How to organise a bushcraft camp

Start a bushcraft camp by fixing the date, checking the site rules and confirming exactly what the venue allows around fires, shelters and tools. Build the programme around the available supervisors, then collect registrations, consent forms, dietary needs and emergency contacts before arranging transport. In the final week, check the forecast, shopping list and equipment, prepare materials for each activity, and pack a clearly labelled first-aid and contact folder. Set up the arrival area, tables and benches before participants begin.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Set date and location
2
Confirm the venue booking
3
Ask about fire rules on site
4
Prepare a risk assessment
2 people
5
Develop the activity program
2 people
6
Record Supervisors and Roles
7
Send invitations
2 people
8
Process registrations
9
Collect consent forms
10
Collect dietary requirements
11
Collect emergency contacts
12
Check participant list
2 people
13
Send parent information
14
Coordinate transport and arrival
15
Check the weather forecast
16
Check the shopping list
2 people
17
Do the shopping
2 people
18
Check materials
2 people
19
Prepare materials per activity
2 people
20
Making participant badges
21
Fill the first aid and contact folder
22
Chill stock
2 people
23
Transport materials to the venue
3 people
24
Set up the arrival area
2 people
25
Set up tables and benches
3 people
26
Build shelters
4 people
27
Set up the wash and drink station
2 people
28
Set up cooking area safely
3 people
29
Prepare the fire pit
2 people
30
Set up activity stations
3 people

Event

31
Receive participants
3 people
32
Register attendance
2 people
33
Give safety instructions
3 people
34
Lay out bushcraft materials
3 people
35
Collect wood
4 people
36
Look for natural materials
4 people
37
Guide rope techniques
3 people
38
Guide the woodcarving activity
4 people
39
Supervise fire-making activity
4 people
40
Refill drinks
2 people
41
Hand out snacks
2 people
42
Prepare dinner
4 people
43
Serve dinner
4 people
44
Collect tableware and cutlery
2 people
45
Supervise the evening game
4 people
46
Lead the night walk
4 people
47
Closing and departure registration
3 people
48
Safely Extinguish Remaining Fire
2 people

Aftercare

49
Collect waste
3 people
50
Leave the site clean
4 people
51
Wash dishes and cookware
3 people
52
Take down shelters and tables
4 people
53
Reload materials
3 people
54
Store materials clean and dry
2 people
55
Check remaining groceries
56
Take waste to the collection point
2 people
57
Return borrowed materials
2 people
58
Archive attendance data

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Wooden benchesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 6
Waste binsqty 3

Shelter

Tarpaulinsqty 6
Ground tarpsqty 6
Paracord rollsqty 6

Lighting

Headlampsqty 24
LED lampsqty 8

Equipment

Cookersqty 3
Gas canistersqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Jerry cansqty 6
Water boilersqty 2

Kitchen

Large cooking potsqty 3
Frying pansqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 5
Kitchen knivesqty 5
Ladlesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4
Kitchen tongsqty 4
Cut-resistant glovesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable bowlsqty 30
Reusable cupsqty 30
Reusable cutleryqty 30

Sports equipment

Bushcraft knivesqty 12
Hand sawsqty 6
Axesqty 3
Fire samplesqty 12
Compassesqty 12
Bundles of ropeqty 12
Work glovesqty 24

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 2
Whistlesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Cleaning

Hand soap dispensersqty 2
Dishpanqty 2
Spongesqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Ask about fire rules when you book the site, not on arrival. Record where fires may be built, what fuel is allowed and who supervises fire activities.
Assign supervisors to specific activities before sending parent information. Bushcraft knives, hand saws, axes and fire activities should never rely on one person watching the whole camp.
Set a registration deadline at least 7 days before the camp. Use the final participant list to check consent forms, emergency contacts, dietary requirements and transport places.
Prepare one labelled equipment bundle per activity 1–2 days beforehand. Check tarpaulins, ground tarps, paracord, headlamps, cooking equipment and tools separately so missing items are found before loading.
Check the weather forecast 24 hours before departure and again on the morning of the camp. Pack shelter materials and lighting where they can be reached first, and keep water, first aid and contact details accessible throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a bushcraft camp?: Start booking the site and checking fire rules at least 6–8 weeks ahead. Set the registration and consent-form deadline for 7 days before the camp, leaving time to resolve missing information.
What should I check before running bushcraft activities?: Complete a written risk assessment and confirm the supervisor responsible for each activity before invitations go out. Recheck tools, shelters, cooking equipment, water and first-aid supplies 1–2 days before departure.
How many supervisors do I need for a bushcraft camp?: The number depends on the participant group and the venue’s rules, but every higher-risk activity needs a named supervisor. Assign coverage before finalising the programme, rather than trying to divide people at the site.
When should I prepare the food and equipment for a bushcraft camp?: Check the shopping list and materials 2 days before the camp, then do the shopping and pack activity bundles the day before. Chill perishable stock in advance and transport water, cooking gear and first-aid information where they remain easy to reach.

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