Camp of the Crooked Creek
History
Scouts camped in this valley, with permission of the owners, in the 1920s and early 1930s. In 1936, approximately 40 ha were purchased by the Toronto District of The Boy Scouts Association from the Lennox family who were farmers in the area. Only 24 km from Toronto and featuring hills, valleys, woods, a creek and abundant wildlife, it was an ideal spot for day hikes, short-term camps, camporees, training courses, group meetings, corn and wiener roasts and cuborees.
The name "Camp of the Crooked Creek" was selected through a competition open to Toronto Scouting youth. In the early years there was no road into the valley and consequently everything - tents, equipment, food and packs - had to be carried down the hill and, at the end of the camp, carried back up again.
In 1963, approximately 20 ha of the north end, bordering on Ellesmere Road, was sold for the construction of Scarborough Centenary Hospital. Scouting continued to use the remainder of the property until 1968 when it was taken over by The Metropolitan Toronto Conservation Authority.
Over the thirty-two years that Camp of the Crooked Creek operated, it is estimated that camper days (one camper for one day) totalled about 750,000. Thousands of Cubs and Scouts lit their first camp fire, cooked their first camp meal, spent their first night under the stars and learned their first woodcraft skills.
The camp was used year-round and many will remember their first experience of winter camping.
Gilwell Lodge
Half hidden in the woods on the north side of a large, level, grassy area near the south end of the property was Gilwell Lodge, a 6 m by 12 m frame structure with a stone fireplace and a kitchen area with a wood burning cook stove. This area was used for leadership training. Hundred of adults attended training courses in this area where they learned Scouting programming and outdoor skills to pass on to their young members.
During World War II, this area was used for "Camp Victory". This was a camp for Scouts whose leaders were serving in the armed forces and thus could not take part in their own troop camp.
Campfire pavillion
Built in the trees near the bottom of the hill, just south of what is now Campfire Pit 8, was a 15 m by 15 m wooden platform with built-in benches around the perimeter and a large stone pillar fireplace with a steel smoke canopy in the centre. Many happy campfires were held here with singing, skits and marshmallow toasting.
Chapel
Just below the top of the hill on the west side near what is now Plover Road, was a rustic outdoor chapel with a log altar and log seats. Each Sunday, "Scouts Own" was held, which was a non-denominational worship service, planned and conducted by Scouts. Occasionally, a camping troop would arrange for their own chaplain to come and conduct a service. The chapel was also used on occasion for investitures of new Cubs, Scouts, Rovers and/or leaders.
Swimming Hole
Each year, the creek was dammed to create a swimming hole. As anyone with knowledge of this valley will know, the creek bed is very unstable. The result was that often during a heavy rain storm, the dam washed out and it took several days to repair. However, thousands of Scouts recall happily splashing in the swimming hole.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.