Jamboree checklist: what to arrange and when

A jamboree combines registrations, outdoor activities, shared meals and a lot of moving parts. Start with participant information and permissions, then build the programme, assign volunteers and confirm the site setup. In the final days, prepare badges and folders, check game materials, charge communication equipment and make the weather plan. This checklist covers the 70 planning tasks and 69 items needed to run the day without last-minute gaps.

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

  • Send invitations

    2 people

  • Process registrations

    2 people

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Check participant list

    2 people

  • Collect emergency contacts

    2 people

  • Finalize the program

    3 people

  • Record Game Components

    2 people

  • Make reservations

  • Check permits

  • Check the weather forecast

  • Prepare the weather plan

    2 people

  • Assign volunteers

    2 people

  • Share contact details

  • Print the run sheet

  • Prepare name badges

    2 people

  • Fill participant folders

    3 people

  • Make route signs

    2 people

  • Collect game materials

    3 people

  • Check first aid supplies

  • Charge walkie-talkies

  • Do the shopping

    4 people

  • Fill coolers

    2 people

  • Chill drinks

    2 people

  • Prepare snacks

    4 people

  • Prepare lunch

    4 people

  • Set up tables

    4 people

  • Set up chairs

    4 people

  • Build party tents

    6 people

  • Set up the registration table

    2 people

  • Mark stage area

    2 people

  • Test sound equipment

    2 people

  • Set up game stations

    6 people

  • Hang decorations

    3 people

  • Put up directional signs

    2 people

  • Set up waste stations

    2 people

  • Check restroom facilities

    2 people

  • Set up the first aid station

    2 people

  • Give volunteer briefing

    3 people

Event

  • Staff the registration desk

    3 people

  • Hand out name badges

    2 people

  • Deliver the welcome speech

    2 people

  • Group participants

    3 people

  • Lead the opening game

    6 people

  • Guide the game round

    10 people

  • Refill drinks

    3 people

  • Serve fruit and snacks

    3 people

  • Open the lunch buffet

    3 people

  • Serve lunch

    6 people

  • Restock the buffet

    3 people

  • Collect tableware

    3 people

  • Explain the evening game

    4 people

  • Supervise the evening game

    10 people

  • Provide the music program

    3 people

  • Serve hot drinks

    3 people

  • Handle prize ceremony

    3 people

  • Give closing remarks

    2 people

  • Guide departures

    5 people

  • Collect lost property

    2 people

Aftercare

  • Collect waste

    5 people

  • Take down tables and chairs

    5 people

  • Take down party tents

    6 people

  • Sort game materials

    3 people

  • Wash dishes

    4 people

  • Empty the coolers

    2 people

  • Clean the venue

    5 people

  • Check materials

    2 people

  • Pack equipment

    3 people

  • Return borrowed items

    2 people

  • Distribute leftover food

    2 people

  • Handle lost property

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Party tentsqty 4
  • Foldable tablesqty 12
  • Folding chairsqty 120
  • Buffet tablesqty 4
  • Registration desk
  • High tablesqty 6

Tableware

  • Reusable platesqty 130
  • Reusable bowlsqty 130
  • Reusable cupsqty 180
  • Mugsqty 100
  • Reusable cutleryqty 150
  • Serving spoonsqty 8
  • Scissorsqty 6

Catering

  • Coolersqty 8
  • Thermos flasksqty 8
  • Coffee machinesqty 3
  • Kettlesqty 3
  • Food warmersqty 4
  • Cutting boardsqty 8
  • Kitchen knivesqty 8
  • Serving plattersqty 12
  • Serving tongsqty 8
  • Bread basketsqty 6
  • Groceries

Equipment

  • Portable speakersqty 2
  • Microphonesqty 2
  • Extension cordsqty 6
  • Power stripsqty 6
  • Power banksqty 6
  • Walkie-talkiesqty 10
  • Megaphonesqty 2

Sports equipment

  • Footballsqty 6
  • Volleyballqty 4
  • Tug-of-war ropesqty 3
  • Conesqty 40
  • Hoopsqty 12
  • Relay batonsqty 12
  • Blindfoldsqty 20
  • Water balloonsqty 300
  • Game cardsqty 12
  • Flashlightsqty 20

Decorations

  • Buntingqty 12
  • Balloonsqty 100
  • Tableclothsqty 12
  • Name badgesqty 130
  • Wristbandsqty 130
  • Wayfinding signsqty 12
  • Markersqty 24
  • Tapeqty 12
  • Ropeqty 4
  • Trophiesqty 12

Lighting

  • LED lampsqty 12
  • String lightsqty 8
  • Battery lanternsqty 8

Kitchen

  • Washing-up basinsqty 4
  • Draining racksqty 4
  • Kitchen tongsqty 6
  • Aluminum foilqty 4
  • Food storage containersqty 12

Cleaning

  • Broom setsqty 4
  • Trash binsqty 10
  • Bucketsqty 6
  • Mopsqty 6
  • Work glovesqty 12

Safety

  • First aid kitsqty 2
  • Emergency blanketsqty 10
  • Flashlights for supervisionqty 6
  • Barrier tapeqty 4
  • Fire extinguishersqty 2

Tips

  • Set a registration deadline at least 7 days before the jamboree so you can confirm the participant list, dietary requirements and emergency contacts before preparing folders and badges.
  • Finish the programme and record every game component at least 3 days ahead. Pack materials by activity rather than leaving loose equipment at the registration desk.
  • Assign each volunteer a clear area and share contact details before the day starts. Keep walkie-talkies charged and print one run sheet for every person coordinating activities.
  • Check the weather forecast 48 hours before the jamboree and decide when to use party tents, move activities or change the meal setup. Do not wait until guests arrive to check shelter and power.
  • Prepare lunch, snacks and chilled drinks in separate service groups on the day. Fill coolers before registration opens, and check that tables, serving equipment, reusable tableware and hot-drink equipment are ready.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send jamboree invitations?
Send invitations at least 4 weeks before the jamboree. Close registrations about 7 days before the event so there is time to process responses, collect dietary requirements and confirm emergency contacts.
When should I finalize a jamboree programme?
Finalize the programme at least 3 days before the jamboree. This gives you time to record game components, assign volunteers, prepare route signs and print the run sheet.
What should I check the day before a jamboree?
Check the participant list, name badges, folders, game materials, first aid supplies and weather plan the day before. Also charge walkie-talkies, speakers, microphones and power banks, and confirm reservations and permits.
How much food and drink should I prepare for a jamboree?
Plan portions from the confirmed participant list, including volunteers, and add around 10% for unexpected needs. Chill drinks and fill coolers on the day, while preparing snacks and lunch early enough to serve at the scheduled times.

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