Gatineau Scout group launches GoFundMe to rebuild obstacle course at Otter Lake camp

Tashi Farmilo

The 2nd Gatineau Scout Group has launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking $20,000 to repair, upgrade, and expand the challenge and obstacle course at Scout Camp Otter Lake, located on the shores of Lac Hughes in Otter Lake, Quebec. The camp is owned by Scouts Canada and run entirely by volunteers. It serves Scouting youth from Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, as well as Girl Guides, Cadets, schools, and other youth groups.

The camp was established in 1957 and has been steadily improved over the decades through volunteer labour, with facilities now including a main cabin, storage buildings, an outdoor dining shelter, docks, campsites, trails, a target range, and a large tipi. Programming runs year-round and includes water activities, archery, mountain biking, survival training, orienteering, winter camping, and the challenge course.

In 2016 and 2017, the 2nd Gatineau Venturers/Rovers and the Heritage Area Rover Crew funded and built 15 obstacles across two phases of the course. It quickly became one of the camp's most popular activities.

But during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the camp saw limited use and no maintenance could be performed. Several obstacles deteriorated and were deemed unsafe. An inspection by Adventureworks Associates Inc. in the fall of 2023 outlined what would be needed to bring the course up to standard. Some minimum repairs were completed in 2024, but funding limitations forced certain obstacles to remain closed, and by the fall of 2025 the entire course was shut down.

Cal Clupp, Group Commissioner for the 2nd Gatineau Scout Group, is leading the fundraising effort. The group has been involved with Scout Camp Otter Lake for more than 40 years. Clupp said he has served in various roles with the group for about 33 years, including as a senior youth adviser and as treasurer on the camp committee.

When asked why Scouts Canada could not cover the costs, Clupp said, "They don't have the money. Since Covid, it's been difficult for them to recover."

The campaign's $20,000 goal breaks down to $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 build a 40-foot horizontal climbing wall. Phase Two would add 11 new, more challenging obstacles aimed at older youth. All labour is provided by volunteers, so every dollar raised goes directly to materials and hardware.

The camp's programming serves youth from ages five to 26, teaching skills ranging from outdoor survival to teamwork. Clupp said the course is particularly valuable because of what it draws out of young people. "They learn teamwork," he said. "They learn to push themselves and to have confidence in their abilities."

He noted that the skills youth pick up on the course, along with activities like archery and target shooting, translate into badges they can earn through the Scouting programme.

Clupp said the camp is always looking for volunteers to help with upkeep, particularly during work weekends in the spring, and that business sponsorships are welcome. The GoFundMe campaign can be found at gofund.me/376f15898.

The 2nd Gatineau Scout Group meets at two locations in Gatineau. Beavers meet on Wednesdays from 6 - 8 pm and Cubs meet on Mondays from 6:30 - 8:30 pm, both at St-Aloysius Church at 300 Rue de l'Abbé-Murray. Scouts and Venturers meet on Mondays from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at St George's Anglican Church at 175 Broadway Street.

Clupp said the course makes a real difference in the lives of the young people who use it. The obstacles are designed to challenge youth at their own level, building confidence as they work through tasks that may initially seem daunting. Whether it's walking across a rope or tackling a climbing element, the course pushes participants to trust themselves and rely on one another. "A lot of them overcome their fears," Clupp said. "They learn teamwork, they learn to push themselves, and you show them that they can do things they didn't think they could do."