What to buy for a tech camp

A tech camp needs more than laptops and programming kits. You also need enough chargers, cables, power access, workshop equipment and basic catering supplies for every participant and supervisor. Start by matching each workstation to a participant group, then add shared equipment for presentations and demonstrations. Buy or borrow consumables early, and allow time to charge devices, test accounts and check that every kit is complete before camp begins.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Laptopsqty 24
Tabletsqty 12
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Power stripsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 12
USB cablesqty 30
HDMI cablesqty 3
Charging stationsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Arduino kitsqty 12
Robotics kitsqty 8
Microcontroller kitsqty 12
Solderless breadboardsqty 12
3D pensqty 8
VR headsetsqty 4
Webcamsqty 4
Computer miceqty 24
Headphonesqty 24

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Food warmersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Tableware

Platesqty 60
Bowlsqty 60
Glassesqty 60
Mugsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 60

Sports equipment

Construction matsqty 12
Storage binsqty 18
Measuring tapesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6
Conesqty 20

Decorations

Name stickersqty 60
Badge holdersqty 60
Directional signsqty 10
Workstation cardsqty 12
Certificatesqty 50

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Cleaning

Hand broomsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 40 pieces
- Croissants - 50 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Turkey fillet - 1.5 kilograms
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Mandarins - 50 pieces
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Mini rice cakes - 4 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Limona syrup - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Pasta - 5 kilogram
- Pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Diced tomatoes - 8 cans
- Red lentils - 2 kilogram
- Vegetarian mince - 3 kilograms
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Parmesan cheese - 500 grams
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Basil - 4 bunches
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Parmesan cheese - 500 grams
- Vegan pasta sauce - 4 jars
- Gluten-free pasta - 1 kilogram
- Lactose-free cheese - 500 grams
- Vegan sandwich spreads - 4 packs
- Vegan margarine - 2 tubs
- Diet cookies - 3 packs
- Dextrose - 2 boxes
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 1 box

Tips

Plan one working device per participant wherever possible, plus at least one spare laptop or tablet for every 10 participants. Check chargers, user accounts and required software at least two days before the first workshop.
Give each table its own power strip and keep extension cords available for rooms where sockets are not close to the workstations. Bring spare USB and HDMI cables; missing connectors are often discovered only during setup.
Count workshop kits by group rather than by room. For example, a group using Arduino, robotics or microcontroller equipment needs one complete kit per planned team, with extra cables and components for breakages.
Provide headphones for activities with sound and one computer mouse per laptop or workstation that needs precise control. Test VR headsets, webcams and 3D pens with the software before participants arrive.
Buy refreshments according to the schedule and storage available. Keep chilled items in coolers, prepare hot drinks with coffee machines or kettles, and use thermos flasks if participants will move between rooms.

Frequently asked questions

How many laptops do I need for a tech camp?: Aim for one laptop or tablet per participant during hands-on sessions. Add at least one spare device for every 10 participants, and make sure every device is charged and logged into the required accounts 1–2 days beforehand.
How many tech kits should I buy for a workshop?: Provide one complete Arduino, robotics or microcontroller kit for each planned team, not just one per room. If teams have four participants, a group of 20 needs five kits; keep one extra kit or replacement set available if the budget allows.
How many power strips and extension cords are needed?: Use at least one power strip per workstation table, with enough sockets for the devices and chargers placed there. Add one extension cord for each table that is not close to a wall socket, and test the layout before camp starts.
When should I charge and test the tech equipment?: Charge laptops, tablets, power banks and headsets at least one day before the event. Test software, accounts, presentations, videos and workshop kits 24–48 hours in advance so there is time to replace missing or faulty equipment.

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