Health Security at Kajo
Finnish Scouts have long traditions in organizing large camps such as Kajo. Health care is provided within the camp by professionals who will be able to help participants from smaller injuries and wounds to bigger accidents. If necessary hospital care will also be provided.
Hygiene
At all scout camps, good hygiene throughout the camp is enforced, and Kajo is no exception! Even though we are in the middle of a forest hand hygiene is important and handwashing stations/hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the camp area. Hot water will also be available for dishwashing after each meal. All participants will be educated on health security to help protect themselves and one another.
Covid-19
We at the Kajo organization believe that next summer thousands of scouts and guides will get to experience the Finnjamboree as planned. The camp organization is constantly keeping up to date with the current situation and looking for ways to carry out the event in a safe way. The board of the Finnish Scouts has agreed that everyone over the age of 16 will be required to have a valid Covid passport if it will be applicable at the time of the event. Kajo organizers encourage everyone, if possible to do so, to get the vaccines. Please research the requirements for a Covid pass from your country of origin as they may differ. If the camp should be canceled or cut short due to covid or something else unpredictable participants will be refunded the amount of the fee that is possible after the investments and agreement made at that point. Please read more here. We think it is especially important that after these past two years we can provide young scouts the opportunity to experience a real summer camp.
What are the symptoms caused by COVID-19?
COVID-19 symptoms may include:
- Headache
- loss of smell or taste
- head cold, blocked nose
- cough
- shortness of breath
- loss of energy, fatigue
- muscle aches
- sore throat, irritated throat
- fever
- nausea, vomiting
- diarrhoea
Based on symptoms alone, you cannot determine whether the cause of your respiratory tract infection is due to coronavirus or another virus or bacterium.
What to do if I suspect that I or my friend have contracted the coronavirus?
If you notice having any COVID-19 symptoms, seek assistance at the nearest first aid point. There your symptoms and need for a COVID-19 test will be evaluated. COVID-19 tests at the campsite are performed at the camp hospital based on a doctor’s assessment. The camp hospital uses COVID-19 tests which will get you a result in 20 minutes. You will get further instructions from the camp hospital.
If your friend feels like they are getting sick, encourage them to visit a first aid point. Keep in mind however that many things can be the cause for covid-like symptoms. We can be allergic to some plants or the dusty sand roads can cause us symptoms similar to COVID-19 symptoms. We should let everyone evaluate their own symptoms and not assume that every symptom is a sign of COVID-19. Making assumptions isn’t in line with Kajos code of conduct, as we should always trust each other. It is up to the camp’s medical team to assess situations regarding the participants’ health.
What if I get exposed to the coronavirus?
According to the current guidelines you do not have to quarantine. Monitor how you are feeling and if you notice any COVID-19 symptoms visit a first aid point.
International participants
International participants will be provided quarantine facilities within the camp. If quarantine facilities are needed after the camp, we will provide help in finding suitable facilities, but the participant needs to cover the possible costs themself and apply for reimbursement from their own travel insurance company.
What if I contract the coronavirus?
If your COVID-19 test, either one performed at the camp hospital or a home test, shows a positive result then you have unfortunately contracted COVID-19. Try to avoid contact with others and use a mask when you can. Because the current recommended quarantine time after receiving a positive COVID-19 test result is five days and the camp only lasts nine days you must leave the camp to get healthy again. Let your camp unit and assignment leader know that you have fallen ill. Adults organise their own transport back home and camp unit leaders will help participants with organising their transport. You always leave the camp with self-organised transport.
How do I stay healthy at Kajo?
Good personal hygiene is key. Always wash your hands with water and soap after going to the bathroom, before eating and when they get dirty. Use hand disinfectant when you arrive at the meal area and when you get back from visiting the program valleys, shops and kiosks. Always cough into your elbow or a tissue.
Where can I wash my hands?
Washing your hands with water and soap is possible in many places around the campsite. You can find hand washing stations near bathrooms and kitchens, on the main street, by the program valleys’ gates and next to all cafés. Hand disinfectant is available to everyone at Kajo. It is a good habit to wash your hands every time you see a possibility for it; either with water or with disinfectant. If possible, you can also carry a small hand disinfectant with you.
Do I need to wear a mask?
The national mask mandate has been lifted in Finland, so at Kajo we do not have to use masks in any situations. If you get sick or feel any COVID-19 symptoms, it is recommended you wear a mask until your condition gets better. In case of sickness we recommend you wear a mask whilst moving around the campsite. If you wish to wear a mask it is possible and allowed in all situations.
Mental health
Kajo has an excellent mental health support system for everyone on the camp. You can use the mental health services for example if you are feeling homesick, you are being bullied or you want to talk with someone about your stress or anxiety. Our services are available for everyone on Kajo, both Finnish and International participants as well as to every age group.
Kajo’s mental health services are devided in two: everyday life on camp and camp hospital. There is a possibility for early support and discussions with “listening ears” on everyday life on camp. Tiitus Lahti and Timo Lampi are the leaders of this team which consists of twelve professionals.
At camp hospital we can also arrange meetings with a psychiatric nurse or a psychologist if needed. Jaana Laukkanen and Heli Pohjasniemi lead this team at camp hospital. There are two psychologists and five psychiatric nurses at camp hospital.
Contact information to early support:
Keidas – our office, is open from 9am to 9pm (near “Tori” on Pitkänniemenkangas)
You can also call us at +358403675247 from 9am to 9pm. Emergency duty is at night from 9pm to 9am. This number is in use from 15th to 23rd July.
More information about mental health support on Kajo:
Tarja Kallio
tarja.kallio(a)partio.fi
The leader of mental healt support and safety
Kajo 2022
