Many people volunteer their time and energy to help others. There are different ways to meet other people's needs. Some provide education while others offer adventure. Many do both. And one typical group to be introduced today are history lovers.
Every year, they offer to find or document remains of lost societies and communities. These efforts take place across the world. For example, Forest Service experts and volunteers are working in the San Gabriel Mountains of southern California, looking for information about prehistoric and historic settlements of native Californians.
This kind of work interests Professor Steven Ortiz in Fort Worth, Texas. Every other year, he leads an archaeological dig (考古挖掘) in Israel. The dig is at Tel Gezer, halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Professor Ortiz directs the activities at Tel Gezer with Samuel Wolff, an Israeli archaeologist.
The city is linked to King Solomon, who appears in the writings of different religions. The experts, students and volunteers are hoping to learn more about the ancient city of Gezer Volunteers for the digs must be eighteen, although children may take part if they are with a parent. The youngest volunteer on the team is Steven Ortiz's ten-year-old son.
Volunteers must pay for their transportation and they will face many challenges. The work takes time, patience and often muscle strength. Besides, the ground may be hard and the sun may be hot. But why do people pay to volunteer to work? "For some, the dig is a journey undertaken for religious purposes. Some just value ancient history, and they want to be a part of uncovering it.
I tend to think we attract people who think they want a cross-cultural experience. They want to do something meaningful. They want to get their hands dirty. And they want to have a fun experience touring a foreign country." said Steven.
Volunteering for the archaeological dig provides all those things, and more. "You are helping science. You are helping history. But on weekends, especially for small children, they can have fun, travel in the country and see sights they do not normally see." Steven added.
