Archaeology camp checklist

An archaeology camp needs more than excavation tools and a place to dig. Before participants arrive, you need written permission, clear work agreements, group assignments, route information, weather planning, and a safe site. This checklist follows the practical order: confirm the location, prepare people and materials, set up the work zones, and receive the group. It also covers details that are easy to arrange too late, such as chilled food, power, lighting, first aid supplies, and permits.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm research location
Arrange permission from the landowner
Record archaeological work agreements
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Check contact details
2 people
Assign participant groups
2 people
Send the program and route
Check the weather forecast
Communicate the weather plan
Do the shopping
2 people
Pick up chilled products
2 people
Collect archaeology materials
3 people
Check first aid supplies
Bring permits
Bring materials to the venue
3 people
Check the venue for safety
2 people
Set up tents and awnings
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Mark out work zones
3 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Lay out research cards
2 people
Set up lunch buffet
3 people

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Register attendance
2 people
Serve lunch
3 people
Explain safety rules
2 people
Explain the research objective
Demonstrate digging techniques
2 people
Divide participants across work areas
3 people
Investigate the first soil layers
8 people
Secure finds
4 people
Register found items
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Distribute the snack break
2 people
Photograph work areas
2 people
Record measurement data
2 people
Wash the finds
4 people
Let finds dry
2 people
Prepare dinner
4 people
Serve dinner
4 people
Clean work materials
4 people
Discuss findings
2 people
Host archaeological quiz
2 people
Serve hot drinks
2 people
Support the evening program
3 people
Check out participants
2 people
Check the grounds for lost items at the end
3 people

Aftercare

Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Take down tents and awnings
4 people
Clean the grounds
3 people
Empty and clean coolers
2 people
Archive finds and administration
2 people
Sort leftover materials
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Take waste to the collection point
2 people
Hand over the venue
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 36
Picnic benchesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Mobile phonesqty 3
Digital camerasqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Headlampsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 6

Archaeology

Scoopsqty 12
Hand brushesqty 12
Picketsqty 24
Measuring tapesqty 6
Measuring tapesqty 6
Trowelsqty 12
Bucketsqty 24
Wheelbarrowsqty 4
Sieve traysqty 4
Scoopsqty 6
Rakesqty 4
Work glovesqty 36
Finds binsqty 12
Sink basinsqty 6

Registration

Findings bagsqty 300
Finds labelsqty 300
Registration formsqty 100
Research cardsqty 40
Pencilsqty 40
Waterproof markersqty 12
Clipboardsqty 12
Rulersqty 12
Millimeter paperqty 50
Labelsqty 500
Documentation foldersqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 8
Safety gogglesqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Flashlights for emergenciesqty 4

Sanitary facilities

Handwashing stationsqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Ice packsqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Cleaning clothsqty 24
Broom setsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the research location and landowner permission before sending invitations. Record the archaeological work agreements in writing so participants know what areas, methods, and responsibilities apply.
Process registrations early enough to collect dietary requirements and verify contact details before assigning participant groups. Send the program and route after those details are checked, rather than relying on last-minute messages.
Plan the site around changing weather: check the forecast, communicate the weather plan, and prepare party tents or awnings, coolers, lighting, and dry seating before the group arrives.
Bring permits, first aid supplies, phones, cameras, and all excavation materials to the venue before setup day. Count practical items such as trowels, hand brushes, measuring tapes, buckets, finds bins, gloves, and sieve trays at the same time.
Set up the registration desk, research cards, lunch buffet, tables, chairs, and marked work zones before receiving participants. Test extension cords, power strips, coffee equipment, and lighting so the first briefing is not delayed.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize an archaeology camp?: Start the location, landowner permission, and written work agreements at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Send invitations only after the site and basic program are confirmed, then leave several days before the camp to check registrations and contact details.
What should participants bring to an archaeology camp?: Tell participants what personal clothing and footwear they need in the program and route information. The camp plan should provide shared excavation equipment such as trowels, hand brushes, measuring tapes, buckets, gloves, finds bins, and sieve trays.
How many tools do I need for an archaeology camp?: Use the number of assigned participant groups as the starting point, with one working set per active group. Count the trowels, brushes, measuring tapes, buckets, and finds bins before transport, and keep spare gloves and small tools available for the full group.
When should I set up the archaeology camp site?: Complete the safety check and main setup before participants arrive, preferably several hours in advance. Mark the work zones, set up shelter, seating, registration, research cards, lunch, and lighting, then test power and communication equipment before reception starts.

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