About Camp Samac

Situated in North Oshawa, Ontario, the Camp has been in operation since 1946. It is private property, owned by Scouts Canada, and operated by Scouts Canada White Pine Council.

Colonel R.S (Sam) McLaughlin donated the funds to purchase the parcel of land in the 1940's and it was officially opened on September 5, 1946 by Lord Rowallan, the then Chief Scout of the British Commonwealth and Empire. The main driveway from the Simcoe Street entrance to the Scout Shop is named after Lord Rowallan.

In recognition of Colonel Sam McLaughlin's generosity and vision, the property assumed the name Samac after Col. McLaughlin (Sam-Mc).

Several weeks prior to the official opening, Lady Baden-Powell, world head of the Girl Guides attended the property on June 8, 1946 to plant a tree in memory of Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell.

The camp is about 163 acres in size, with a tremendous mix of open camping/activity fields and trees. The Oshawa Creek flows through the property and in the summer months the creek is dammed to create a small lake.

In addition to extensive camping locations the Camp also has 10 Cabins & Lodges, making Camp Samac a true "all year" camping facility.

Camp Samac also hosts the designated Veterans Trail for Ontario, and the Trout and Salmon runs in the Spring and Fall of each year are sights that attract youth of all ages.

Access to the Scout Shop and Administration facilities is from Simcoe Road; access to camping and activity areas is from Conlin Road (see maps).

Camp Samac offers an incredibly wide variety of camping and outdoor activity opportunities all year round, and we look forward to welcoming you to this wonderful facility.