Clap your hands for hygiene!

Words by Tyler 'Crash' Stark

We're already approaching the middle of AJ2025 and things are about to get bigger! With Visitor's Days, Market Day, and tons more activities still to come, we want to make sure everybody stays in optimal Questing condition.

With so much happening and so many things to do, it can become a little too easy to forget to look after ourselves properly, so here are some reminders of small things we can do that will make a big difference to our health.

1. Drink LOTS of water!

It might be wet, but even though we care for the environment, Scouts aren't actually plants and can't absorb water. Dr Michael, from the AJ Medical Team, says that Scouts should be drinking at least 5 litres of water every day at Jamboree!

Photo: Mark Cooper | Mason and Paige always make sure they're drinking enough water so that they can be their best for the Social Media Team!

2. Wash your hands!

Hand sanitiser is good for killing germs, but it can only do so much if your hands are actually dirty. There really is no substitute for soap and water! Remember to wet your hands first, then add soap and rub until it's nice and sudsy, then rinse it all off with clean water. Finishing off with drying your hands properly, and for a final touch, use some hand sanitiser now that your hands are actually clean.

You need to wash your hands after every trip to the bathroom, after any time you come into contact with any bodily fluids or garbage, and again before you touch any food – whether you're cooking or eating!

Photo: Mark Cooper | Washing your hands properly with soap and water is far more effective than hand sanitiser, and quicker than going to the Medical Centre.

3. Sharing is caring – but not with germs!

Or with drink bottles, snacks that someone else has nibbled on, or cutlery and dilly bags. Visiting the Medical Centre is one experience that you don't want to share with your friends – or your entire Unit.

Before meal times, make sure you properly wipe down and disinfect every surface used for food preparation and eating, and make sure your dishes are washed properly with hot water and detergent.

If you're feeling unwell, make sure you tell your Leader. Wear a face mask if you're inside an enclosed area, and cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands to try and limit the spread of germs.

Photo: Mark Cooper | Mason knows that if he covers his mouth with his elbow when he coughs, he won't spread as many germs when he touches things.

There's still a lot of fun to be had at AJ2025, with heaps of cool activities to visit and heaps of new friends to make! Although the Medical Team is full of lovely people, they would prefer you to stay out on your Quest than have to detour to the Medical Centre.