New Person!

[iabel]

Just wanted to write a message to say hi really, I'm naomi and I'm nearly 17. This will be my first ever experience of being on a dig and I'm very scared lol, anyone got any tips or advice they'd like to share? xx

[Laura]

Hey Naomi, I've just gone 17 last Friday and I'm going on the dig too . What week are you going? I can't really give you that many tips as I have only had 4 days experience but my advice is don't be scared, I'm sure you will really enjoy it. If there is something you are unsure about on the day don't be afraid to ask. On my first day of excavating I asked at least 10 times if the stone I had found was anything other than just a stone but always ask. It is better to be over cautious than to throw away something important.

[iabel]

Hi, I'm going on the 6th august for the week. I can see me doing something really daft but I might have my brain in gear by then! What week are you going?

[Gill T]

Hi Naomi! I was new last year and am going back this year, so it must be ok. It's just as scary for old people like me - perhaps worse as you youngsters are still expected to be learning (I knew nothing about archaeology except what I'd seen on tv!). Everyone was really friendly and happy to show us trainees what to do, to answer questions, and patiently explain what you should have done if you did it a bit wrong........

Just grab all opportunities to listen to the wise (eg Toby!) and give everything a go. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I can't wait to be back

[joantozer]

You'll find everyone is really friendly and ready to help.
The age range is huge as well.
It's also very sociable so come prepared to learn something new while having a really good time.

Joan

[Toby]

Did somebody just call me wise? Is that a typo?

[Toby]

The best thing to do is not to worry... I know that sounds a bit odd, but you will find that we spend the first day just getting people comfortable with stuff going on.

I do daft stuff all the time (well maybe less than I used to?). Everybody on the dig will be learning so there are plenty of things that may seem like they are mistakes - But, there is plenty of support there so they will never be serious errors, just part of learning.

The most important people on the dig are the trainees - so we will do our best to make sure you feel ok.

[philld14]

The best thing to do is just enjoy the experiance (and with toby thats what it is). Ask the question, no matter how daft it seems. Everyone there is willing to help and will not bother how daft the question as long as your keen to learn and get stuck in. I'm in the oldish bracket of trainees but the best way to learn is to ask.

[keiths]

I think that previous posts have said what needs to be said, but just to add a little extra, you will meet people of all ages, and with all sorts of experience but in the end we are all trainee archaeologists, so just come with an open mind, and a willingness to try your hand at whatever presents itself. I am mid-way thhrough my stint and I was surprised at the variety of things there are to be done, but there is always someone around to help out if you are feeling nervous or unsure of what you need to do, never be afraid to ask. I am sure that you will come away at the end of the week (or two) having learned a huge amount, and eager to learn more.

[P-Dawg]

Speaking from just having come back from a 1 week course, you have absolutely nothing to be scared about. Everyone is really friendly, and Keith is perfectly right in saying that you will learn loads and wish you were there for another week...and then another...and probably another after that!

[sarah]

Hi Naomi, I'm about the same age as you and going on the 6th too. I'm staying at the uni site. I've been on a two week dig before, but this is my first time at York. . . . Really looking forward to it. See you there.