Care camp shopping list: what to buy and bring

A care camp needs more than food and drinks. You also need clearly marked supplies, safe serving equipment, comfortable rest areas and simple activity materials. Use the quantities from your registrations to calculate meals, cups and name badges, then add a small reserve for spills, replacements and late changes. Check dietary, medical and accessibility information before you shop, especially when medication arrangements or mobility needs affect the day’s setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2
Rest benchesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable cupsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pouring jugsqty 6

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Microphone
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Food warmersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Ice packsqty 12
Cold thermometersqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 60
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 40
Wristbandsqty 40

Sports equipment

Soft ballsqty 8
Conesqty 20
Hoopsqty 8
Skipping ropesqty 8
Game cardsqty 4
Board gamesqty 6
Drawing tablesqty 4
Colored pencil setsqty 8
Craft matsqty 8

Cleaning

Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread rolls - 40 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Margarine - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Oranges - 30 pieces
- Yogurt - 4 kilogram
- Muesli - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 2 jars
- Cocoa powder - 500 gram
- Water - 60 liters
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 2 kilograms
- Rice - 3 kilograms
- Pasta - 4 kilograms
- Pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Diced tomatoes - 8 cans
- Kidney beans - 6 cans
- Corn - 6 cans
- Bell peppers - 12
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Salt - 500 grams
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Frozen vegetables - 4 kilograms
- Vegetarian meatballs - 3 kilograms
- Shredded cheese - 1 kilogram
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Lactose-free yogurt - 2 kilograms
- Vegan spread - 1 kilogram
- Ice lollies - 40 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles

Tips

Count reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery for every participant, supervisor and volunteer, then add at least 10% extra. For a group of 40 people, that means preparing 44 of each basic item.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Keep coolers, ice packs, pouring jugs and thermos flasks ready before participants arrive.
Buy fresh fruit and bread as close to the camp as practical—ideally the same day or the day before. Use cutting boards, kitchen knives and mixing bowls in a separate preparation area to reduce queues at the reception or buffet.
Prepare one name badge and wristband per participant, plus 10% spare items. Keep the spare badges, activity materials and emergency contact information together so supervisors can find them quickly.
Allow a rest bench for anyone who needs a break, and check that tables, chairs, extension cords and power strips do not block accessible routes. Test coffee machines, kettles, speakers and the microphone before the programme starts.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a care camp?: Use the confirmed registration count, including supervisors and volunteers, as your base number. Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, one more per person for every extra hour, and add about 10% to food and drink quantities for spills and unexpected changes.
How many name badges and wristbands should I buy for care camp?: Prepare one name badge and one wristband for every registered participant, supervisor and volunteer. Add 10% spare supplies; for 40 people, prepare at least 44 of each.
When should I buy fresh fruit and bread for care camp?: Buy fresh fruit and bread the same day whenever possible, or no more than one day before the camp. Finalise the quantity after registrations and dietary requirements are confirmed, preferably at least 48 hours before shopping.
What should I check before bringing electrical equipment to care camp?: Test coffee machines, kettles, speakers and the microphone before the event, and bring enough extension cords and power strips for the planned layout. Complete the electrical and room check at least one day in advance, then keep cables out of accessible walking routes.

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