How to organize an archaeology camp

An archaeology camp needs more than a research site and digging tools. Start by securing the location, landowner permission and written work agreements, then build the participant plan around groups, dietary needs and a practical route. In the final week, confirm the forecast and communicate what happens in bad weather. On the day, safety checks, marked work zones, registration and a ready lunch setup keep the fieldwork moving from the first arrival.

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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

1
Confirm research location
2
Arrange permission from the landowner
3
Record archaeological work agreements
2 people
4
Send invitations
2 people
5
Process registrations
2 people
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Check contact details
2 people
8
Assign participant groups
2 people
9
Send the program and route
10
Check the weather forecast
11
Communicate the weather plan
12
Do the shopping
2 people
13
Pick up chilled products
2 people
14
Collect archaeology materials
3 people
15
Check first aid supplies
16
Bring permits
17
Bring materials to the venue
3 people
18
Check the venue for safety
2 people
19
Set up tents and awnings
4 people
20
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
21
Mark out work zones
3 people
22
Set up registration desk
2 people
23
Lay out research cards
2 people
24
Set up lunch buffet
3 people

Event

25
Receive participants
3 people
26
Register attendance
2 people
27
Serve lunch
3 people
28
Explain safety rules
2 people
29
Explain the research objective
30
Demonstrate digging techniques
2 people
31
Divide participants across work areas
3 people
32
Investigate the first soil layers
8 people
33
Secure finds
4 people
34
Register found items
3 people
35
Refill drinks
2 people
36
Distribute the snack break
2 people
37
Photograph work areas
2 people
38
Record measurement data
2 people
39
Wash the finds
4 people
40
Let finds dry
2 people
41
Prepare dinner
4 people
42
Serve dinner
4 people
43
Clean work materials
4 people
44
Discuss findings
2 people
45
Host archaeological quiz
2 people
46
Serve hot drinks
2 people
47
Support the evening program
3 people
48
Check out participants
2 people
49
Check the grounds for lost items at the end
3 people

Aftercare

50
Collect waste
3 people
51
Wash dishes
3 people
52
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
53
Take down tents and awnings
4 people
54
Clean the grounds
3 people
55
Empty and clean coolers
2 people
56
Archive finds and administration
2 people
57
Sort leftover materials
2 people
58
Return borrowed materials
2 people
59
Take waste to the collection point
2 people
60
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

Secure the research location and landowner permission before sending invitations. Keep the work agreements with the permits so the responsible organizers can find them on site.
Close registrations with enough time to check every phone number, dietary requirement and group assignment. Send the program and route at least several days before arrival, not on the morning of the camp.
Check the weather forecast the day before and communicate the weather plan before participants travel. Decide in advance whether tents, awnings or another work arrangement will be used if conditions change.
Bring archaeology materials, permits and first-aid supplies in separate, checked loads. Count essential tools such as trowels, measuring tapes, buckets, gloves and finds bins before leaving for the venue.
Allow setup time before the first participants arrive. Check the site for hazards, mark work zones, position the registration desk, and set up lighting, power connections, tables and the lunch buffet in that order.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize an archaeology camp?: Start securing the research location, landowner permission and work agreements at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Open registration only after the location and basic program are confirmed.
When should I send the archaeology camp program and route?: Send the program and route 5 to 7 days before the camp. Use the registration list to check that every participant has received the information and that contact details are usable.
How many archaeology tools do I need per participant?: Plan one personal hand tool, such as a trowel or hand brush, for each active participant, then add at least 10% spare tools. Shared items such as wheelbarrows, sieve trays and measuring equipment can be allocated per work zone.
When should I check the weather for an archaeology camp?: Check it once 48 hours before the camp and again the evening before setup. Communicate the final weather plan as soon as the forecast could affect clothing, tents, awnings or fieldwork zones.

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.