What you need for a programming camp

A programming camp needs more than laptops and a projector. You need enough charged equipment for every participant, reliable power access, presentation cables, workshop materials and food service supplies. Plan the quantities around your participant count, then add a small reserve for damaged cables, flat batteries or late registrations. This checklist also covers the items people often arrange too late, such as software access, USB sticks, headphones and chilled drinks.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Registration desk
Bar stoolsqty 4

Equipment

Laptopsqty 30
Laptop chargersqty 30
Projector
Projection screen
HDMI cablesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 10
USB sticksqty 10
Wireless miceqty 30
Headphonesqty 30
Whiteboardqty 2
Flip chart stand
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Glassesqty 40
Mugsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Storage binsqty 12
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2

Decorations

Name badgesqty 40
Tableclothsqty 8
Program boardsqty 4
Directional signsqty 6
Markersqty 24
Tapeqty 6
Sticky notesqty 12
Certificatesqty 35

Writing supplies

Notepadsqty 35
Ballpoint pensqty 40
Pencilsqty 40
Erasersqty 35

Sports equipment

Break gamesqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Spongesqty 8
Dish brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread rolls - 40 pieces
- Mini wraps - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Smoked chicken breast - 1.5 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Rice - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast - 4 kilograms
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Red peppers - 12 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Coconut milk - 8 cans
- Vegetable stock - 2 boxes
- Diced tomatoes - 12 cans
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Curry powder - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Soy sauce - 2 bottles
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Yogurt dressing - 2 bottles
- Vegan burgers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 40 pieces
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Cheddar slices - 40 slices
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Crème fraîche - 1 kilogram
- Yogurt - 3 kilograms
- Muesli - 2 kilograms
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate bars - 40 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Prepare one laptop, charger and working account per participant, plus at least one spare laptop and charger. Install and test the required software at least one day before the camp.
Allow one power strip and a suitable extension cord for each table or work area, and check that the total load can be connected safely. Bring spare HDMI cables because presentation problems often appear during setup.
Provide one pair of headphones per participant if the program includes audio, video or focused coding work. Keep several USB sticks available for transferring installers, exercises or backup files.
For a full camp day, plan roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Chill the drinks before participants arrive and prepare serving bowls, plates and cutlery for snacks.
Set aside one name tag and one printed participant list for registration, then prepare materials in table-sized bundles. Keep a whiteboard or flip chart, markers and presentation equipment ready before the first session starts.

Frequently asked questions

How many laptops do I need for a programming camp?: Plan one working laptop per participant, including its charger, and add at least one spare device for urgent replacement. Test every laptop, account and required software no later than the day before the camp.
How many power strips and extension cords are needed for a coding camp?: Use at least one power strip per work table or equipment cluster, with an extension cord wherever the nearest outlet is out of reach. Check the room layout during setup and bring spare cables rather than relying on a single connection.
How many drinks should I buy for a programming camp?: For the first hour, allow 2 to 3 drinks per person; for each additional hour, allow about 1 drink per person. Add extra drinks for warm rooms, outdoor breaks or participants who stay for the full day.
When should I install the software for a programming camp?: Install and test the software at least one day in advance, not during participant arrival. Check accounts, chargers, presentations and HDMI connections in the room before the opening session.

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