How to organize a survival camp from start to finish

A survival camp needs more than tents and outdoor activities. Start by fixing the date, campsite and route, then build the program around the terrain, weather and group size. Before invitations go out, collect permissions, dietary requirements and emergency contacts so nothing is missing at check-in. On arrival, register everyone, check medication and luggage, explain the safety rules, and assign teams with clear leaders.

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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 people
2
Reserve a campsite
3
Send invitations
2 people
4
Process registrations
2 people
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Collect permissions
2 people
7
Check emergency contacts
2 people
8
Assign participant groups
2 people
9
Develop the program and route
2 people
10
Check the weather forecast
11
Check the route and grounds
2 people
12
Inventory supplies
2 people
13
Do the shopping
3 people
14
Store food chilled
2 people
15
Check the first aid kit
16
Charge phones and power banks
2 people
17
Set up tents and sleeping gear
3 people
18
Print participant list
19
Print emergency numbers

Event

20
Set up the starting point
3 people
21
Receive participants
3 people
22
Register attendance
2 people
23
Check luggage and medication
2 people
24
Give safety instructions
2 people
25
Assign teams and team leaders
3 people
26
Walk to the campsite
5 people
27
Fence off the campsite
3 people
28
Set up the tents
10 people
29
Set up sleeping accommodations
8 people
30
Refill water stations
2 people
31
Guide the orientation game
4 people
32
Set up the fire pit safely
3 people
33
Explain campfire rules
2 people
34
Cut vegetables and bread
4 people
35
Prepare soup and stew
4 people
36
Set up tables and seating
4 people
37
Serve the meal
5 people
38
Refill drinks
2 people
39
Collect tableware
3 people
40
Explain the survival task
3 people
41
Supervise survival challenge
6 people
42
Hand out water and snacks
3 people
43
Lead the flashlight walk
6 people
44
Light the campfire
2 people
45
Serve evening snacks
3 people
46
Supervise the campfire program
3 people
47
Carry out the night check
3 people
48
Guide participants to the tents
5 people
49
Prepare breakfast
4 people
50
Serve breakfast
5 people
51
Take down tents
8 people
52
Leave the site clean
6 people
53
Ensure participants leave safely
4 people

Aftercare

54
Sort waste
3 people
55
Wash dishes and cookware
4 people
56
Let equipment dry
2 people
57
Clean camp equipment
3 people
58
Return materials
3 people
59
Return rented items
2 people
60
Register lost property
61
Inform parents about found items
62
Archive incident reports

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 30
Picnic benchesqty 6

Camping

Tentsqty 8
Sleeping matsqty 30
Sleeping bagsqty 30
Cushionsqty 30
Ground tarpsqty 8
Herringqty 80
Tent hammersqty 8
Tarpaulinsqty 6
Paracordqty 4
Storage cratesqty 12

Kitchen

Gas burnersqty 4
Gas cylindersqty 4
Large cooking potsqty 4
Frying pansqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Dishpanqty 3

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 35
Reusable bowlsqty 35
Reusable cupsqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Thermos flasksqty 6

Sports equipment

Compassqty 10
Topographic mapsqty 10
Ropeqty 6
Conesqty 20
Blindfoldsqty 10
Bucketsqty 8

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 35
Spare batteriesqty 70
Whistlesqty 10
Reflective vestsqty 8
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Water barrelqty 2

Equipment

Power banksqty 6
Mobile phonesqty 4
Megaphonesqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Hand broomsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Organization

Name badgesqty 40
Clipboardsqty 6
Markersqty 12
Waterproof foldersqty 6
Pensqty 20

Tools

Work glovesqty 20
Pocket knivesqty 8
Scissorsqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Wooden polesqty 30

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the campsite before sending invitations, then allow enough time to process registrations and collect permissions. Set a closing date for dietary requirements and emergency contacts at least one week before departure.
Walk or inspect the route before the camp and prepare a backup plan for bad weather. Check the forecast again on the day before leaving, especially if activities depend on exposed terrain or water.
Group participants before arrival and give each team a leader. Print the participant list and emergency numbers, and keep one copy at the departure point and another with the main organizer.
Prepare tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, ground sheets, pegs, hammers and tarps before participants arrive. Test the setup once rather than discovering missing parts after dark.
Plan cooking around the equipment you actually have: gas burners, fuel, large pots, pans and serving utensils. Store chilled food safely, check the first-aid kit, and charge phones and power banks before departure.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a survival camp?: Start at least 6 to 8 weeks before the camp. That gives you time to reserve the campsite, send invitations, process registrations, collect permissions and check the route.
What should I collect from participants before a survival camp?: Collect registrations, dietary requirements, signed permissions and emergency contacts before the final planning week. Set a deadline at least 7 days before departure so you can assign groups and prepare food safely.
How do I organize teams for a survival camp?: Assign teams before arrival and give each one a team leader. Keep groups small enough to move together safely, and confirm the final assignments during registration on the first day.
When should I check the route and weather for a survival camp?: Inspect the route in advance and check the weather again 24 hours before departure. On the morning of the camp, compare conditions with your backup plan before giving the safety briefing.

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.