What you need for a photo scavenger hunt

A photo scavenger hunt needs more than a list of creative assignments. You also need visible team markers, weatherproof route materials, a reliable way to record scores, and enough refreshments for people moving around outdoors. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for registration, the route, the start and finish area, food and drinks, and evening lighting. Check quantities against your participant count, then add a small buffer for damaged signs, extra cups, and last-minute registrations.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 20
High tablesqty 4

Game materials

Waterproof route checkpoint coversqty 12
Route signsqty 12
Conesqty 20
Team bibsqty 12
Prizesqty 3

Equipment

Tablet for score processing
Power banksqty 8
Charging cablesqty 8
Portable phone chargersqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 50
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6
Ice packsqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Safety

Flashlightsqty 6
Reflective armbandsqty 20
First aid kit

Paper goods

Clipboardsqty 12
Markersqty 24
Pensqty 40
Rolls of tapeqty 6
Scissorsqty 4
Rope rollsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea selection - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mini cucumbers - 40 pcs
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Mini wraps - 6 packs
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Cleaning sponges - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan one team bib or other visible identifier for every participant, plus a few spares. Clear team numbers make registration, photos, and score processing much easier.
Prepare at least one printed assignment set and scorecard per team, then print two or three extra sets. Keep them in waterproof covers or folders because a wet route can ruin the only copies.
For drinks, allow roughly two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then add water for the full route. Use coolers for cold drinks and thermos flasks for hot drinks at the start or finish.
Bring one power bank or portable charger for every two to three phones used by supervisors, and charge all devices the day before. Pack charging cables that match the phones and the scoring tablet.
Mark every checkpoint with a route sign, cones, and a waterproof cover, and bring at least 10% more arrows and signs than the route requires. Extra markers help replace items that disappear or become unreadable.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a photo scavenger hunt?: Budget two to three drinks per person for the first hour, with water available throughout the route. For a three-hour event, plan around four to five drinks per person in total, adjusted for weather and walking distance.
How many printed scorecards should I prepare?: Print one scorecard per team and prepare two or three spare copies. If you expect 12 teams, bring at least 14 or 15 scorecards so a lost or damaged sheet does not stop scoring.
What do I need to mark a photo scavenger hunt route?: Use route signs, arrows, cones, and waterproof checkpoint covers at each checkpoint. Prepare about 10% extra markers; a route with 20 arrows should have at least 22 available.
How many power banks are needed for a photo scavenger hunt?: Bring one power bank or portable phone charger for every two to three phones used by supervisors, plus one spare. Charge them and the scoring tablet at least 12 hours before the start.

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.