Camp Woolsey has been operating as a campsite for Guides in the Ottawa region since 1938, building on a rich history of Guide camping in the area. As early as 1914, Guides gathered for their first camp at Wychwood and continued to rent various sites throughout the following decades. In 1928, negotiations for a permanent campsite began and the Local Association played a key role in helping the Girl Guides purchase Camp Woolsey in 1938.
Since 1938, Camp Woolsey has served as a campsite for Guides in the Ottawa area. There is a long history of Guide camping in Ottawa. The first Ottawa Guide camp took place in 1914 at Wychwood. Guides continued to rent sites for the next few decades. According to the Local Association minutes, negotiations regarding a permanent campsite for Ottawa began in 1928. With the help of the Local Association, the Girl Guides were able to purchase Camp Woolsey in 1938.
The Guides began using the site in July, 1937, with a program based around First and Second Class Tests. The camp was officially opened on July 6, 1939 by Lady Campbell, wife of the British High Commissioner, who named it Camp Woolsey, after the Woolsey Family who founded Guiding & Scouting in Ottawa. The log cabin was named “Pinhey Cottage” after Miss Pinhey, who had been one of the founding donors to the camp. For over 80 years, the Ottawa Girl Guides have made Camp Woolsey their weekend & summer home.
Camp Woolsey has been host to a number of important visitors including H. R. H. Princess Alice who visited with her family in the summer of 1940, and Betty Clay, the youngest daughter of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, who visited in 1985.
The entire property is on the west side of Dunrobin Road. The main gate is located off Dunrobin Rd.
The terrain is usual for the Ottawa River area and consists of mainly forest, creeks and open space areas.