[  Medical Supplies ] [ Basics ] [ Sundries ] [ Convenience Items ] [ Equipping Yourself for Work ] [ Clothing Needs in General ] [ Reading & Writing Materials ]

This list is a generic list based upon several years of experience with college student volunteers at the Hazor Excavations. You won't need everything but we believe you should think about these general items.

Medical Supplies

Suncream or tanning lotion, skin cream, chapstick, eye drops, first-aid kit, and a season's supply of special medication including a headache remedy and a diarrheal (sometimes the bacteria will get you). American brands are available but expensive. If you are not in good condition you might bring something for back pain.

Basics

Bedding. Hosts generally provide beds, mattresses, sheets, one pillow and one blanket per person with bedding changed weekly.

Clothesline and Clothespins. Clothespins are a necessity. You might be able to share a clothes line with someone else so you might want to arrange this with a friend in advance.

Towels and Wash Cloths. Wash cloths are not readily available in the Levant. You need to bring your towels and wash cloths with you. We suggest at least two towels.

Laundry Bags. You may want to separate various items. Some of us bring some plastic trash bags and use them as laundry bags.

Liquid Detergent. We recommend at least two medium size bottles of liquid Woolite. Normally there are no washing machines or dryers available to you. You have to hand wash everything. Depending on where you stay, e.g., a hotel or kibbutz, there might be some accommodation for you to use a laundry service. Plan to wash your work clothes every day. You may find it convenient to simply get into the shower fully dressed and rinse your clothes out at that time. Throw them into a plastic bag and wash them later in the afternoon.

Sundries

Put liquids into plastic bottles and leak-proof "Zip-Lock" bags.

Lotions. Consider bringing suntan lotion and a lotion to soften your skin - aloe vera lotion, Vaseline Intensive Care lotion, A&D Ointment, or the like. Your skin will dry out. You will get a lot of sun.

Shampoo, Conditioner, and Toiletry Items. Your hair will get quite dirty at the excavation. The air is dry and your hair will dry out and conditioner is recommended. American brands, or equivalent, are available in Israel and Jordan, but are more expensive. We suggest you bring cosmetic items with you rather than try to acquire them there.

Convenience Items

Electrical Appliances. As electrical appliances in the Levant use 220 voltage current be sure you bring the right adapters (which allow an American plug to be used in an Israeli or Jordanian electrical outlet) and transformer if you need one. Hair dryers, electrical shavers, and travel irons should be capable of using the 220 current or they will burn out almost immediately.

Plastic Ziplock Bags. You will find a small supply useful. Bring two sizes.

Alarm Clock. We suggest a battery operated alarm clock.

Camera, Film, and Extra Batteries. Not only are batteries expensive in Israel, they may not be available in some sizes. Our suggestion is to bring what you need with you.

Flashlight. A waterproof flashlight is suggested. If you visit Jerusalem your flashlight will become handy should you visit Hezekiah's tunnel.

Pocketknife.

Small Mirror.

Small Sewing Kit and Scissors. You may need to perform minor clothing repairs.

Small Radio with Earphones. You should be able to receive a number of stations with a variety of musical programs. If you want to listen to your own kind of music bring it with you. Some volunteers bring battery operated CD-players or cassette players.

Small Tape Recorder. For lectures and field trips. This is suggested since some volunteers have found it helpful. Some use their recorders in conjunction with their cameras in order to keep track of their photographs.

Watch. We suggest an inexpensive one as it will take a beating at the excavation.

Snacks. There are many attractive snacks for purchase in Israel and Jordan, but some people prefer to bring some of their favorites with them.

Equipping Yourself for Work

Work Clothing. For work in the field, we suggest a minimum of two (2) changes. Bring things which are sturdy, light in weight and color, and easy to launder.  Since the sun is very intense, you may need to vary sleeve and pant lengths until you get into condition.   Remember that loose clothing is more comfortable than close fitting, and that synthetic fibers tend to be hot. Shorts are recommended.

Work Gloves. These are essential even for those with the toughest hands. The gloves should be sturdy but flexible, and you will probably go through two pairs. Those with leather palms and ventilated backs are ideal. You may consume one pair every two weeks.

Work Shoes. These should be sturdy and comfortable, provided with solid traction soles for protection and footing on rocks. Sneakers are not recommended (at work) and sandals are not suitable at all. You may drop a stone on your foot. You will probably find yourself lifting and moving rock and debris quite often, whether you are a male or female, so you might want to consider steel-toed work shoes.

Sun Hat or Head Covering. You will not be permitted in the field without it!!! You need a cap with a brim.

Sunglasses. We suggest these as a necessity to provide you with some protection from the sun and the dust at the tell.

Small Canteen or Water Container. Excavations provide water in the field, but you might find a small canteen useful, especially on field trips and weekends. For health reasons, this is strongly suggested. Some acquire a one liter bottle of water and then buy a case for it in Israel or Jordan but it is less expensive to bring your water container with you. A container for drinking water is also handy on field trips. We do not want to become dehydrated.

Utility Bag. A utility bag is a handy item to carry small items (sun lotion, glasses, Kleenex, camera and the like) to the site. As it is often dusty you will want a bag that will zip up. You may want to bring some napkins as the paper napkins provided for breakfast at an archaeological site are generally not what Americans expect.

Clothing Needs in General

Casual Clothing. For after work and weekends. Appropriate clothing for touring is in order, but keep in mind that dress in Israel is informal. In Arab countries women need to keep themselves in modest apparel with their arms covered. Some sites require modest clothing where sleeveless shirts and shorts are not permitted. We suggest 1-2 pairs of jeans, 3 T-shirts, 1 pair sneakers, 2-3 long-sleeve shirts, 1 pair of shorts, 1-2 pairs of slacks, 1 light jacket, and 1-2 pairs of shoes. Our Hazor American veterans have suggested we need more "touring" clothes than actual "dig" clothes.

Dress Clothing. If you plan to attend synagogue or church moderately dressy outfits are in order. You will probably need more than one outfit. Sweater and/or Windbreaker. As it may get cold at night and you do not want to get chilled, a sweater or windbreaker is in order.

Belt & Shoelaces. Consider an extra one and extra shoelaces.

Bathing Suit. For pool opportunities, and for sun bathing in general, you will want a swimming suit.

Bathrobe and Shower Clogs. For privacy and sanitary reasons bring both a bathrobe and shower clogs.

Reading & Writing Materials

Reading Materials. You may want to bring several books as the afternoons tend to be long.

Writing Materials. Paper, notebooks and extra pens. These are expensive in Israel and pens tend to explode in the heat. We suggest you create a day-by-day trip diary to recall your memories. You can purchase a trip diary at almost any office supply store.