30d • General discussion
Whispering Pines Camp (Curran, ON) — Outhouse Steps Upgrade ✅
Quick camp project update from Whispering Pines (Curran, ON): we tackled the main outhouse steps, and it feels so much safer and sturdier already.
Why we did it
We’re developing a working arrangement between Whispering Pines and Outdoor Kids, and the first work order was a big one: remove and replace the steps for the main outhouses.
The old steps were getting pretty rough:
Weathered boards, soft spots, and all the holes
Uneven footing
Gaps and wobble that made it sketchy (especially for kids, or anyone carrying gear)
This is one of those “small”… okay maybe “medium” fixes that makes a huge difference in day-to-day camp life.
What we did (step-by-step)
Here’s the basic process we followed:
1) Assessed the old steps
Checked for rot, loose boards, and where the structure was failing
Looked at how the steps were sitting on the ground and how water was draining around them
2) Removed the unsafe sections (which ended up being the whole set of steps)
Pulled off the worst boards and cleared out anything that was no longer solid
Turned out… it was basically everything
3) Rebuilt the frame
Squared everything up so the steps sit properly
Reinforced the supports so there’s no flex or wobble
4) Installed new stringers + treads
Added solid, wide 2x10 boards for safer footing
Made sure the step heights are consistent so it’s easier on knees/ankles
5) Secured everything down
Fastened the boards properly so they don’t shift over time
Double-checked for sharp edges, protruding screws, and trip hazards
6) Final safety check
Tested it with weight, movement, and a few “real life” climbs up/down
Confirmed it’s stable and comfortable to use
Bonus: the “easy part” wasn’t easy
We got a couple of the girls to help with the final part—drilling the boards down.
They both agreed that the “easy part of the job” was, in fact, not that easy.
A lesson in using a drill (and hammer drill) was definitely had.
The result
Sturdier
Safer
Cleaner footing
Way more confidence walking in/out, especially for families and kids
If you’ve ever been to an outdoor camp, you know the outhouse is a high-traffic “infrastructure” item—so this was a worthwhile upgrade.
Before & After (photos)
Before: old, weathered, uneven steps
After: rebuilt, reinforced, solid treads and a much safer approach
Quick question for the community:
What’s your most “small-but-huge” camp fix that made everything better?
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Whispering Pines Camp (Curran, ON) — Outhouse Steps Upgrade ✅
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