Keep illness from ruining camp this summer

As you prepare to go camping this summer, you’ll likely write a checklist of what to bring. One thing you should have on that list that will help ensure a good time for not only you, but for your fellow campers is a clean bill of health.

Healthy Scouts and Scouters enjoy camp, so if you or your Scout is not feeling well, the best course of action could be working with the camp director and council to reschedule your trip. Check with the camp leader’s guide or the camp’s social media prior to going, too, especially in the case of a disease outbreak. Those resources can have valuable information of what to do or expect.

The BSA recommends taking appropriate precautions so not only you, but everybody can have fun this summer. Communicable diseases can infect others on the way to camp, at camp and after you leave camp.

Although you might have been planning a summer trip for months, it’s better to stay home than go if you have any of the following symptoms 24 hours prior to the trip.

  • Fever (100.4 F or greater)
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you’ve had any two or more of the following symptoms 24 hours prior to camp, you should also stay home.

  • Unexplained extreme fatigue or muscle aches
  • Rash
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Open sore

If you’ve experienced only one of the above symptoms or if you’ve been in contact with someone who has been sick, especially with a communicable disease, consider staying home as well.

Better safe than sorry

Health policies are meant to ensure the safety of you and your Scouts. Incoming health checks at camp do the same by scanning for symptoms of contagious illnesses. If you become ill while camping, it’s recommended you don’t return to any activities until you are cleared by a healthcare provider.

As part of being prepared for summer camp, make sure you and your Scout are up to date on medical forms and recommended health precautions. Talk with your healthcare provider about immunization records as well. Check these articles for guidelines on forms, medications and more:


About Michael Freeman 432 Articles
Michael Freeman, an Eagle Scout, is an associate editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines.