What to Buy for a Story Walk

A story walk needs more than printed stories and a planned route. You will need clear directions, materials for each participant, refreshments at the start or finish, and safety equipment for changing light or weather. Plan supplies around the number of registered walkers, then add a small reserve for late arrivals and replacements. Check drinks, snacks, batteries and printed materials before the event, because these are easy to overlook until the group is already gathering.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 70
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 80
Reusable coffee cupsqty 70
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Kettlesqty 2
Serving traysqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 12
Headlampsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24

Route supplies

Directional signsqty 20
Conesqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Clipboardsqty 4
Waterproof markersqty 8
Printed route mapsqty 80
Program leafletsqty 80

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 6
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Disposable rain ponchosqty 70

Decorations

Welcome sign
Directional Signs for Receptionqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Hot chocolate - 2 packs
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Honey - 1 jar
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Aged cheese - 1 kilo
- Turkey breast - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spread - 4 tubs
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White mini rolls - 80 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 8 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 70 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Raisins - 1 kilo
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Prepare one starter kit for every participant, including a printed route map and program leaflet. Print at least 10% extra copies so a damaged or missing handout does not disrupt the walk.
For the reception, allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, plus coffee and tea if they are part of the plan. Chill cold drinks in coolers and keep hot drinks in thermos flasks until serving.
Mark every turn and stopping point with directional signs, cones, or barrier tape. Bring waterproof markers and spare signs so you can replace anything moved or damaged on the route.
If the walk may continue into low light, take LED lanterns, headlamps, flashlights and spare batteries. Check battery levels on the day before the event rather than waiting until setup.
Pack safety supplies in one clearly labelled bag: first aid kits, safety vests, emergency blankets and disposable rain ponchos. Keep this bag with the route team, not at the reception table.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring to a story walk?: Bring route maps, program leaflets, directional signs, cones or barrier tape, participant starter kits, drinks and snacks. For safety, also pack a first aid kit, flashlights, spare batteries and rain ponchos.
How many printed maps do I need for a story walk?: Prepare one map per registered participant and print at least 10% extra. For 30 walkers, that means 33 maps, with three copies available for late arrivals or replacements.
How much food and drink should I buy for a story walk?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then adjust for the planned duration and weather. Buy snacks for every participant plus 10% extra, and include coffee and tea if they are being served.
When should I prepare the supplies for a story walk?: Check stock and assemble participant kits at least one day beforehand. Chill drinks, portion snacks and test lighting and audio equipment on the event day, before participants arrive.

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