> That’s because it’s easier to recruit kids into cults or whatever

That's what Sunday School is for.

I lived in SF at the time of the original burns on Baker Beach and heard about them but I was too lame and isolated to ever participate but followed their antics (and the Cacophony Society) from afar.

The universe arranged for me to go ten years ago and I found the experience magical. There's an exhibit that shows how each wave of newcomers has destroyed burning man which I found to be a cheeky take on its evolution.

The kids I saw there were doing kid friendly stuff and them being allowed there was clearly to allow their parents to come without having to leave them behind.

There's plenty to hate about it but in the end it's about people coming together to have a good time, and there's nothing wrong with that.