Art camp shopping list: what to buy and bring

An art camp needs more than paper and pencils. You need enough materials for each group, a way to keep food and drinks cool, and serving equipment that can handle meal times without interrupting workshops. Use the plan below to check quantities before shopping, then sort supplies by workstation before participants arrive. Paper, cups, extension cords and drying space are easy to underestimate, especially when several activities run at once.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Buffet tableqty 2
Registration desk
Drying racksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable cupsqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Kitchen timerqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Bread knivesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coffee filters

Art supplies

Drawing paperqty 200
Watercolor paperqty 60
Canvas clothsqty 36
Sketchbooksqty 36
Pencilsqty 40
Colored pencilsqty 12
Wax crayonsqty 12
Markersqty 12
Watercolor paint setsqty 12
Poster paint setsqty 12
Brushesqty 48
Mixing palettesqty 24
Water potsqty 24
Paint palettesqty 12
Apronsqty 36
Protective filmqty 4
Table easelsqty 12
Scissorsqty 24
Glue Sticksqty 36
Tapeqty 8
Rulersqty 12
Ink padsqty 12
Foam stampsqty 36
Clay matsqty 12
Modeling clayqty 36
Sculpting toolsqty 12
Clothespinsqty 100
Clotheslineqty 2
Name stickersqty 50
Worksheet foldersqty 36
Cardboardqty 50
Colored paperqty 200

Decorations

Paper garlandsqty 6
Presentation boardsqty 6
Poster puttyqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Arrows and signsqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Cleaning clothsqty 24
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 40 pieces
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Chicken breast strips - 2 kilograms
- Rice - 2 kilograms
- Tomato sauce - 3 liter
- Kidney beans - 8 cans
- Corn - 6 cans
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Zucchini - 2 kilogram
- Onions - 1 kilogram
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Shredded cheese - 1 kilogram
- Crème fraîche - 1 kilogram
- Vegetable broth - 1 package
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 1 jar
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Count art materials by participant and by workshop, not just by camp day. Give each person a sketchbook and pencils, then add shared supplies such as markers, wax crayons and colored pencils for every group.
Prepare separate material boxes for each workstation at least one day before camp. This makes it easier to spot missing drawing paper, watercolor paper or canvas cloths before the venue opens.
Plan cooling and drinks around the timetable. Fill coolers before arrival, and prepare enough reusable cups, bowls, plates and cutlery for the largest meal group rather than relying on quick washing.
Keep electrical equipment together at each activity area. Check extension cords and power strips before setup, and leave a clear route so cables do not cross walkways or wet art areas.
Leave room for finished work to dry. Set up drying racks before the first workshop starts, and label shelves or areas by group so paintings and wet materials do not get mixed up.

Frequently asked questions

How much art paper do I need per child at art camp?: Start with at least 10 sheets of drawing paper per child for sketches, practice and mistakes. Add separate watercolor paper for every planned watercolor activity, plus a 10–20% spare supply for damaged or extra work.
How many cups, plates and sets of cutlery do I need for an art camp?: Have one complete reusable place setting per participant for each meal, plus 10% extra. For 30 participants, that means at least 33 cups, plates, bowls and cutlery sets if items cannot be washed between meals.
When should I buy art camp supplies?: Check stock and order missing supplies at least 7 days before camp. Sort and pack materials by group 1–2 days before arrival so shortages can still be corrected.
How many drying racks do I need for an art camp?: Plan space for every wet piece made during one workshop, not just one rack for the whole camp. As a guide, provide one drying rack section or equivalent space for every 8–10 participants, and check capacity before the first session.

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