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Camp Otter Lake Québec – A Living Story
Just over an hour northwest of Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, in the forested heart of Québec’s Outaouais region, lies a quiet stretch of shoreline along Lac Hughes. Here, beneath tall pines and hardwood ridges, stands Camp Otter Lake Québec—where generations of Scouts have learned resilience, teamwork, confidence, and a deep, lasting love of the outdoors.
From the beginning, Camp Otter Lake has been more than a piece of land. It has always been a community built, protected, and renewed by volunteers who believed that time spent in nature teaches values no building or classroom ever could.
The Beginning – 1950s
In the early 1950s, leaders of the 1st Shawville Scout Group sought a place where young people could develop outdoor skills not from books, but from lived experience in the wilderness. With the support of local representation, they secured a Crown land lease near the village of Otter Lake, Québec.
The leased property extended from what is now the northern area near Chemin Scouts on Chemin Rivière Pickano, down toward Palmer Avenue. This was untouched terrain—dense forest, rugged rock, and quiet lakeshore—full of possibility.
1957 – The Establishment of Camp Otter Lake Québec
In 1957, the 1st Shawville Scout Group officially established Camp Otter Lake Québec. Youth camped beneath canvas, cooked over open fire, and learned to read weather, track wildlife, and care for themselves and one another in the wild.
Soon after, the group began constructing what became the heart of camp life—its main cabin. Lumber was generously donated by Jack Argue of J.M. Argue Lumber through the initiative of Scoutmaster Ron Richardson, a pivotal figure in the camp’s creation. In recognition of his leadership, the building was named Richardson Cabin.
Two primary campsites were also established and respectfully named for influential Shawville Scouters:
• Jones Junction — honouring Norris Jones
• Hodgins Hollow — honouring Bill Hodgins
These names remain woven into the landscape and its memories.
These names remain woven into the landscape and its memories.
The Ravine Shelter – “D&D Diner”
The now-famous ravine shelter known as the D&D Diner was constructed later by Scouters Dan Drummond and Don Reese. Named for their initials, it stands as a tribute to creative, hands-on volunteerism and the dedication that has shaped the property over decades.
1980s – A Camp in Transition
When the 1st Shawville Scout Group eventually closed, many feared the camp’s future might be uncertain. However, stewardship naturally transitioned to 1st Aylmer, whose Scouters had deep personal connections to Shawville through family, friendship, and shared values. Trails continued to be cleared, roofs repaired, and youth continued to camp.
It was not an ending — it was a passing of the torch.
1986–1992 – Renewal and Upgrades
By 1986, regional Scouting renewed its commitment to Camp Otter Lake through a formal lease, leading to a major volunteer-driven revitalization effort. Though usage had declined after Shawville Scouting slowed, Aylmer and Chaudière Area leaders restored and improved the site while maintaining its wilderness character. Upgrades included new outhouses, a well, a dock, trail clearing, a new entrance gate, and extensive cabin renovations that made year-round camping possible. Usage grew significantly, and by 1992, Camp Wardens Al Dean and Dan Drummond established a development vision focused on expanded camping capacity, enhanced facilities, and long-term ownership planning.
1990s – Heritage Area Era
During the 1990s, the camp operated within Scouts Canada’s Heritage Area. At the time, the Heritage Area Commissioner had personal history and commitment to the site, ensuring its continued recognition, maintenance, and protection during an era when many small Scout camps across Canada were being closed. Dedicated leadership truly mattered.
1997 – Securing the Land for the Future
In 1997, with support from Scouts Canada’s National Capital Region, a portion of the original leased property was purchased to ensure lasting access for youth. Over time, administrative oversight transitioned from Chaudière Area, to Heritage Area, and eventually to Voyageur Council, where it rests today.
2005 – Creation of the Open Field
A severe wind storm caused extensive damage to the trees on the hillside across the parking area from Richardson Lodge. For years, the camp had been criticized for lacking an open space suitable for games and large group activities.
2005 - Wind Storm
Taking advantage of the situation, a logging contractor was brought in to perform cleanup and a selective tree cut.
2005 - Open Field and Entrance
The revenue generated from the harvested timber covered the costs of clearing and leveling what is now the open field near the main gate, providing the camp with a much-needed activity area.
2017 – Sixty Years of Outdoor Adventure
By its 60th anniversary, thousands of youth had hiked its trails, paddled its waters, built shelters, and shared stories around glowing embers. For many, Camp Otter Lake became part of their identity — a place where courage grew, friendships deepened, and challenges became achievements.
2017–2025 – A Period of Growth and Renewal
After its sixtieth milestone, volunteers expanded programming and developed site features to serve today’s youth safely and effectively.
Water-based programming grew to include:
• Canoeing • Kayaking • Fishing • Sailing development in progress
Land-based adventure programming expanded to include:
• Archery and throwing-sport skills under approved safety standards
• Pellet sport and slingshot training under certified supervision
• Obstacle and challenge course development
• Forest-trail mountain biking
Winter programming included:
• Snowshoe expeditions
• Quinzhee (snow-shelter) building
• Cold-weather camping and survival instruction
A traditional tipi was added to support reflective, cultural, and ceremonial learning opportunities.
Throughout every decision and improvement, one philosophy remained central:
The wilderness is the teacher. We are its caretakers.
2025 – The Year the Camp Almost Fell Silent
In early 2025, Camp Otter Lake was identified within a national Scouts Canada property divestment review and was recommended for possible closure or sale based on financial, infrastructure, and geographic considerations.
However, volunteers and the camp leadership team knew that the camp remained financially responsible, that infrastructure upgrades were underway, and that active year-round programming was thriving.
On July 15, 2025, the Property Committee, chaired by Perry Schippers, submitted a comprehensive response including financial documentation, usage records, and long-term development plans. After review, Scouts Canada’s Board of Governors removed Camp Otter Lake from the closure list.
The camp remained open because its community refused to walk away.
Toward 2027 — Seventy Years and Beyond
Toward 2027 — Seventy Years and Beyond
As Camp Otter Lake approaches its 70th anniversary, its mission remains unchanged:
To provide a place where youth may explore, learn, and grow among the forests of Québec — beside quiet waters, and just beyond the busy heartbeat of the nation’s capital.
The story continues.
Stewardship, Legacy, and Gratitude
The history of Camp Otter Lake Québec is not measured solely in years, acreage, or structures, but in the people who cared for it. From humble origins as a wilderness campsite to its current role as a year-round outdoor adventure centre, it has endured because volunteers believed in its purpose and invested themselves fully.
Among those volunteers, Scouter Dan Drummond stands as one of the most enduring stewards. First arriving as a youth and later serving as a Scouter, committee member, mentor, and advocate, Dan returned year after year — maintaining trails, repairing cabins, guiding youth, supporting new leaders, and preserving spirit. The D&D Diner, named in part for Dan, remains a physical reminder of generations of dedicated Scouters.
Yet no person worked alone.
Leaders, Rovers, parents, local residents, and friends — some remembered in name, others in story, many in quiet acts — have shaped and protected the camp we know today. Their contributions remain etched into the land, buildings, and spirit.
In 2025, when closure loomed, the community rallied — offering history, documentation, stewardship, and testimony. Through their actions, Camp Otter Lake Québec remains open, active, and committed to its purpose.
To every volunteer, leader, parent, elder, and youth who worked, shared, taught, encouraged, repaired, and believed — thank you.
Camp Otter Lake Québec exists today because people cared.
It endures because people continue to care — not only for the property, but for the life-changing experiences it makes possible.
(Written by A.G. Nov 2025)
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