What you need for a forest game

A forest game needs more than game cards and a few markers. You need clear team equipment, visible route markings, lighting for darker areas, and a practical setup for registration, food and drinks. This shopping list covers the items that are easy to overlook, from spare batteries and waterproof markers to coolers, water containers and first-aid supplies. Check the route and forecast before buying final quantities, especially if the game continues into the evening.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 12

Sports equipment

Colored ribbonsqty 120
Reflective Vestsqty 50
Conesqty 30
Ropesqty 10
Assignment cardsqty 40
Scorecardsqty 50
Clipboardsqty 10
Waterproof markersqty 20
Whistlesqty 10
Compassesqty 12

Lighting

Headlampsqty 45
LED lanternsqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 80
Reflective markingqty 2

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Megaphone

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Ice packsqty 20
Water jerry cansqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Hand sanitizerqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- White sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 40 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2.5 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Tissues - 4 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan one clipboard, whistle and set of assignment cards for each team leader, plus at least one spare set at the registration table. Keep scorecards and markers in a waterproof folder or container.
Bring enough coloured ribbons, reflective vests and cones to identify every team and play area clearly. Add extra route marking for junctions, return points and any section that could be confusing in low light.
For an evening game, provide one headlamp or equivalent light for each person working on the route, and place LED lanterns at registration and game stations. Pack spare batteries separately and test every light before participants arrive.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add more for the expected duration and weather. Use coolers and ice packs for chilled drinks, and bring water jerry cans so the supply does not depend on a nearby tap.
Pack reusable cups, plates and cutlery together with serving spoons, cutting boards, bread knives and serving platters. Keep food preparation separate from game materials, and label items for participants with dietary requirements before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How much drinking water do I need for a forest game?: Plan at least 0.5 litres of water per person for a short game, and closer to 1 litre per person when it lasts several hours or the weather is warm. Bring extra water for team leaders, first aid and cleanup.
How many headlamps do I need for a forest game at night?: Provide one headlamp for each route marshal, station worker and team leader who may move through dark areas. Add at least 2 spare lights and a full spare set of batteries.
How many scorecards and assignment cards should I print?: Print one scorecard and one assignment set for every team, plus 10% extra for lost, wet or damaged copies. For 8 teams, that means 9 sets and spare blank scorecards.
What should I bring for registration at a forest game?: Bring the final participant list, clipboards, waterproof markers, team ribbons or vests, and a clear way to give instructions. Set up the registration point at least 30 minutes before the stated start time.

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