What to Buy for an Art Camp

An art camp needs more than paint and paper. You’ll need enough work surfaces and chairs for every participant, clearly sorted supplies for each workshop, and a separate setup for registration, drinks and snacks. Plan quantities from your registration list, then add a small buffer so one missing brush or cup does not interrupt the day. Buy or collect consumables several days ahead, and chill drinks and prepare snacks on the day itself.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Registration desk
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 45
Platesqty 40
Bowlsqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Scissorsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4

Decorations

Name stickersqty 45
Colorful garlandsqty 8
Artist canvasesqty 6
Clothespinsqty 60
Presentation boardsqty 6

Art supplies

Acrylic paint setsqty 12
Brush setsqty 18
Drawing pencilsqty 36
Colored pencil setsqty 12
Markersqty 12
Crayonsqty 12
Mixing palettesqty 12
Water cupsqty 24
Sketchbooksqty 36
Watercolor paperqty 100
Colored paperqty 200
Cardboard sheetsqty 80
Painting canvasesqty 36
Glue Sticksqty 36
Children's cornersqty 24
Apronsqty 36
Protective coversqty 10
Drying racksqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Water - 36 liter
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemonade - 8 liters
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sandwiches - 50 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 36 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Yogurt - 4 kilos
- Muesli - 2 kilo
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Rice - 3 kilos
- Pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Pasta - 4 kilo
- Grated cheese - 1 kilo
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Muffins - 40 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Count one chair and one workable table place per registered participant, then add 10% spare capacity where space allows. A registration desk, coat racks and a clearly marked table at the entrance prevent congestion when participants arrive.
Sort acrylic paint sets, brush sets, drawing pencils and colored pencil sets by workshop before the camp. Prepare one complete supply set per planned group, plus at least two spare brushes and pencils for each table.
Plan reusable cups, plates, bowls and cutlery for every participant, volunteer and instructor, then add 10% extra. Keep serving platters, cutting boards, a chef’s knife, measuring cups and serving tongs together in the snack area.
Check power needs before setup: count the kettles, coffee maker, Bluetooth speaker and atmosphere lights, then match them with enough extension cords and power strips. Keep drinks in coolers and test powered equipment before participants arrive.
Buy name stickers and prepare them before opening the venue, rather than writing names at the door. Keep worksheets, presentation boards, clothespins and artist canvases together so finished work can be displayed without searching through supply boxes.

Frequently asked questions

How much art material do I need per child for art camp?: Plan one complete set of the listed core supplies per participant or workshop place, depending on how the activities are structured. Add about 10% extra paint, brushes and pencils for spills, breakage and late registrations.
When should I buy supplies for an art camp?: Buy non-perishable art supplies, tableware and decorations at least 3 to 7 days before camp. Check the order against the registration count 48 hours beforehand, then do the final food and drink shopping the day before.
How many cups and plates do I need for an art camp?: Count every participant, volunteer and instructor, and add 10% spare cups, plates, bowls and cutlery. For example, 30 people means preparing at least 33 of each item used during the meal or snack service.
What equipment should be ready before the art camp starts?: Set up tables, chairs, the registration desk and coat racks before the venue opens. Test the coffee maker, kettles, Bluetooth speaker and lights at least 30 minutes before participants arrive, with extension cords and power strips safely positioned.

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