School camp shopping list: what to buy and bring

A school camp needs more than food and sleeping gear. You also need enough reusable tableware, chilled storage, activity equipment, lighting and supplies for checking everyone in. Use the participant list and meal plan to calculate quantities before shopping, then separate food, kitchen items and group equipment for transport. This checklist helps you spot commonly forgotten items, such as power banks, name stickers, extension cords and a ball pump.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 36
Picnic benchesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable cupsqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Small bowlsqty 8

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power banksqty 6
Mobile phonesqty 3

Lighting

Flashlightsqty 8
Headlampsqty 6

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 3
Volleyballqty 2
Frisbeesqty 6
Conesqty 24
Skipping ropesqty 6
Ball pump
Game cardsqty 6
Board gamesqty 6

Office

Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 20
Name stickersqty 40
Printed participant listsqty 8

Safety

Reflective vestsqty 6
Whistlesqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Balls - 60 pieces
- Croissants - 36 pieces
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Butter - 3 packs
- Low-fat margarine - 3 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast - 2 kilogram
- Vegan toppings - 6 packages
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 3 packs
- Jam - 3 jars
- Eggs - 48 pieces
- Yogurt - 6 liter
- Muesli - 3 kilogram
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Spa Rood - 2 crates
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 4 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Potatoes - 8 kilograms
- Rice - 4 kilograms
- Pasta - 4 kilograms
- Pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Diced tomatoes - 8 cans
- Chickpeas - 6 cans
- Chicken breast - 5 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 36 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 40 pieces
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Onions - 4 kilograms
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 48 pieces
- Marshmallows - 4 bags
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Cleaning sponges - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Tissues - 6 boxes

Tips

Count reusable plates, bowls, cups and sets of cutlery against the final participant list, then add 10% extra for loss, damage or late additions. For 30 campers, that means 33 of each item.
Plan chilled storage before buying perishable food. Use enough coolers for the full journey and keep food cold from collection until the first meal; do not leave it in a warm vehicle while luggage is unloaded.
Pack kitchen tools in one labelled box: cutting boards, a chef’s knife, serving spoons, small bowls and kettles. Check that the accommodation actually provides these items at least 3 days before departure.
Match sports equipment to the activity groups rather than buying one item per child. Bring a ball pump, cones and spare game cards, because activities often need setup equipment that is easy to overlook.
Prepare a separate check-in and evening-lighting bag with clipboards, pens, name stickers, mobile phones, power banks, flashlights and headlamps. Test the phones and charge the power banks the day before leaving.

Frequently asked questions

How much reusable tableware do I need for a school camp?: Plan one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per participant for each meal service, plus 10% spare. For 40 people, pack at least 44 of each item so a dropped or missing piece does not disrupt the meal.
How many coolers do we need for a school camp?: The number depends on the amount of perishable food and travel time, but plan one cooler for each separate food group or meal service. Pack them no later than the day before departure and keep them chilled until serving.
When should I buy food for a school camp?: Buy non-perishable food and drinks 2 to 3 days before camp, after dietary requirements are confirmed. Buy chilled items as close to departure as practical, ideally on the same day, and store them cold immediately.
What small items are easy to forget for a school camp?: Check for name stickers, pens, clipboards, power banks, extension cords, flashlights, headlamps and a ball pump at least 24 hours before departure. Also verify that the number of cups, cutlery sets and activity materials matches the participant list.

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