Hi, My name is Cal Clupp (Group Commissioner for 2nd Gatineau Scout Group in Gatineau, QC) and our group is raising funds for a project we have taken on at Scout Camp Otter Lake, QC.

Scout Camp Otter Lake, Quebec is located on the scenic shores of Lac Hughes in Otter Lake, Quebec. Owned by Scouts Canada and operated entirely by volunteers from local Scout Groups in the Outaouais and Ottawa Region, the camp serves Scouting youth from Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. It is also used by Girl Guides, Cadets, schools, and other youth organizations.

Camp mission is to provide a place where youth may safely explore, learn, and grow among the forests of Québec—beside quiet waters, and just beyond the busy heartbeat of the nation’s capital.

The Challenge Course History

In 2016 and 2017, the 2nd Gatineau Venturers/Rovers and the Heritage Area Rover Crew (HARC) funded and constructed Phases One and Three of the challenge/obstacle course (hereafter called the course), which consisted of 15 obstacles, designed to give youth a safe but demanding way to develop problem solving skills, teamwork, and confidence. The course was well used by all groups visiting the camp, and became a huge success.

In the fall of 2023, Adventureworks Associates Inc. inspected the course and provided a series of requirements and recommendations to repair deficiencies and upgrade several obstacles to meet the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) safety standards.

In the spring of 2024, the minimum required maintenance for safety was done on many obstacles but some obstacles had to be closed due to the camp's funding limitations.

In the fall of 2025, the entire course was closed due to lack of funds to make necessary repairs and safety related upgrades before the annual inspection could be performed. This has limited programming and prevented groups from accessing one of the camp’s most valuable learning activities.

The 2nd Gatineau Scout Group has been invested in Scout Camp Otter Lake for over 40 years, and to our volunteers and youth participants, this camp has been our primary wilderness sanctuary and outdoor skills learning environment. Our Scout Group is once again stepping up to help Scout Camp Otter Lake continue to offer exciting and challenging outdoor experiences for youth of all ages (from 5 to 26 years of age), by organizing a fundraiser campaign to raise funds necessary to repair and upgrade Phases one and three of the course to meet ACCT safety standards, and hopefully to allow Scouting volunteers and senior Scouting youth to construct Phase two of the course and a 40 foot horizontal climbing wall.

Our Plan

Using the original Phase one and three plans and inspection requirements and recommendations, camp volunteers developed a detailed repair and upgrade plan. A comprehensive materials list was prepared, with estimated costs based on retail pricing from local hardware and lumber stores as well as online suppliers.

Volunteers also discussed the construction of Phase two of the challenge course with the inspector. This second phase will add eleven (11) new, more challenging obstacles and a 40 foot horizontal climbing wall designed for older youth. Recommendations were provided by the inspector from Adventureworks Associates Inc. to ensure these new elements also meet ACCT safety standards. A construction plan and materials list were developed for Phase two and the horizontal climbing wall as well.

Fundraising Goal and Use of Funds

The estimated costs, based on retail pricing, are:

• $5,000 for materials to repair and upgrade Phases One and Three

• $10,000 for materials to construct Phase Two and

• $5,000 for materials to construct the horizontal 40 foot climbing wall

Total fundraising goal: $20,000

Every dollar you donate becomes real materials, real safety upgrades, and real opportunities for youth — powered entirely by volunteer labour