Frequently Asked Questions

When do applications for season 8 open?

Season 8 of Surviving Bloomington will start taking applications in February of 2025. With that, our plan is to film season 8 in August of 2025.

How long is the event?

Surviving Bloomington lasts 5 full days and 4 nights. We generally start the game on a Thursday morning, and it ends late on the following Monday night.

What should I bring?

Contestants will be generally expected to bring all of their own basic camping necessities to use if they are voted off. This includes food, drinks, sleeping bags/pads, personal tents (if preferred), etc. Each camp will be provided firewood, one 8 person tent, water, rice, tarps, rope, and a few other things. While inside the game, contestants can only bring one bag with NECESSITIES such as head lamps, rain gear, personal hygiene products, etc. Contestants should keep everything else in their cars, which they will have access to once voted out.

Spectators and crew members will be expected to take care of all of their own needs in regards to camping/food/comfort.

Will I be starving for 5 days?

In true Survivor fashion, part of the experience is going through a certain level of deprivation. Contestants will have access to rice to cook, and they will have the opportunity to earn more food throughout the game, but if you decide to play, you should be prepared to be hungry throughout your time in the game.

Once a contestant is voted out, they are free to eat anything they bring while staying at the production camp. Contestants are responsible for their own food once voted out, but any “group eating” event that happens, production and contestants will have access to that food. For example, we usually have a Pizza Party at the Merge, that everyone attending will be free to partake in.

Production will make accommodations for any dietary needs/preferences within reason.

While these are general guidelines for how we will handle player’s food, safety is our top priority, so if we feel that a player is in any sort of danger due to deprivation, they will be given proper nutrients without fear of disqualification.

Do I need to watch Survivor to play?

No, you do not have to have seen the show to play in Surviving Bloomington. However, it is important to note that we strongly recommend players watch at least one season before playing. Almost every player so far who has gone into our game “blind” has said that they wish they had watched a season before they played. There are certain aspects about the game that will put players at a severe disadvantage if they’ve never seen a season. So if your goal is to win, we recommend watching at least one season before the game starts. Contact us for a recommendation as to which season would be best to watch.

What if it rains?

If it rains, we play on. The game doesn’t stop for almost anything. The only reason the game would be canceled is if there are severe thunderstorms to the point where it would be dangerous to be outside. Otherwise players are expected to tough it out. Enduring the elements is part of the game, and part of what builds empathy for people experiencing homelessness.

In the case of sudden extreme weather, we may evacuate as a group to a safe location until the weather passes.

How much does it cost?

Contestants will pay a personal entrance fee of $250 upon selection. This will cover the cost for certain “souvenirs” they will get throughout the game. With that payment, players will be able to take their team Buffs and other trinkets acquired in the game home with them to remember the weekend.

People who are chosen to play will be expected to raise at least $200 each before the game starts for the donation aspect of the game. Once the cast is selected, a GoFundMe page will be created for each person to share however they wish (Facebook, Instagram, etc). Funds collected through their GoFundMe will contribute to their initial $200, and whoever raises the most money will get Individual Immunity at the first Council that they attend, as well as a Team Challenge Advantage Card to play at any challenge before the Merge.

Any contestant that raises at least $400 will be given an advantage in the Redemption Island challenges, if they need it.

Any contestant that raises at least $800 will be given two advantages in the Redemption Island challenges, if they need them.

Any Contestant that raises at least $1,200 will be given three advantages in the Redemption Island Challenges, if they need them.

If you are not a contestant, there is no entry fee to attend the event, but you are expected to take care of all of your own needs for the weekend such as food and camping supplies.

Where does the game take place?

Surviving Bloomington is played on private property. The location is given to the contestants the day before the game starts, therefore it is not open to public viewing/spectating. Anyone attending must be invited (i.e. Friends/family of the contestants/crew).

Is this safe?

The safety of players and crew is our top priority. We will have first aid kits and professionals on site to help with any potential injuries. However, we do ask that anyone attending be realistic about their capabilities in an outdoor setting. Minor injuries are likely to happen (scrapes, bruises, burns, cuts, etc). These will be treated appropriately but will not halt the game in any way.

If anyone is being overly aggressive towards another individual, that person will be asked to leave immediately. We understand that tensions can be high inside the game, but we will not stand for bullying of any sort.