What You Need for a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt needs more than clues and a route map. You will need printed materials for every participant, visible signs and cones along the route, and reliable communication between checkpoints. Plan drinks, cups and catering for the finish, then add practical equipment such as clipboards, pens, power banks and weather cover. Buy or gather the route and checkpoint supplies at least one week ahead, so missing items can still be replaced.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 70
Knivesqty 70
Forksqty 70
Teaspoonsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 50

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Puzzle materials

Puzzle bookletsqty 25
Answer formsqty 30
Route mapsqty 30
Clipboardsqty 30
Ballpoint pensqty 60
Pencilsqty 30
Score tablesqty 10
Checkpoint traysqty 8
Directional signsqty 30
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Laminated assignment cardsqty 40
Prizesqty 3

Safety

First aid kit
Safety vestsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 50
Directional signsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broomqty 2
Litter pickersqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 60 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Sandwich rolls - 70 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Hard rolls - 40 pieces
- Herb cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 2,5 kilogram
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Butter - 4 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Wooden stirrers - 200 pieces
- Toothpicks - 2 boxes

Tips

Prepare one puzzle booklet and one answer form per participant, plus at least 10% extra copies for damaged pages, late registrations or last-minute replacements.
Give each team a clipboard and enough pens to work at the same time; pack one spare pen per team because lost or dried-out pens are common during the hunt.
Mark every turn and checkpoint with directional signs, cones or barrier tape. Prepare at least two signs for each location so participants can see the route from both directions.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add water for the finish. Chill the drinks before the start and bring coolers if the route has no reliable refrigeration.
Test power banks, walkie-talkies, kettles and coffee machines the day before. Pack extension cords and battery lanterns separately, especially if setup or the finish continues after dark.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a scavenger hunt?: You need puzzle booklets, answer forms, route maps, clipboards, pens, score tables, checkpoint trays and route signs. Also prepare cones or barrier tape, communication equipment, drinks, cups and finish-table supplies.
How many scavenger hunt booklets should I print?: Print one booklet per participant, plus 10% extra. For 40 participants, prepare 44 booklets and at least 44 answer forms so replacements are available.
How many pens do I need for a scavenger hunt?: Provide at least two pens per team and add one spare pen per team. For 10 teams, pack 30 pens; include pencils if any puzzles require marking maps or paper.
When should I buy supplies for a scavenger hunt?: Buy printed materials, signs and checkpoint equipment at least one week before the event. Buy or chill drinks one to two days beforehand, and test electronics and lighting the day before.

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