What you need for an Energy Challenge

An Energy Challenge needs more than snacks and a few tables. You will need equipment for the energy demonstrations, timed activities and scoring, plus reliable power for presentations and charging. Plan reusable tableware, chilled drinks and easy-to-serve food for the breaks. This checklist also helps you spot commonly forgotten items, such as extension cords, spare charging capacity and weather protection for outdoor activities.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 100
Beer tablesqty 4
Buffet tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 12
Stoolsqty 12

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Projector
Projection screen
Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Energy metersqty 6
USB chargersqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lightsqty 10
Rechargeable lampsqty 6

Sports equipment

Bike-powered generatorqty 2
Pedal kartsqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 4
Conesqty 20
Assignment cardsqty 100
Scoreboardsqty 6
Markersqty 20

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Reusable platesqty 120
Reusable cutleryqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Tea glassesqty 60

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermometerqty 2

Decorations

Info boardsqty 12
Directional signsqty 10
Name badgesqty 120
Chalkboardsqty 6
Pen setsqty 10
Buntingqty 6
Prize trophiesqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Waste sorting binsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Broom setsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon - 12 pieces
- Carbonated water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Multi-fruit juice - 6 packs
- Beer - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Gluten-free bread - 2 loaves
- Wholemeal wraps - 8 packs
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilogram
- Turkey breast - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Radishes - 6 bunches
- Red onion - 2 kilograms
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Lentils - 8 cans
- Corn - 8 cans
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Vegan feta - 500 grams
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Apple cider vinegar - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Pesto sauce - 4 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Chili powder - 1 jar
- Basmati rice - 5 kilograms
- Whole wheat pasta - 5 kilograms
- Diced tomatoes - 16 cans
- Coconut milk - 8 cans
- Vegetable stock - 2 packs
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Wholegrain crackers - 8 packs
- Apples - 12 kilograms
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Mandarins - 8 kilograms
- Pears - 6 kilogram
- Strawberries - 4 kilogram
- Raisins - 2 kilograms
- Vegan cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 4 packs
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Cupcakes - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Compostable trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 6 pairs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls

Tips

Pack at least one extension cord and one power strip for every presentation or demonstration area, then add one spare of each. Test the full setup before guests arrive.
For drinks, plan two to three servings per person for the first hour and one serving per person for each additional hour. Chill them several hours before the event and bring reusable drinking glasses.
Prepare one assignment card and one marker for each team, plus at least 10% extra. Keep scoreboards and stopwatches together so the challenge can start without searching for equipment.
Charge laptops, speakers, wireless microphones and power banks the night before. Bring USB chargers as well; a full power bank is not useful if nobody has the right cable.
If activities take place outside, set up party tents before participants arrive and keep tables, chairs and lighting under cover. Rechargeable lamps and LED string lights prevent the evening setup from depending on a nearby outlet.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for an Energy Challenge?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one per person per additional hour. Provide snacks for the breaks and wash fruit and vegetables before guests arrive. Buy enough reusable plates, cutlery and glasses for one complete serving round, plus about 10% extra.
How many challenge materials should I buy?: Prepare one assignment card and one marker per team, with at least 10% spare materials. Bring one stopwatch for each active challenge station and enough cones to mark every activity area clearly.
What power equipment is needed for an Energy Challenge?: Plan at least one extension cord and one power strip per presentation or demonstration area, plus one spare set. Charge the laptop, speakers, microphone and power banks the night before, and bring USB chargers for participants and facilitators.
What do I need for an outdoor Energy Challenge?: Use party tents to cover the activity and refreshment areas, and bring tables and chairs suited to the number of registered participants. Add rechargeable lamps or LED string lights if the event runs into the evening. Set up the tents and test the lighting at least 2 hours before opening.

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