What to buy for a creative camp

A creative camp needs more than sketchbooks and colored pencils. You will also need enough table space, stools, shared tools, serving items, chilled drinks and snacks for the full group. Plan materials by workshop and participant before shopping, then add a small spare supply for breakage and late registrations. Check power access early if you are using a kettle, hot plates, music or other equipment at the workstations.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Registration desk
Work stoolsqty 6
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Small bowlsqty 12
Serving bowlsqty 8

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Kettleqty 2
Hot platesqty 2
Camera

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Pansqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6

Decorations

Paper garlandsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 40

Creative materials

Sketchbooksqty 36
Drawing pencilsqty 40
Colored pencil setsqty 12
Markersqty 12
Watercolor paint setsqty 12
Brushesqty 48
Scissorsqty 20
Glue Sticksqty 24
Colored paperqty 10
Canvas clothsqty 36
Craft apronsqty 36
Protective filmqty 2

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Spongesqty 8

Safety

First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Pistolets - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Pizza bases - 12 pieces
- Tomato sauce - 3 liter
- Grated mozzarella - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Mushrooms - 1.5 kilos
- Corn - 6 cans
- Olives - 4 jars
- Vegan cheese - 500 grams
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Water - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan one sketchbook and one basic drawing-pencil set per participant, then add roughly 10% extra for damaged or forgotten supplies. Count colored pencil sets and marker packs by workstation so groups are not waiting to share.
Prepare one covered worktable for every active workshop group and provide one stool or chair per participant. Buy or bring extra table covering because paint, glue and food quickly make a clean setup unusable.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Keep chilled drinks in coolers and set out reusable cups before participants arrive.
For snacks, prepare at least two portions per person for a half-day camp and add 10% for helpers and unexpected guests. Use small bowls for individual snack portions and serving bowls for shared food.
Check extension cords and power strips at least one day before the camp, especially when the kettle, hot plates and Bluetooth speaker will run at the same time. Keep cables away from workstations and walkways.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a creative camp?: Plan sketchbooks, drawing pencils, colored pencil sets and markers for each workshop group, plus shared craft materials and covered worktables. Add about 10% extra consumables and at least one waste bin for every two workstations.
How much food and drink should I buy for a creative camp?: For drinks, allow two to three per person during the first hour and one more per person for each later hour. For a half-day camp, plan at least two snack portions per person, plus 10% extra for staff and late arrivals.
How many tables and chairs are needed for a creative workshop?: Provide one work seat per participant and one table for each active workshop group. Reserve a separate table for registration and keep at least one spare table available for materials, snacks or finished work.
When should I buy the creative camp supplies?: Buy non-perishable craft supplies at least one week ahead and check the full shopping list again 48 hours before the camp. Purchase chilled food and drinks one day before, then store them cold until setup.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.