What to Buy for a Circus Camp

A circus camp needs more than juggling equipment. Plan food and drinks for the full group, serving supplies that can handle repeated use, and practical gear for registration, rest and changing areas. The activity equipment should match the number of participants and be easy to check in and out. Use this list alongside your plan so groceries, power supplies and safety equipment are ready before setup day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 50
Beer tablesqty 6
Lounge sofasqty 4
Clothes racksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 60
Bowlsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pouring jugsqty 8

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Rechargeable work lightsqty 4

Sports equipment

Juggling ballsqty 40
Juggling scarvesqty 40
Juggling ringsqty 30
Juggling clubsqty 20
Diabolosqty 12
Flowersticksqty 12
Balance cushionsqty 12
Walking stiltsqty 10
Hoopsqty 12
Conesqty 30
Skipping ropesqty 20
Crash matsqty 8
Ribbon polesqty 12
Costumesqty 40
Circus makeupqty 8
Practice parachute

Decorations

Buntingqty 10
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 10
Name badgesqty 50
Stage drapesqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lanternsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Large potsqty 4
Food warmersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomsqty 4
Dustpansqty 2
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 40 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Chocolate spread - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Yogurt - 8 liter
- Muesli - 3 kilos
- Cornflakes - 2 kilo
- Oatmeal - 2 kilos
- Pasta - 5 kilos
- Diced tomatoes - 12 cans
- Pasta sauce - 6 jars
- Ground beef - 4 kilo
- Vegetarian mince - 2 kilos
- Grated cheese - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Oranges - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 2 kilo
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Sparkling water - 4 crates
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Coffee creamer - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per person per hour. Add extra water for warm weather and active circus sessions.
Bring at least 1 reusable cup, plate, bowl and cutlery set per participant, plus 10% extra for replacements and late arrivals.
Plan one serving spoon for each shared dish and one pouring jug for every 8–10 people. This prevents queues when several groups eat at once.
Match crash mats to the number of simultaneous practice areas, not the total number of activities. Keep at least one clearly marked rest area ready before participants arrive.
Charge rechargeable work lights and portable speakers the day before. Pack extension cords and power strips together, and test the setup before the tents are opened.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for circus camp?: Plan one main meal, one snack and 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, followed by about 1 drink per person per hour. Buy 10% extra for unexpected arrivals and higher consumption during hot weather.
How many circus props should I buy for a group?: For group activities, aim for 1 prop per participant where possible, or 1 prop for every 2 participants when equipment is shared in rotations. Have at least 2–3 spare items of each small prop type for breakage or loss.
How many reusable cups, plates and cutlery sets are needed?: Prepare one complete set per participant, plus 10% extra. For 40 people, that means 44 cups, 44 plates, 44 bowls and 44 cutlery sets.
When should I buy and prepare the circus camp supplies?: Buy non-perishable groceries and check equipment 3–7 days before camp. Chill fresh groceries the day before, charge powered equipment overnight, and lay out materials after the site safety inspection.

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