What to bring to an archaeology camp

An archaeology camp needs more than trowels and buckets. You also need shelter, clear work-zone markers, lighting, food-service equipment and a way to store and record finds safely. Plan equipment for the number of participants and work areas, then add a small reserve for breakages, wet weather and shared tools. Check chilled food, power access, first aid supplies and permits before loading the vehicle.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

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
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 48 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 36 pieces
- Croissants - 36 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 48 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Whole wheat wraps - 48 pieces
- Rice - 5 kilograms
- Kidney beans - 12 cans
- Corn - 12 cans
- Diced tomatoes - 16 cans
- Passata - 8 packs
- Vegetarian mince - 4 kilograms
- Ground beef - 4 kilograms
- Onions - 3 kilograms
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Mushrooms - 3 kilogram
- Grated cheese - 3 kilogram
- Sour cream - 12 tubs
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Vegetable stock - 2 boxes
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Chili powder - 1 jar
- Oregano - 1 pot
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Sambal - 2 jars
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Lemonade - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 60 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 24 packs
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paper napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles

Tips

Allow at least one trowel, hand brush and pair of work gloves per active digger, then add 10–15% spare tools for breakages or shared use.
Provide one bucket or finds container for each active work area, plus labelled finds bins and research cards so objects do not get mixed between groups.
For outdoor work, budget one party tent or awning for each main covered area, and bring extra table space for registration, finds processing and lunch service.
Pack lighting before the camp starts: one headlamp or flashlight per person working in low light, with spare batteries and LED lamps for tables, paths and the registration desk.
Keep chilled food and drinks in coolers until serving, and plan at least two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by regular water refills throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions

What tools do I need for an archaeology camp?: For each active digger, plan one trowel, hand brush and pair of work gloves. Add measuring tapes, scoops, buckets, sieve trays, rakes, wheelbarrows and pickets for marking and processing each work zone, with 10–15% spare hand tools.
How many tents and tables do I need for an archaeology camp?: Use one party tent or awning for each main covered function, such as registration, lunch and finds processing. Allow one foldable table for every 6–8 participants, then add separate table space for equipment and labelled finds.
What should I pack for archaeology camp food and drinks?: Bring coolers for chilled products, plus kettles or coffee machines, extension cords and power strips where electricity is available. Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and enough lunch portions for every registered participant, including dietary requirements.
Do I need lighting for an archaeology camp?: Yes, especially if setup, packing or fieldwork may continue in low light. Pack one headlamp or flashlight per person working after dark, and use LED lamps to light the registration desk, tables and access routes; check batteries at least one day beforehand.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.