Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

This page provides the latest guidance and advice on how Durham Scouts are responding to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated on a regular basis.

  • Last updated: 20th March 2020; 11.45am

Coronavirus and Scouting in Durham

UK Scouting continues to base it's guidance and advice on government health advice, which can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Updates from the UK Scout Association ("HQ") are available here

In accordance with the latest government advice, in the interests of public health all face-to-face Scouting meetings activities and events have been suspended from Tuesday 17th March, until further notice.

We are now moving to a remote 'Scouting from Home' model, delivering resources, badge and activity ideas to our youth members (i.e. delivered through various on-line resources and media). There are already some great examples of 'Scouting from Home' being rolled out across the county.

Scouting from Home:

While we are not meeting face-to-face we are encouraging our leaders and other volunteers to develop ways of delivering Scouting for young people at home. See our Scouting from Home pages for more details.

Scouting Continuity Webinar:

The recording, slides and Q+A from the 18th March Scouting Continuity Webinar will be email to members on 19th March. This contains guidance and advice with respect to the questions raised by our members. If you have not received a copy, please email info@durhamscouts.org.uk

Moor House Adventure Centre:

As long a schools continue to meet (until 20th March 2020), Moor House Adventure Centre will remain open for activities booked by school groups. Any Scout Groups booked at Moor House will be contacted regarding the postponement of their booking until face-to-face Scouting is resumed.

Durham2020 and EuroJam2020:

We still have time to make decisions with respect to our participation in the European Jamboree and our Durham2020 international camp, which are due to be delivered after the peak of the coronavirus outbreak has passed. These events are NOT cancelled, but this will of course be reviewed.

Other County Activities, Events and Training:

All face-to-face meetings activities and events have ceased. Scheduled county meetings will now take place on-line, as will scheduled face-to-face adult training (with the exception of first aid training). The following events and activities have been postponed:

  • Blaydon / Gateshead / Seaham District's Development Day (was 21st March 2020)
  • Monopoly Run (was 3rd - 5th April 2020 - now the dates of Jamboree on the Internet)
  • Adult Training Weekend (was 2nd - 3rd May 2020)
  • Belay Training (was 2nd May 2020)
  • Dryburn Camping Competition / Vaux Ambulance Shield (was 15th - 17th May 2020)

Future dates will be reviewed in the coming weeks and months as needed. Please see the county calendar on the website home page for details.

Insurance Updates:

For the latest updates from Unity - the Scout Associations own insurance broker - see Unity Coronavirus Update. For activities and trips insured elsewhere, please contact your broker/insurer directly

Other Useful Resources:

See these useful resources developed by Youth UK: