What you need for a camp pub quiz

A camp pub quiz needs more than questions and a prize table. You’ll need drinks and serving equipment, a way to keep food and refreshments cool, and enough tables, chairs and power access for the quiz setup. This shopping list also covers the items people often remember too late: coffee equipment, lighting, weather backup and presentation gear. Check quantities against your registration list, then buy or collect everything at least 2 days before the quiz.

The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.

Tips

Plan around your registered headcount: provide one reusable drinking glass, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra for breakages or missing items.
For a two-hour quiz, allow roughly 2–3 drinks per person in the first hour and 1–2 per person after that. Chill the first batch before guests arrive and keep the rest in coolers.
Test the laptop, projector, projection screen, speaker and microphone together at least 24 hours beforehand. Bring extension cords and power strips, and check that the quiz table is close enough to power.
Set aside one coffee cup per expected coffee drinker, then add kettles, coffee machines and thermos flasks so hot drinks can be served without interrupting a round.
Do not leave lighting and weather cover until the day itself. Check the forecast 48 hours ahead, build the party tents early if needed, and keep battery lamps available for darker paths or power problems.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a camp pub quiz?: You need drinks, groceries, reusable glasses, plates, cutlery, coffee equipment and serving items, along with tables, chairs and a bar or buffet table. The quiz setup also needs a laptop, projector, screen, speaker, microphone and reliable power access.
How many drinks should I buy for a pub quiz?: For a two-hour quiz, plan on about 3–5 drinks per person, depending on the group and whether food is served. Buy or prepare extra non-alcoholic options, and keep at least one additional serving per person available if the event runs late.
When should I buy supplies for a camp pub quiz?: Buy non-perishable supplies and check borrowed equipment at least 3–5 days before the quiz. Get fresh groceries and ice or chilled drinks 1 day before, then chill the first drinks several hours before guests arrive.
How many tables and chairs do I need for a camp pub quiz?: Provide one seat per registered guest, plus 2–4 spare chairs for organisers or late arrivals. Use enough tables for each team to write comfortably, and keep separate tables for registration, the quiz setup and food or drinks.