Corey Mandell, Owner/Director
“Growing up at Timberlane, I had the chance to be exactly who I was – a creator and a performer. I was encouraged in those things and celebrated for them. I would not be the person I am today without Timberlane.”
Corey was educated at York University in Toronto. He attended Sheridan College Television and Film Program and is the CEO and Founder Mandell Entertainment Group.
“Growing up at Timberlane, I had the chance to be exactly who I was – a creator and a performer. I was encouraged in those things and celebrated for them. I would not be the person I am today without Timberlane.”
Ida holds a B.A. in Sociology from York University and a B.Ed. from Trent University. During her teaching career, she specialized in Special Education for more than a decade at a small private school.
“My job at camp is truly special to me. I feel proud and empowered every summer witnessing campers and staff grow and evolve in such a positive way. For me, camp is family. Camp is pride. Camp is home. I love what I do.”
Harley has spent 28 summers at Timberlane and has been a full-time member of the leadership team since 2010. The infectious energy and enthusiasm of the campers are what draw him back every year and fuel his passion for elevating the Camp experience. Harley takes pride in the dedication and hard work that Timberlane’s staff put into raising the bar every summer.
Harley spends nearly five months of the year at Camp, managing Timberlane’s programming and off-season events. For him, there’s truly no place he’d rather be. Wherever he goes and whatever he does, Timberlane is always at the heart of it. Harley feels privileged to lead a team devoted to continuous growth, accountability, and building a strong, supportive community.
Harley graduated from the University of Miami with a Masters of Education in Sport Administration. He also holds a B.A with Honours in Sport Management from Brock University.
“The connection I have with the campers and staff, year after year, is irreplaceable. Being part of and leading such an inclusive, dynamic, family environment is incredibly meaningful to me.”
Brit was educated at College du Leman Switzerland, York University and received an L.L.B. from the University of Windsor.
“I am so grateful to my parents for starting a summer camp that has been an integral part of my life. I share my parents’ passion for camping and am so thrilled to carry on the Timberlane traditions that they started 67 years ago.”
“Timberlane was born from my parents’ two main passions – children and camping. They were true pioneers in Canada’s camping industry, and their founding values persist today and continue to shape the Timberlane experience.”
Brit Lowes
In 1958, Barry and Philomena Lowes had a vision to start a summer camp whose spirit was defined by community, family and celebrating and encouraging individuality. Their goal was to create a place where kids could learn, grow and define the values that they would take as adults into society.
While Phil and Barry are no longer with us and greatly missed, Barry embodied the essence of Timberlane and was loved and revered by campers and staff alike. He took great pride in seeing the generations of Timberlaner's – current campers and their parents and grandparents who also grew up camp – embrace the values that he and Phil rooted Timberlane in at the start 63 years ago.
1927 – 2020
“Timberlane was born from my parents’ two main passions – children and camping. They were true pioneers in Canada’s camping industry, and their founding values persist today and continue to shape the Timberlane experience.”
Brit Lowes
1921-2015
Philomena “Phil” Lowes will always remain dear in our hearts.
Ken Melvin’s first summer at Timberlane was in 1961, first as a Voyager camper, then C DE B, CIT, and he then spent a number of summers on Sail staff. He returned as Camp Doctor in 1993 with his wife Susan, and daughters Amanda, Lindsay and Rochelle, all of whom became Timberlane campers and staff. In his working life he practices adult Cardiology at University Health Network in Toronto. He loves camp and still remains actively involved in the medical program at Timberlane.
Cindy Polan is in her 23rd Summer as the Head Nurse at Camp Timberlane. When Cindy isn’t taking care of the Timberlane campers, she is at home taking care of her four boys; her husband and three sons that all attended Timberlane. Her husband, Shy, is an avid visitor, so we consider him a part of the Timberlane family. Cindy loves Timberlane and looking out for the safety and well-being of campers as if they are her own. She loves the people and the atmosphere at Timberlane and watching the kids grow up summer after summer.
Dr. Deena Savlov has been at camp for 9 years and has completed her paediatric residency at SickKids Hospital in Toronto after which she worked as a General Paediatrician at North York General Hospital for 2 years and at SickKids Hospital for 5 years. She now works as a General Paediatrician at Kindercare Pediatrics in Toronto.
Deena also has clinical expertise in the care of children with medical complexity. During her years at SickKids Hospital, she provided longitudinal care to children with complex medical needs as well as otherwise healthy children.
Dr. Darren Merker has been a doctor at Timberlane for 16 years. Dr. Merker has over 20 years at camp as a camper, tennis staff, counsellor, and camp doctor.
He met his wife Shayna at Timberlane and his 2 children, Ryan and Halle, have been coming with him to camp since they were born.
Dr. Merker is a busy family physician, with special interests in cosmetic and geriatric medicine. He circles his week at Timberlane on the calendar at the end of every summer, looking forward to his next stay at is home away from home.
Trevor has proudly been a doctor at Timberlane for over 20 years. Both his kids, Ethan and Martine, learned to walk by cruising along the benches in Timberlane’s dining hall. In the city, Trevor is a busy family doctor and part-time surgical assistant at Sunnybrook in the orthopaedic/trauma OR’s. Trevor and Lara met at camp in the late 1980s at the ski docks, prior to attending the University of Western Ontario together in the early 1990s.
Dr. Justine Cohen-Silver: is a paediatrician with a focus in inner city health. She completed medical school and Paediatric residency at the University of Toronto following a Master’s degree in Biostatistics at the University of Toronto. She then completed a post graduate fellowship in Academic paediatrics with a focus in urban health at St.Michael’s Hospital simultaneously a Master’s in Public Health with a focus in Health promotion. She practices as a consultant in general paediatrician and researcher at St. Joseph’s hospital and St. Michael’a Hospital as well as casual staff at the Hospital for Sick Children Emergency room. She is really really excited to bring my experience in paediatrics to Camp Timberlane especially as two of my children are attending camp with a 5 year old keen to join their ranks one day. She hope to provide thorough and empathetic care to the Timberlane family. It’s going to be an amazing summer!!
Dr. Jaclyn Klein is new to our Camp team and excited to come back for a third summer! Both Jaclyn and her husband were campers at Timberlane and her husband Daniel spent 7 years on staff. They feel privileged to bring their children to camp each summer! Dr. Klein completed her medical degree at University of British Columbia and her family medicine residency at Western University. Since 2017, she has been practicing as a community based family physician.
Jesse is a staff orthopaedic surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital and an assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Orthopaedics at the University of Toronto. Prior to medical school, Jesse spent his summers as a camper, followed by 5 years on swim staff at a sleepover camp in Muskoka. Jesse, his wife Erin, two boys Miles and Axel, and newborn daughter Stevie are excited to spend a fun and safe week at Timberlane.
Jay Orton has been at camp for many summers and is an integral part of our Administrative Team. After 3 decades at TD Bank, Jay as fully immersed himself in the Timberlane life. From his administrative expertise to his theatrical prowess, Jay has become a true Timberlane fixture.
Laura Hochman has been at overnight camp for many summers, and has spend the last 15 years with Timberlane. Laura is returning as a Senior Administrator and Head of our Swim Program. Laura also helps oversee our creative arts programming. When Laura is not at Camp, she is a teacher with the TDSB and is an Aquatic Manager at Shendy’s Swim School.
Amanda was a camper, staff and Unit Head at Timberlane for many years and considers Timberlane her home away from home. Amanda is returning this year as our Timberlane/Ivy & Weekender Trip Coordinator. During the year, she is an elementary teacher in the TDSB. Since her summers at Timberlane, Amanda has been a Program Director on several Westcoast Connection programs all over the United States. Amanda cannot wait to get back to Camp and share special moments with all the new campers and Ivy campers experiencing Timberlane for the first time.
Jim Wruth has worked at Timberlane for 15 summers on our maintenance team & has been one of our Maintenance Managers for 10 years. A carpenter by trade, Jim is responsible for many of the state-of-the-art projects that have taken place at Timberlane over the last decade. These projects include, but are not limited to; The Timberlane Treehouse, the new Nurse’s Cabin, Phil & Barry’s Ice Cream Shoppe and our recently rebuilt Rec Hall. Jim is joined at Camp by his son Ben. The Wruth’s are looking forward to another great summer at Timberlane.
Stephen Polevoy joined Camp Timberlane 9 summers ago after decades of success as a Director at Camp Northland. Not only an invaluable resource for us with his years of camping experience and running special programmes he is also our Camp Photographer. Taking thousands of photos over the summer and ensuring parents keep in touch with their campers on a daily basis.
Dylan Huber has been at Camp for 21 summers; 8 as a camper and 13 on staff. A former Counsellor and Tennis Staff, Dylan has been a Programmer & DJ at Timberlane for 8 summers. Dylan wears many hats at Camp, but he is most known for his stage name DJ Order 66. Always available to lend a helping hand, Dylan has become an integral part of the Timberlane family. Dylan has a BMOS Degree from Western University and specializes in consumer behaviour.
O’Neil Morris has been at camp for 9 summers. O’Neil is returning as our Head of Riviera Beach, as well as assisting with all things on the water. Muckers, Jenga, Swing ball, and Shuffle Board competitions with the campers are a highlight of his summer. A camper and staff favourite are his authentic Jerk chicken BBQ’s. O’Neil is looking forward to another Canadian summer spent at “Reggae Riv”, his home away from Jamaica.
Coach Single has been working with athletes for over 30 years. He will be returning to Timberlane for a fourth summer. His ‘super fun & respect your parents’ protocol is well received at Timberlane and at Leaside, where he coaches two AAA Baseball Teams. Coach is looking forward to sailing on the lake this summer and the 2024 Camp Timberlane Cup in Baseball, Basketball & Beach Volleyball!
This year will mark Alex’s 11th summer at Timberlane after joining as an international staff on Theatre in 2011. After leading Timberlane’s Theatre Program for 5 summers, Alex has spent her last 5 years as a Unit Head – for Voyageur Girls, Weekenders and most recently, CdeB girls. A dual citizen of Canada and Australia, Alex loves welcoming new staff and campers to the Timberlane family and can’t imagine spending her summers anywhere else. Having spent the last 6 years living in London, England, Alex has recently returned to her hometown of Sydney, where she works in the producing team at the Sydney Opera House.
Kieran is returning to Camp for his third summer at Timberlane. This summer, he’s looking forward to returning as a Unit Head. In his home country of Scotland, Kieran completed a Mechanical Technician Apprenticeship and intends to pursue a career in the Renewable Energy Industry. From the town of Stonehaven, he is counting down the days until he’s back in his second home in Haliburton, Canada.
James is returning to Timberlane for his third summer and can’t wait to be back! This will be James’ first year as Voy Boys Unit Head after two summers working as a counsellor with the youngest campers. Back home in Scotland, James has completed a childcare course at College, as well as tennis coaching qualifications with hopes of being a sports coach in the future. James’ favourite aspects of Timberlane are getting to know all the campers and staff, and trying all the activities Camp has to offer. He is looking forward to welcoming back all the Voy campers and making their summer the best it can be.
Mia is from Victoria, Australia and first joined Timberlane in 2022. She had an amazing time meeting new people as a counsellor for G6 and the One Family girls. Away from Timberlane, Mia plays soccer for the Women’s Victorian Premier League. Her goal is to play for The Matildas, but until then, she works at a drive-in movie theatre. She is looking forward to returning to Camp as a Voy Girls Unit Head and ensuring the campers have a fun-filled summer!
This summer will mark Jordan’s 6th season at Timberlane and his 4th summer on staff. Jordan was studying Recreation and Leisure the past 2 years at Fanshawe College, and is looking forward to Event Planning and Marketing this upcoming September. Timberlane has become Jordan’s second home from the start. He loves getting involved in all aspects of Camp. Jordan returns every summer because of how much he has learnt, the memories he has made and the people he has met during his time at Timberlane. Jordan loved every minute of his CIT Summer and wants to give each CIT the experience that he had – and more!
After completing his second year at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ryan is eagerly gearing up for his ninth summer at Timberlane and first as a Voyager Boys Unit Head! Ryan strives to create unforgettable experiences for everyone, filled with laughter and friendship. His goal is to ensure that every camper leaves with memories they’ll treasure forever, carrying the spirit of Camp with them wherever they go. Ryan can’t wait to meet all the campers this summer!
Cooper is heading back to Timberlane for his 11th summer! He is currently studying political science at Queen’s University, but he can’t stop thinking about Camp. For Cooper, Timberlane is about the fun times, good friends and campers that pull him back every year. He had a blast as a camper himself, and wants to make sure the campers of 2024 have even more fun. Cooper is counting down the days to another great summer at Timberlane!
Rachel has been at Timberlane for 14 summers and is a familiar face around the Ski docks. Throughout her years at Camp, Rachel participated in our Wakeboard Clinics where she developed her skills, along with a strong passion for skiing and wakeboarding. This will be her 6th year on Ski/Wake Staff and her third summer leading the program. Rachel is looking forward to working with our dynamic Ski/Wake team, getting back on the lake and teaching our campers.
Ryan is extremely excited to return to camp for his 10th summer, and first as Head of Ski/Wake! He fell in love with the ski docks on his first day as a camper, and has continued to work on his passion ever since. Ryan has grown up on the water developing not only his water sport abilities, but also, boat driving and water safety skills. He is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to lead such a prestigious program, and pass on his passion to the campers. Ryan can’t wait to see everyone on the docks!
Jo hails from Sydney, Australia. She is a keen bean for her first summer at Timberlane as Head of Sailing. Jo is a qualified early childhood and primary teacher, and keelboat sailing instructor. She is looking forward to sharing her skills and experiences with campers and fellow staff. When she is not at Camp, Jo enjoys teaching, outdoor adventures, offshore racing, singing and dancing.
At Timberlane, we believe that our campers deserve the finest, and to deliver that, we ensure they learn from the best. Our hiring, training, and mentoring process adheres to this principle. We seek individuals brimming with enthusiasm – those who have a genuine passion for working with children, exhibit dynamism, radiate energy, and lead both in action and by setting an example.
Our staff is a mosaic of backgrounds. Many of our counselors are Timberlane alumni; this camp is their heart and soul. They resonate with its traditions and grasp every nuance of the camp experience, having lived it themselves just as our campers do now. Additionally, our vibrant contingent of international staff infuses the camp with a unique maturity and skill set, paired with boundless energy and professional determination.
However, irrespective of their origin – be it Toronto, Australia, England, Israel, or elsewhere globally – every staff member is united by a singular ethos: accountability. We demand of our staff the same standards you hope for your child. From counselors to specialists to unit heads, every team member is held responsible, ensuring an environment that is positive, nurturing, safe, and filled with joy.
In line with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) established in 2005, Camp Timberlane has taken all necessary steps to comply. We stand firm in our commitment to accessibility, ensuring any applicant requiring accommodations is fully catered to.