Giving Back to Camp Timberlane

My Timberlane Story: I first attended Camp Timberlane in 1974 at a time in my life when I hadn't figured out who I was or what I stood for. The friends I made that summer remain my closest friends today. We bonded over stories, campfires and guitar, cabin inspections, hanging from the rafters of Arapaho cabin, U.N. Day, and just learning to get along for 4 weeks at a time.

Harold Hiken, who started the camp in 1961, made a difference to me when I didn't have a father in my life and helped me when I was having a tough time. When I lost my brother, my camp brothers consoled me. Camp made an indelible difference in my life.

The Situation: Camp Timberlane is celebrating 60 years and for the 1st time since its inception, the sound of campers won’t be thundering through the Northwoods.  At the same time, the stewardship of continuing the tradition of Timberlane is being passed from Mike and Leslie Cohen to Sam Kahn, a 20-summer Timberlane veteran & former teacher who will undoubtedly continue to pour his heart into camp for years to come. 

The Financial Need: Camp Timberlane is faced with an unprecedented situation. While Sam is planning a family camp, the reality is that camp will be running a significant financial loss, a tough start to Sam’s beginning as the steward of Timberlane’s traditions.  Camp will continue to incur major expenses regardless of the cancelled summer. 

Proceeds To Be Used For: Your donation will go to a variety of upgrades and projects at camp such as:

                  • Cabin and lodge roof repairs
                  • Erosion control for the road down to the swim area
                  • Swim area and ski decks refurbish
                  • Finish a storage unit behind mountain biking
                  • Clean up the breakfast trail site and add platforms and canvas tents
                  • Replace the town run van that is on its last leg

We recognize there are a lot of individuals, organizations, and causes in need right now, and encourage the Timberlane community -- as you’re able -- to include camp as part of your giving during this difficult time. Please join me in giving back to a heritage that all of us hope will last well into the future.

Donation Plaque: With the proceeds of this campaign, we will present a plaque with all donor names to Sam commemorating this communal effort, visually reinforcing the strength of this community, and showing young campers that the Timberlane community is a lifelong one.

Timber Donation Level Challenge: As if you needed further motivation to give to camp, when the total donation level for the entire goal reaches the following amounts, meeting the goal level will trigger a bit of Camp Timberlane nuttiness on my part:

Timber Challenge Outcome                                                                          Total Donation Level
Campfire Song Video                                                                                                               $5,000
Chubby Bunny Challenge                                                                                                    $10,000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNCWzdJokeM
My Daughter Smashes a Cream Pie in my Face                                                      $15,000
Ice Bucket Challenge                                                                                                               $25,000
Shave My Head (yep I'll go full cue ball for this one)                                             $40,000
Your Vote Decides My Fate (must be legal & my wife has veto rights)      $50,000

Note: While Sam is aware of our intentions to lead this campaign, this is not being promoted by Camp Timberlane.  Camp is not a 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are therefore not tax deductible.

This friendship fire has kept many of us warm - let’s make sure it continues to burn!