How to organise a camp pub quiz

A camp pub quiz works best when you treat it as two events: an outdoor gathering and a timed quiz. Start by fixing the date, location and format, then build the questions, registrations and team plan before arranging food, drinks and equipment. Allow extra time for checking answers and testing the projector, microphone and speaker. A weather backup, clear registration point and chilled drinks will prevent the most common last-minute problems.

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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
Confirm date and location
2
Choose quiz themes
2 people
3
Prepare quiz questions
3 people
4
Check answers
2 people
5
Send invitations
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Make reservations
9
Assign teams
2 people
10
Print score sheets
11
Set up quiz presentation
2 people
12
Buy prizes
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Chill drinks
2 people
15
Collect materials
2 people
16
Check the weather forecast
17
Set up indoor backup
2 people

Event

18
Inspect the grounds
2 people
19
Build party tents
4 people
20
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
21
Set up the quiz table
2 people
22
Hang decorations
2 people
23
Connect lighting
2 people
24
Set up the bar and buffet
3 people
25
Staff the registration desk
2 people
26
Welcome visitors
3 people
27
Register teams
2 people
28
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
29
Handle opening and game instructions
30
Present quiz rounds
2 people
31
Serve snacks and drinks
3 people
32
Refill drinks
2 people
33
Process answers and scores
3 people
34
Announce the winners
35
Present prizes
2 people
36
Serve the last round
2 people

Aftercare

37
Collect waste
3 people
38
Clear away furniture and materials
4 people
39
Wash dishes and glasses
2 people
40
Clean the grounds
3 people
41
Check the equipment
2 people
42
Return materials
2 people
43
Store unused groceries

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Bar or buffet tableqty 2
Registration desk
Quiz table
Cable matsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Drink dispensersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Portable speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 2
Power banksqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Battery lampsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8
Quiz board
Prizesqty 3
Prize boxesqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Quiz materials

Quiz questions
Answer formsqty 70
Pensqty 70
Score sheetsqty 10
Scoreboard
Round cardsqty 8
Answer cardsqty 10
Team badgesqty 12
Tie-break cardsqty 20

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Rubber glovesqty 4

Tips

Set the quiz format before writing questions. Choose the themes, number of rounds and scoring method first, then prepare more questions than you need so you can remove unclear or overly difficult ones.
Finish the questions at least 7 days before the quiz and have someone check every answer. Confirm spellings, dates and accepted alternatives; a disputed answer can delay an entire round.
Close registrations 2–3 days before the event and use the final list to assign teams, print score sheets and collect dietary requirements. Keep a few spare sheets for late changes.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, microphone and portable speaker together before guests arrive. Lay extension cords and power strips safely, and keep battery lamps available if the quiz runs after dark.
Set up the weather plan before checking the forecast on the day. Build the party tents, inspect the grounds and prepare the indoor backup early enough to move tables, chairs and the quiz table without rushing.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a camp pub quiz?: Fix the date and location at least 4 weeks ahead. Aim to send invitations 3 weeks before the event, finish the questions 7 days ahead and close registrations 2–3 days before the quiz.
How many questions do I need for a pub quiz?: Prepare around 40–50 questions for a quiz lasting about 90 minutes, divided into several themed rounds. Write 5–10 reserve questions so you can replace unclear or unsuitable ones.
When should I assign teams for a camp pub quiz?: Assign teams after registrations close, usually 2–3 days before the event. Groups of 4–6 people are easy to manage, and printing the team list with the score sheets saves time at registration.
How do I prepare for rain at an outdoor pub quiz?: Check the forecast the day before and again on the event morning. Have party tents or an indoor room ready at least 3 hours before guests arrive, including enough tables, chairs, lighting and power for the quiz equipment.

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.