Each boy chooses eight activities and is scheduled according to his skill level and age. They then attend four activities on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and the other four on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. We offer a very goal-oriented program where boys earn bronze, silver, or gold bars to recognize their growing proficiency. We are intentional to provide an extremely wide range of activities because we recognize that no two boys are alike.
Homesickness — advice for parents preparing first-timers
It is not unusual for first year boys to become more apprehensive as camp draws closer. It is not even a bad thing. When they are nervous before they arrive, persevere, and find out boys' camp is even more fun than they hoped, they are rewarded for taking risks. This is the foundation of a healthy sense of adventure. Avoid 'The Bargain.' The Bargain is a promise to come get them if they are homesick. It makes things easier on the front end, but usually ends poorly. Give us a call. We'll be sure the counselors know your concerns so they can keep a special eye on your son.
Timberlake's tribal system, at its core, is about community, and turning outsiders into insiders. It gives our boys an immediate sense of belonging from the moment they arrive at camp as returning campers welcome new boys to the tribe. The tribal system also allows the boys to develop a healthy sense of competition as they enjoy the camaraderie of playing their favorite games against and with their favorite friends.
Timberlake has 14 cabins divided up into three cabin areas. All of our cabins typically have 3 staff members. Junior and intermediate camp cabins usually have around 10 boys, while senior camp cabins have 15. Boys are placed in cabins based on their grade. Our overall staff to camper ratio is 1 to 3.5.
Christian camp philosophy — traditional, not a church camp
Timberlake is a traditional camp that believes that we are called to do all things to the glory of God. We believe that it pleases God when we teach our activities, plan our summer camp program, foster friendships, serve our meals and build our cabins with excellence as the standard. All of our camp counselors are chosen to serve in Christian leadership. They must have a high view of Scripture and a strong understanding of grace and the gospel. Children come to camp to have fun. We believe the happiest environment is one in which the love of Jesus Christ is displayed by the staff and experienced by everyone.
Cowboy Joe Day: everything is backward on this wacky day at camp — we wear our clothes backward, go through our schedule backwards, walk backwards and even talk backwards. Tribapalooza is the Super Bowl of tribal competition at Camp Timberlake, a day filled with favorite evening activities as the Golden Eagles and Black Bears compete for the Banner. John is a licensed pyrotechnic and his World Famous Fireworks shows are some of the best around.
John Menendez first came to Camp Timberlake as a 10-year-old camper in the summer of 2001. During his summers as a camper, counselor and program director, Timberlake became a second home to him. John and Catherine began serving as Timberlake directors together in 2016. As a small, family-owned camp, Timberlake operates as a family and John and Catherine are thrilled to share their passion for summer camp with both new and old families each year. For John and Catherine, Timberlake is home, and they want every boy to feel the same way.
Little Chief program — recognizing leadership and character growth
Our Little Chief program is a place we recognize boys who are growing both in their leadership capacity, and in their ability to consider the needs of others. Our goal is for our boys to see the need to care for the whole camp community, not only themselves. As counselors observe boys displaying patience and kindness towards their fellow campers, as well as the ability to help lead a group towards success, they earn marks towards promotions. Our Little Chief Ceremony happens up at the Council Ring once a week around a fire.
Cabin sleeping arrangements — screened cabins with private facilities
Timberlake campers are housed in screened cabins, with private toilet and shower facilities in each cabin. Our cabins are rustic by design but still on the more comfortable side of the camp spectrum. A great camp cabin will be an iteration up from a tent, not an iteration down from a house. But it will also be comfortable enough that boys can rest easily after a day of adventure with friends.
Each morning we wake up ready for breakfast and each night we go to bed tired from the day's adventure. In between we share meals, go to a short chapel time, participate in activities and play a big camp-wide game each night. Days start at breakfast, followed by a meaningful chapel service and cabin clean-up. Two scheduled activities are held before a tasty lunch and rest time. The afternoon is spent in two more scheduled activities and free time. Out of camp excursions in backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, fly fishing and rock climbing also go out daily. Every night after supper there is a special evening activity.
