More than 2,000 Scouts visited Hazelwood Lake Conservation Area over a five day period. They enjoyed canoeing, swimming and fishing from rowboats on the lake. The trails allowed them to learn about our beautiful northern forest. Scout leaders had loads of activities for them to do.

Some Scouts had the special opportunity to camp at Hazelwood Lake. The beach area played host to 100 Scouts each night for a campfire, camping and extra exploring time. One activity saw Scouts gathering clues on the lake for a murder mystery which was revealed at a remote lakeside campsite. A third group set off through the woods using compass to find their campsite to the north of the Conservation Area.

One of the great accomplishments was the construction of a handicap-accessible trail near the Hazelwood Lake Centre. All Scouts at Hazelwood had a hand in the trail as part of their community service effort. They moved several truckloads of gravel with buckets to build the 300 m trail and overlook. Thank you to Hacquoil Construction and Lempiala Sand & Gravel for donating the material and for the work of the Scouts.

More than two years of planning with the Scouts' organizers went into the smooth execution of the week's festivities. It was a real pleasure to work with Arnold Smith and his dedicated, capable crew.

The leaders and Scouts came away from Hazelwood Lake with a feeling of having experienced the natural beauty of Northwestern Ontario. We hope they will come back to visit sometime.