What to Buy for a Camping Reunion
A camping reunion needs more than food and drinks. You’ll need supplies for shared meals, a barbecue, check-in, evening lighting, seating and changing weather. Plan quantities around your guest count, then add a small buffer for breakages, spills and late arrivals. This shopping list covers the items that are easy to forget, including serving tools, coolers, extension cords, name badges and waste bins.
The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.
Tips
- Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour. Bring extra water, especially if guests are camping overnight or the weather is warm.
- Allow one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Add coffee cups separately if breakfast or hot drinks are part of the reunion.
- For the barbecue, prepare one set of barbecue tools, two cutting boards and two chef’s knives for the food-preparation area. Keep aluminium foil and food containers available for leftovers and dietary-safe portions.
- Count your power needs before buying or packing lighting and sound equipment. Bring extension cords and power strips early, and keep string lights and lanterns ready for the evening rather than relying on phone flashlights.
- Set up one waste station for every 20 to 30 guests, with clear bins placed near the food and seating areas. Pack markers and name badges together at the check-in desk so they are not left in the car or at home.
Frequently asked questions
- How much food and drink do I need for a camping reunion?
- For drinks, plan two to three per person in the first hour and one per person for each following hour, with water included. For food, use your guest count and add about 10% extra for larger appetites, spills and late arrivals.
- How many plates, cups and chairs should I bring?
- Bring one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. Plan one chair per person unless the programme clearly includes standing activities, and reserve additional seating for older guests or anyone who needs it.
- What barbecue supplies are easy to forget?
- Pack barbecue tools, serving tongs, cutting boards, chef’s knives, aluminium foil and reusable food containers. Put these together at least one day before the reunion so they do not get mixed up with regular camping gear.
- How early should I prepare lighting and power supplies?
- Check extension cords and power strips at least two days before the event, then test the string lights and lanterns before guests arrive. Set up lighting before dusk, because finding connections and cables in the dark takes much longer.