactful roles. People sitting along the edge of various burns may have met me when I was volunteering to keep everyone safe at the fire perimeters, too!
What do you love about AfrikaBurn? While the art is truly beautiful and inspiring, I have to say that it is the people who really make AfrikaBurn special. The warm, quirky and family-like culture at Afrikaburn support people in exploring ways to creatively express themselves and explore possibilities in a very safe and accepting setting. While I am a foreigner in South Africa, I feel like I am coming home when I get to Afrikaburn!
Fun facts!? Before moving to California, I lived almost a year in the Manu area of the Amazon jungle in Peru. Living with the Machiguenga people, I fed and released ten young macaw parrots into the jungle. I love birds, and have had my yellow-naped Amazon parrot, Phish, for more than 20 years.
We appreciate you, Ranger Monster, and are thrilled to have you on our #WALL OF FIRE!
