Lake Scugog Camp
Historical Triva

Beach The House The Hill

  • 1849 – The site was crown land and sold in…
  • 1854 – …to John Ball. Mr. Ball paid $1000 for 145 acres
  • 1854 – Later that year, Mr. Ball bought another 80 acres
  • 1878 – Mr. Ball bought another 80 acres
  • 1913 – Property was in Trust to the Board of Social Service and Evangelism of the Presbyterian Church in Canada
  • 1919 – Property was given to The Church and Manse Board of the Presbyterian Church in Canada for $1.00
  • 1926 – The site became the property of the United Church of Canada
  • 1931 – That summer, United Church Fresh Air Camps provided a holiday for 1741 campers
  • 1977 – A Camp Property Study was done by Doug Brown. The following is a quote from the Summary and Recommendations: “Scugog has reached or is about to reach a turning point, its facilities, never very sophisticated, are “worn out”.
  • 1980 – South Camp continues to serve campers boys and girls, moms and children.
  • 1986 – A Review of Sanitary Facilities at South Camp by Doug Brown. Comments on water supply (Wash Water): “Pumped by system from lake. Chlorinated in pump house. This dug well is 32’ deep and has gone dry on occasion. Health Department insists on chlorination. Two attempts to increase the water supply in the seventies met with little success.” Water and Sanitation – the most important items at camp – both in trouble.
  • 1990 – Site closed due to ongoing water and building problems. New site search conducted
  • 1991 - Lake Scugog Camp opens on a leased site near Haliburton. Camp now referred to as Scugog Camp Northwoods”, site owned by the Family Services Association of Metro Toronto.
  • 1994 – A three (3) year grant was received by the Davenport Interest Fund to support the Leader in Training (LIT) program for youth 15 – 17 years of age.
  • 1996 - Lake Scugog Camp re-establishes itself on the Lake Scugog site. Extensive redevelopment plans have been made and a 5 – 10 year plan of improvements has begun. The water and sanitation concerns have been addressed and are undergoing resolution.
  • 1997 – Lake Scugog Camp runs a full camp program serving approx. 300 total campers, (children/moms and children). The LIT program continues due to fundraising initiatives of the Management Committee.
  • 1998 – Dedication ceremony for th4e new administration building and low ropes course.
  • 1999 – Continuing to upgrade cabins, opening of nursery cabin and many other improvements made.
  • 2000 – Recreation Hall refinished inside and out, Dining Hall, kitchen, and dish-room refinished inside, porch rebuilt and sliding doors outside of kitchen and front porch. Ultraviolet light water purification systems installed, camper washroom/shower facilities built.
  • 2001 – New floating dock system. Old 6-kybo unit removed.
  • 2002 – Guard tower built for waterfront lifeguards. Bursary Fund created with initial substantial deposit from Humber Valley United Church, to assist campers who are unable to mange subsidized fee.
  • 2003 – Kayaking program introduced and eight (8) kayaks purchased. Canoe/kayak dock rebuilt. Administration building porch widened. Introduction of Junior Counsellor positions as second year participants in the LIT program.
  • 2005 – Dishwasher installed in main house and painting of main floor. Bicycling program in the meadow introduced. Cabin in the meadow (overhauled by volunteers) to be used for biking program.
  • 2006 – Farm house retrofitted as per new Fire Regulations. Upper floor converted to storage and resource use. Nursery cabin converted to staff quarters. 2 LIT/JC canoes donated by the Port Perry Business Association. Several adult bicycles donated by Canadian Tire.
  • 2007 – Toronto Rotary Club work weekend gave the camp a fresh new face-lift, including extensive painting and shingling of cabins, donations of much needed kitchen equipment, and appliances.