Camping Activities:
Health Advice

17 June 2000

To: County/Area Commissioners

Avoiding Ill Health at Camp

Guidance following the recent outbreak of E. coli 0157 and
viral Gastro-enteritis infection connected with a Scout camp

You may be aware from media reports that a number of cases of E. coli 0157 infection emerged amongst participants at the Banff and Buchan Area Millennium Camp held at New Deer Agricultural Showground. The Scout Association has been working in close co-operation with the relevant health authorities in support of their investigations into the source of the infection and the advice to be given.

The E. coli 0157 bacterium has been found in sheep faeces and in water puddles on the camping ground. Food samples taken from the camp have tested negative. The mains water supply also proved satisfactory. Whilst further tests are being carried out, environmental health officers are treating the sheep faeces as the main source of the infection, aided by the exceptionally high and persistent rainfall, which subsequently led to the camp being abandoned 24 hours ahead of schedule.

Environmental health officers have confirmed that the basic principles of the camp at New Deer were satisfactory. Nevertheless, following joint discussions we are taking on board advice based on the circumstances that applied.

The attached guidance is provided to reinforce and, as appropriate, supplement existing advice on camping standards. Your co-operation is sought to ensure that this guidance is widely and rapidly disseminated and acted upon by Groups in your County/Area and those responsible for managing campsites and visitors to them. This advice is particularly relevant as we approach the summer camping season. We are also sending out this advice via ScoutBase.

Scouting is rightly proud of its record as a provider of challenging and enjoyable training and development opportunities for young people, in a safety conscious environment. This guidance is intended to provide further reassurance, reinforcing safeguards for the many thousands of Scout Association members who continue to enjoy camping as their favourite Scouting pursuit.

Thank you for your co-operation.

• Yours sincerely,

  David J.C. Shelmerdine
  The Secretary

The Scout Association

AVOIDING ILL HEALTH AT CAMP

Guidance following the recent outbreak of E. coli 0157 and viral gastro-enteritis infection connected with a Scout camp

Camping remains the most popular and attractive activity offered through Scouting. Recent evidence has linked, in certain circumstances, camping on land recently used for grazing with the spread of infection to young children. Adopting some simple and sensible precautions will ensure that young people continue to experience the tremendous opportunities for development and enjoyment that Scout camping provides.

The following guidance is provided to reinforce good practice on camping standards designed to reduce the risk of ill health at camp. It supplements advice provided on camping standards through the progressive training programme for young members, Adult Training courses and various Scout Association publications.

Personal hygiene:

The need for scrupulous attention to personal hygiene at camp cannot be over emphasised.

• Washing hands with anti-bacterial soap after visiting the toilet, after activities and general play, and before handling, cooking and eating food, will considerably reduce the risk of infection to individuals and its spread to others through cross-contamination.
  
• It is important to ensure that hand washing and drying facilities are available and suitably located.
  
• A routine that requires all those in camp to wash their hands before meals is to be encouraged.
  
• Care should be taken to avoid spread of contamination through footwear.

Selection of sites for camping:

In addition to general site selection criteria, the following is advised:

• Camping should normally be avoided on land which has recently been used for grazing animals. It is recommended that you choose a site that has not had animals grazing on it for at least 3 - 4 week prior to commencement of the camp.
  
• Where there is obvious visual evidence of faecal contamination on a site, faeces should be removed in advance, particularly from camp "living areas".
  
• In circumstances where adherence to the above is not always possible, such as during lightweight camping/expedition work, it is all the more important to emphasise the need for strict personal hygiene routines.

Water:

• Seek to ascertain if any concerns have been raised about the quality of the water supply to a camp site.
  
• Additionally on sites served by a private water supply find out if the supply has been subject to recent excessive rainfall, which may give rise to contamination.
  
• When in doubt about water quality or source, always boil water for drinking.

If you need clarification of any of the above points call the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 email: info.centre@scout.org.uk