What to buy for a church walk

A church walk needs more than a printed route. You will be moving between several churches, guiding people outdoors and usually finishing with drinks or snacks at a reception point. This shopping list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook: clear route signs, spare pens, lighting, power supplies and serving equipment. Check the number of registered participants before buying food, cups and printed materials, and allow extras for volunteers and late additions.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 12
Coat rack

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 70
Coffee mugsqty 40
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Bread basketsqty 4

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Megaphone
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 4
Welcome banner
Decorative vasesqty 6
Route signsqty 20
Conesqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 2

Walking gear

Reflective vestsqty 8
Clipboardsqty 4
Route mapsqty 70
Pen setsqty 10
Name badgesqty 70
Umbrellasqty 6

Safety

First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 2
Towel roll holdersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Whipped cream - 2 cans
- Coffee biscuits - 4 packs
- Biscuits - 4 packs
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Sparkling mineral water - 3 crates
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Garbage bags - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Prepare one route map and one pen for every participant, plus at least 10% extra. Keep spare copies on clipboards for volunteers managing the group.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour of the reception, then add extra water for the walking route. Use coolers for chilled drinks and thermos flasks for hot drinks.
Pack serving equipment before the event: plates, cutlery, serving spoons, trays, bread baskets and cutting boards are easy to miss when the food itself is already arranged.
Use one route sign at each turn or decision point, with cones or barrier tape where walkers could take the wrong path. Reflective vests help volunteers remain visible in low light or busy streets.
Set aside at least one extension cord, power strip and power bank for every area needing electricity. Test kettles, the megaphone and LED lanterns before participants arrive, not during the first church visit.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a church walk?: Plan food for every registered participant, then add 10% for volunteers and unexpected guests. For the reception, allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour and provide extra water for the walk.
How many route maps should I print for a church walk?: Print one map per participant, one for each volunteer and at least 10% spare copies. Keep the spares at the reception table or with the person leading the group.
What should I bring for a church walk in the evening?: Bring LED lanterns, power banks and reflective vests, with at least one visible vest for every route volunteer. Put out route signs before the group starts and carry spare batteries or charged power banks.
When should I buy supplies for a church walk?: Buy disposable or printed materials at least three to five days beforehand, and arrange fresh food one to two days before the walk. Chill drinks and pack route materials on the day itself, after checking the final participant count.

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