Camporee Health Tips
A few tips for staying healthy while at the Camporee.
Medical Needs
Medical help for all ages is available 24 hours at the Medical Center located on the Camporee grounds. Information is posted at the assembly tent. If any medical problem arises, go get help right away.
Drink Water
It is extremely important for each person in your club, sponsors, families, and support staff to drink at least 8 cups or 2 liters of water per day. It is easy to become dehydrated which leads to other problems such as abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and weakness. It is highly recommended you drink at least one bottle of water with Gatorade type powder added to it to ensure you maintain a healthy electrolyte balance. Drink! Drink! Drink! Water is your friend!
Use Hand Sanitizer
Wash hands with soap or use hand sanitizer (cleaning gel you can purchase) after using the Port-o-lets (toilets) and before and after eating. Apply sanitizer liberally to both hands. Always have it available at your campsite to help prevent the spreading of germs and bacteria. Remind each other to protect everyone’s health.
Regarding Food
Keep the refrigerated food in your camp colder than 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 C) at all times. Restock the ice frequently and use a thermometer to make sure it is staying cold. If it becomes warm, bacteria will multiply and you will get sick eating spoiled food.
If you are heating food, bring it to a full rolling boil or use a stem thermometer to make sure it gets to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 C). Do not undercook any raw foods of an animal origin. They are especially dangerous. Do not hold any food above this temperature more than 3 hours. Illness will be very likely due to increased bacteria over time.
Keep the food surfaces in your camp as clean as you can. Wash your dishes in soapy hot water and rinse them in water that has 2 teaspoons of bleach added for every gallon (4 liters) of water. Dirty dishes can breed bacteria and make you ill.
Be cautious about where you eat and drink. While sharing is a great part of the Camporee experience, food sharing has inherent risks. Be very careful about eating food that you are offered if you are not sure that it has been prepared safely.
If you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, high fever, jaundice and malaise, you may be carrying a viral pathogen that is highly contagious to others. Seek medical attention immediately and do not prepare or handle food.
Sun Exposure
The sun can be very harmful if you get too much. It is a brutal source of radiation that can make you very sick and ruin your Camporee experience. Use hats, sunglasses, sunscreens, and shelters to minimize your exposure.