Haliburton Scout Reserve – Summer Programs 2024
Canada’s largest Scout camp, Haliburton Scout Reserve (HSR), is almost 5000 acres (2000 hectares) of Canadian Shield, located in The Haliburton Highlands in Central Ontario. Thirteen lakes and ponds, thirteen sections of rivers and streams, fifteen marshes, and three beaver ponds in varying stages of succession, provide wilderness homes for a large assortment of animals, fish, birds, insects, and a significant variety of trees, shrubs, and plants.
Kennabi Lake, the largest lake on the reserve has 23 semi-wilderness sites with space for 8 – 60 campers per site. Each of these sites is accessible by water only. There are also outpost campsites on the other lakes such as Hurst Lake, primarily utilized as overnight sites or day trip destinations by groups hiking the 35 km of marked trails. There are no roads to these campsites, only trails.
Our camp is located at 3161 Kennaway Rd, Haliburton, ON, K0M 1S0. Click here to see Google Maps.
Archery: This 60-minute lesson gives everyone a chance to learn the basics of a bow and arrow and then try to get that bullseye. At the end of the week, groups are encouraged to send their best archer to compete in a camp-wide shoot-off.
Fishing: Smallmouth Bass are often called the best fighting fish for its size! We have a policy of “barbless” hooks and the Reserve encourages a “catch and release” philosophy. The provincial Fishing Regulations for Fisheries Management Zone 15 (HSR area) are also at 
Trails, Hikes, And Outpost Campsites: Several hiking trails have been marked throughout the Reserve. They vary in length from a half-an-hour’s walk to longer expeditions. Several outpost campsites are located on several of our other lakes.
Survival Instruction: Located on Pine Island in the middle of Lake Kennabi, this 60-minute survival lesson will take your entire group through strategies and techniques for surviving in the bush. From shelter building to food gathering, the survival lesson gives you the tools to survive in the wild.
Trapper's Cabin: This authentic trapper’s cabin will take you back to a place where trapping and logging ruled these lands. This 60-minute lesson will give a brief history of the camp and different types of trapping and logging techniques. There are many old artifacts from Lake Kennabi and the surrounding area on display
Kayaking: Another great way to explore Lake Kennabi. The 60-minute lesson covers basic skills and safety and re-enforces them in a game/challenge setting. Like sailing, upon completion of this lesson you are encouraged to book kayaks for additional use. If your group can’t get enough kayaking, ask about our advanced lessons where our instructors will guide your group through rolls and rescues..
Star Hike: Instructors will pick you up after dark and take you to the middle of the lake. Seeing the stars from the middle of the lake is a truly unique experience! On a clear night this superb location allows the opportunity to view individual stars, constellations, galaxies, and deep sky objects not normally visible in populated areas. Even on cloudy nights our hike can explore the night skies, find and listen to stories of constellations and various myths, and travel through time learning about from the cultures that held the skies in awe. Dress comfortably and warmly so that you don’t miss a thing. We will return you to your site late at night, so it is best not to plan any early morning activities the next day.
Swimming: A swimming area is provided at each campsite for group swim periods. Scouts Canada Safety Standards must always be followed at their site. Each group is responsible for supervising their own swims at their site.
Stand-up Paddleboarding: Another great way to explore Lake Kennabi. The 60-minute lesson covers basic skills and safety and re-enforces them in a game/challenge setting. Like kayaking, upon completion of this lesson you can book the boards for the evening.
Sailing: Lake Kennabi is the perfect place to learn how to sail. In this half day lesson, youth can learn the art of sailing, from tacking and jibbing, to using the rudder; from the importance of the dagger-board (don't forget to put it in!) to how to rescue a boat! Campers get to practice their skill using proper knots and safety techniques; how to read wind off the water; how to avoid the boom (duck!); and how to work as a team to achieve sailing greatness. Afterwards, you are welcome to book the sailboats for additional use.
