What you need for a camp swimming contest

A camp swimming contest needs more than swim lanes and stopwatches. You will also need clear race markers, safety equipment, shade, tables, refreshments and a reliable way to keep paperwork dry. Use this shopping list alongside your race schedule and participant numbers. Buy or collect perishable items shortly before the event, and check batteries, power supplies and weather protection at least one day in advance.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 50
Judges' table
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Swimming lanesqty 4
Starting blocksqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 6
Whistlesqty 4
Start signal
Life ringsqty 2
Swimming gogglesqty 6
Swim capsqty 50
Race numbersqty 50
Medalsqty 24
Cupsqty 6
Winner ribbonsqty 24

Equipment

Megaphone
Power banksqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Waterproof storage boxesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 3

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Hand broomsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 3
First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Spa Rood - 2 crates
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini rolls - 80 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Cheese - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Butter - 3 packs
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12
- Apples - 6 kilogram
- Bananas - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 8 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Plan one reusable drinking cup per participant, plus at least 10% extra for volunteers and replacements. Set aside enough water for the full event rather than relying on one refill point.
Allow one chair for every official working at the jury or registration tables, and add two spare chairs for late changes. Place the registration table under a party tent so forms and start lists stay usable in sun or rain.
Match swimming lanes, starting blocks and stopwatches to the number of heats you will run. Have at least one working stopwatch per active lane and keep spare batteries or powerbanks with the equipment.
Prepare one clearly marked water-resistant storage box for start lists, race numbers, whistles and the starting signal. Keep a second box for medals, winner ribbons and cups so awards do not get mixed with wet equipment.
Buy ice close to the event and use coolers for drinks and food that must stay cold. Bring enough serving pieces for the expected group, including reusable cups, plates, cutlery, serving jugs, cutting boards and knives.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a camp swimming contest?: For each active lane, plan a swimming lane marker and stopwatch, plus start blocks, whistles and a starting signal. Also provide life rings, swim caps, goggles, race numbers and a megaphone for clear instructions.
How many drinking cups should I buy for a swimming contest?: Plan one reusable cup per participant and add at least 10% extra. For 50 swimmers, that means 55 cups, with additional cups if volunteers or spectators will use the same refreshment point.
What should I bring to keep swimming contest supplies dry?: Bring at least two waterproof storage boxes: one for paperwork and race materials, and one for medals and other awards. Keep start lists, registration forms and race numbers sealed whenever they are not being used.
When should I buy ice and chilled drinks for the event?: Buy ice and other chilled items on the event day or no more than 24 hours beforehand. Load coolers shortly before the first race and check that drinks remain cold throughout the schedule.

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