What You Need for a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt needs more than clue cards and a route. You will need separate supplies for registration, each team, route stations, safety, food and the finish. Pack team materials in clearly labeled bags so volunteers can hand them out quickly. Buy or collect drinks, serving items and lighting before the final setup day; these are easy to overlook when most of the planning focuses on riddles and route details.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Beer tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3

Sports equipment

Reflective vestsqty 12
Whistlesqty 8
Compassqty 6
Measuring tapesqty 6
Magnifying glassesqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 10
Headlampsqty 12
Batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Start flagsqty 2
Route arrowsqty 30
Team ribbonsqty 6
Name stickersqty 40
Prizesqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30

Catering

Water jugsqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Groceries
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Mini bake-off rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate bars - 40 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Pens - 50 pieces
- Pencils - 30 pieces
- Tape - 6 rolls
- Rope - 3 rolls
- Envelopes - 40 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2

Tips

Prepare one labeled supply pack per team, including clue cards, forms, writing materials and any measuring or observation tools used in the hunt. Add one spare pack for lost or damaged items.
Plan at least two reusable cups per participant if drinks are served at the start or finish. Keep coolers ready for cold drinks and use thermos flasks for hot drinks.
Give every route marshal a visible vest, whistle and a reliable way to communicate. Allow one walkie-talkie per key marshal or team of marshals, plus a charged power bank for each device that needs one.
Bring lighting for the entire dark section of the route, not just the starting point. Pack headlamps or LED lanterns, spare batteries and extension cords before volunteers begin placing route lights.
Set aside one first aid kit at the starting location and another for the route team when the course is spread out. Count plates, serving platters, knives and serving spoons before food preparation starts, rather than during registration.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies does each scavenger hunt team need?: Give each team its own clue cards, answer or scoring forms, writing materials and any tools required for the challenges. Pack one complete kit per team and prepare one spare kit, so a missing item does not delay the start.
How many drinks and cups do I need for a scavenger hunt?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, then add extra water for the route and finish. Provide at least two reusable cups per participant if cups are not washed between serving points.
What lighting do I need for a night scavenger hunt?: Use one headlamp or equivalent light for every participant who must move through dark areas, and place LED lanterns at route stations and rest stops. Bring spare batteries and test all lights before the route is marked.
When should I buy the scavenger hunt supplies?: Buy durable equipment, tableware, route markers and safety supplies at least one week before the event. Purchase fresh food and chill drinks one to two days beforehand, then pack team materials no later than the day before.

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