Bushcraft camp checklist: what to arrange and when

A bushcraft camp needs more preparation than a day activity: you are coordinating people, shelter, cooking, tools and safety in an outdoor setting. Start with the date, location and fire rules, then build the programme and assign supervisors before sending invitations. In the final week, confirm registrations, consent forms, dietary requirements, emergency contacts and transport. Use the last two days to check the forecast, prepare activity materials, pack food and water, and organise the arrival area.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set date and location
Confirm the venue booking
Ask about fire rules on site
Prepare a risk assessment
2 people
Develop the activity program
2 people
Record Supervisors and Roles
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect consent forms
Collect dietary requirements
Collect emergency contacts
Check participant list
2 people
Send parent information
Coordinate transport and arrival
Check the weather forecast
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Prepare materials per activity
2 people
Making participant badges
Fill the first aid and contact folder
Chill stock
2 people
Transport materials to the venue
3 people
Set up the arrival area
2 people
Set up tables and benches
3 people
Build shelters
4 people
Set up the wash and drink station
2 people
Set up cooking area safely
3 people
Prepare the fire pit
2 people
Set up activity stations
3 people

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Register attendance
2 people
Give safety instructions
3 people
Lay out bushcraft materials
3 people
Collect wood
4 people
Look for natural materials
4 people
Guide rope techniques
3 people
Guide the woodcarving activity
4 people
Supervise fire-making activity
4 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Hand out snacks
2 people
Prepare dinner
4 people
Serve dinner
4 people
Collect tableware and cutlery
2 people
Supervise the evening game
4 people
Lead the night walk
4 people
Closing and departure registration
3 people
Safely Extinguish Remaining Fire
2 people

Aftercare

Collect waste
3 people
Leave the site clean
4 people
Wash dishes and cookware
3 people
Take down shelters and tables
4 people
Reload materials
3 people
Store materials clean and dry
2 people
Check remaining groceries
Take waste to the collection point
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Archive attendance data

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Wooden benchesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 6
Waste binsqty 3

Shelter

Tarpaulinsqty 6
Ground tarpsqty 6
Paracord rollsqty 6

Lighting

Headlampsqty 24
LED lampsqty 8

Equipment

Cookersqty 3
Gas canistersqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Jerry cansqty 6
Water boilersqty 2

Kitchen

Large cooking potsqty 3
Frying pansqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 5
Kitchen knivesqty 5
Ladlesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4
Kitchen tongsqty 4
Cut-resistant glovesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable bowlsqty 30
Reusable cupsqty 30
Reusable cutleryqty 30

Sports equipment

Bushcraft knivesqty 12
Hand sawsqty 6
Axesqty 3
Fire samplesqty 12
Compassesqty 12
Bundles of ropeqty 12
Work glovesqty 24

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 2
Whistlesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Cleaning

Hand soap dispensersqty 2
Dishpanqty 2
Spongesqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Check the site’s fire rules before writing the programme. Confirm whether fires, cookers and fire samples are allowed, where they may be used, and what water or fire-safety equipment must be available.
Set a clear deadline for registrations and consent forms, ideally 7 days before camp. Use the final participant list to check dietary requirements, emergency contacts and the number of supervisors needed.
Prepare one labelled materials set for each activity at least 24 hours before departure. Count bushcraft knives, hand saws, axes, tarpaulins, paracord and protective equipment rather than relying on a general box of supplies.
Plan water and food by container, not just by menu. Check the number of jerry cans, coolers, cookers, gas canisters, pots and reusable tableware after the shopping list is complete, then chill perishable stock before transport.
Do the weather and arrival check on the day before camp. Set out headlamps or LED lamps, prepare the first-aid and contact folder, and make sure tables, benches, waste bins and ground tarps can be placed before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a bushcraft camp?: Start at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead if participants need transport, parent information or consent forms. Confirm the venue and fire rules first, then allow the final 7 days for registrations, contacts, food and equipment checks.
What should I check before running bushcraft activities?: Check the site rules, weather forecast, risk assessment and supervisor roles before participants arrive. Count tools such as knives, saws and axes, and prepare materials for each activity at least 24 hours in advance.
How much water do I need for a bushcraft camp?: Plan drinking, cooking and hand-washing water separately, then bring enough jerry cans for the full group and programme. Recheck the total after final registrations, no later than 2 days before departure.
When should I pack food and camping equipment?: Finish the shopping and equipment count 2 days before camp, and chill perishable stock before it leaves. Pack labelled activity materials, cooking equipment, shelter items and the contact folder during the final 24 hours.

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Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.