School camp shopping list: what to buy and pack

A school camp needs more than tents and sleeping bags. You also need enough cooking equipment, serving items, lighting, seating and food storage for the whole group. Use the participant list, dietary requirements and meal plan to set quantities before shopping. Check existing camping and sports equipment first, then replace missing items and restock supplies such as batteries, gas and first-aid materials.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Camping tentsqty 12
Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 12
Picnic benchesqty 6
Air mattressesqty 45
Sleeping matsqty 10
Cushionsqty 50
Blanketsqty 50

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Gas burnersqty 4
Gas cylindersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Megaphone
Flashlightsqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Headlampsqty 12
Battery lanternsqty 6

Kitchen

Large cooking potsqty 4
Frying pansqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 4
Colandersqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 70
Reusable cutleryqty 70
Mugsqty 60
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Serving traysqty 6

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 6
Volleyballqty 3
Basketballsqty 3
Tennis ballsqty 20
Frisbeesqty 8
Skipping ropesqty 8
Conesqty 30
Blindfoldsqty 12
Rope rollsqty 6
Water gunsqty 20

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Name labelsqty 60
Waterproof markersqty 12
Colored paperqty 10
Tapeqty 8

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Reflective vestsqty 12
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Sunscreenqty 8
Insect repellentqty 8
Tweezersqty 4
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Bucketsqty 6
Dish brushesqty 6
Dish cratesqty 6
Hand broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Reusable clothsqty 20
Clotheslinesqty 4
Clothespinsqty 40

Tools

Hammerqty 4
Tent pegsqty 120
Guy ropesqty 40
Pocket knifeqty 4
Duct tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100

Administration

Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30
Notepadsqty 12
Paper mapsqty 12
Waterproof document folderqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Wholegrain wraps - 60 pieces
- Croissants - 60 pieces
- Rye bread - 4 packs
- Unsalted butter - 1.5 kilograms
- Low-fat margarine - 1 kilogram
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Herb cheese - 1 kilogram
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 6 jars
- Chocolate spread - 6 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 4 packs
- Apple syrup - 3 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Hummus - 10 tubs
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Yogurt - 12 liters
- Muesli - 5 kilograms
- Oatmeal - 3 kilograms
- Cornflakes - 4 packs
- Pancake mix - 5 kilogram
- Pancake syrup - 4 bottles
- Pancake powdered sugar - 2 packs
- Pasta - 8 kilograms
- Rice - 6 kilogram
- Potatoes - 10 kilograms
- Tomato sauce - 12 jars
- Diced tomatoes - 12 cans
- Pesto - 8 jars
- Cooking cream - 8 packs
- Grated cheese - 3 kilogram
- Chicken breast - 5 kilograms
- Vegetarian pieces - 4 kilogram
- Ground beef - 4 kilograms
- Frankfurters - 10 cans
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 60 pieces
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Cucumbers - 15 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 4 kilograms
- Carrots - 4 kilograms
- Onions - 3 kilograms
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Corn - 12 cans
- Cucumber salad - 6 tubs
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Mandarins - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Melons - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salsa - 8 jars
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Marshmallows - 6 bags
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Curry powder - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 3 bottles
- Vinegar - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 2 packs
- Semi-skimmed milk - 24 liters
- Plant-based milk - 8 liters
- Sugar - 3 kilograms
- Water - 120 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Syrup - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Dish soap - 6 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Freezer bags - 4 boxes

Tips

Count one sleeping setup per participant and escort: a tent space, sleeping mat or air mattress, blanket and cushion. Add at least two spare sleeping mats for damaged or forgotten gear.
Plan coolers and food storage around the full meal schedule, not just arrival day. Keep separate space for allergy-safe food and label it before loading the transport.
For group meals, prepare at least one large cooking pot, one frying pan, one cutting board and one serving spoon per cooking station. Check that gas burners have compatible, full gas cylinders before departure.
Pack one reliable light source per person for evening movement, such as a headlamp or flashlight, plus spare batteries. Add battery lanterns for shared areas and check extension cords and power strips if electricity is available.
Buy or gather reusable plates and bowls for every participant, escort and cook, then add 10% extra for loss or damage. Print name labels and group assignments before packing so shared equipment does not get mixed up.

Frequently asked questions

How much camping equipment do I need for a school camp?: Prepare one sleeping place and one light source for every participant and escort. For safety, bring at least two spare sleeping mats and 10% extra plates and bowls.
How much food should I buy for a school camp?: Plan every meal and snack for the complete number of participants, escorts and cooks, then add about 10% extra for second portions and spills. Keep allergy-safe portions separate and label them before the camp starts.
When should I make the school camp shopping list?: Create the first list at least two weeks before departure, after registrations, dietary requirements and the meal plan are confirmed. Check stock and buy non-perishable items 5–7 days before leaving.
What should I check before packing for a school camp?: Check tents, sleeping gear, cooking equipment, sports equipment, first-aid supplies and lighting 3–5 days before departure. Test gas burners, lanterns and speakers, and replace missing batteries or damaged equipment immediately.

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