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.”
THE TIMBERLANE DIRECTORS
Corey has spent 40 summers at Timberlane, starting as a camper in 1980. In 2006, Corey became owner and director, committed to reinventing the Timberlane experience. His vision was clear -- maintain the traditions and values of the camp experience that shaped him, while setting new precedents in programming, staffing and camper care. He is incredibly proud of the camp that Timberlane has become – a place where kids can have the best and learn from the best, while having the support and encouragement that allows them to figure out who they want to be and how they want to shine. Corey looks forward to continuing to work with the amazing leadership team to constantly raise the bar on Timberlane’s standards of camper care, staffing, programming and facilities.
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.
Ida has literally grown up at Timberlane, spending almost every summer here. Her mom, Judy, was one of the original Timberlaner's, starting in 1958 when Barry founded the camp. Having grown up at camp herself, Ida understands firsthand what it means to be part of the camp community and to be shaped by the camp experience – making lifelong friends, being away from home, trying new things, and finding yourself, your voice and your confidence. Ida understands how great her responsibility is to parents and their campers, and works tirelessly every day to make sure that Timberlane is a place where kids can be their best, feel their best and love themselves.
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.
Ida Gold, Director
“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 23 summers at Timberlane and has been a full-time member of the leadership team since 2010. He is proud of the effort and devotion the Timberlane staff have put in to improve the caliber of camping at Timberlane. As part of his role, Harley spends close to five months up at camp, overseeing Timberlane’s programming and off-season events. For Harley, there is no place that he would rather be. Regardless of what he’s doing, where he’s traveling or whom he’s meeting all roads lead back to Timberlane. Harley feels privileged to lead a team that is committed to constant growth, accountability and strong community.
Harley holds a Masters of Science in Education from the University of Miami and a BA in Sport Management (Honours) from Brock University.
Harley Hayman, Director
“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.”
Camping is in Brit’s DNA. He has been at Timberlane from the start, watching his parents realize their vision of creating a unique summer experience for kids. Educated as a lawyer, Brit knew that his heart and real purpose was in camping. He is a vital member of the leadership team, overseeing the business and administration aspects of Timberlane’s operations. Brit is excited to continue to develop Timberlane’s state-of-the-art camping facilities while maintaining the core values and traditions that his parents established when they founded the camp 62 years ago.
Brit was educated at College du Leman Switzerland, York University and received an L.L.B. from the University of Windsor.
Brit Lowes, Director
“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 63 years ago.”
Barry has a BPHE from the University of Toronto and a M.A. from New York University.
“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.
Barry Lowes, Co-Founder
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
Philomena "Phil" Lowes will always remain dear in our hearts.
Philomena Lowes, Co-Founder
1921-2015
Philomena “Phil” Lowes will always remain dear in our hearts.
Medical Team:
Dr Kenny Melvin
Chief Medical Advisor
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
Head Nurse
Cindy Polan is in her 21st 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.
Paige Johst
Head Nurse
Paige Johst is returning for her third summer at camp. She is so excited to be coming back to camp, and to be working with an amazing nursing team. She completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Trent University.
Dr. Elisha Targonsky
Camp Doctor
Dr Elisha Targonsky, an emergency physician, joined the Timberlane family in 2015 and is excited to be returning for his 6th year as a camp doctor! His favourite snack is Reese Peanut Butter cups (but not at camp), and his favourite super hero is Spider-Man. Best of all, he enjoys spending time with his family (especially at camp)!
Dr. Trevor Glazman
Camp Doctor
Trevor has proudly been a doctor at Timberlane for 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. Jill Solomon
Camp Doctor
Dr Jill Solomon has been at Timberlane for 9 years and is a Staff Paediatrician with the Scarborough Hospital, as well as an associate part- time staff paediatrician in the Division of Haematology and Oncology at The Hospital for Sick Children. She also serves as an adjunct lecturer in the Division of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. Originally from Montreal, Dr. Solomon completed her Bachelor of Science and Medical degree from McGill university. She trained in Paediatrics at the Hospital for Sick Children.
Dr. Jovian Collins
Camp Doctor
Jovian is a paediatrician who is currently completing her paediatric emergency medicine training at Sick Kids Hospital. Originally from Whitehorse, Yukon, Jovian spent her many of her summers’ as a child at Ontario camps and is very excited to be back for her 2nd summer.
Jovian currently lives in Toronto with her husband and young son (who will be turning 2 while at Timberlane this summer!) and is eager to show them the joys of camp life. She is looking forward to spending a happy and healthy week with everyone at camp.
Dr. Deena Savlov
Camp Doctor
Dr. Deena Savlov has been at camp for 7 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. Jesse Wolfstadt
Camp Doctor
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, and two boys are excited to spend a fun and safe week at Camp Timberlane.
Dr. Justine Cohen-Silver
Camp Doctor
Dr. Justine Cohen-Silver: is a paediatrician with a focus in inner city health. I completed medical school and Paediatric residency at the University of Toronto following a Master’s degree in Biostatistics at the University of Toronto. I 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. I practice 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. I am really really excited to bring my experience in paediatrics to Camp Timberlane especially as two of my children are attending camp with a 3 year old keen to join their ranks one day. I hope to provide thorough and empathetic care to the Timberlane family. It’s going to be an amazing summer!!
Senior Staff:
Ben Gordon
Head Counselor & Voyager Boy's Unit Head
For the past ten summers Ben and his family have been a big part of the Camp Timberlane family. The responsibilities that come with being a father and an educator have proved a perfect complement to the role he take’s on at camp. As well as being Head Councillor Ben is a Voyager Boys unit head.
Laura Hochman
Head Counsellor, Senior Administrator & Swim
Laura Hochman has been at camp for 11 summers. Laura is returning to Camp as a Head Counsellor, Senior Administrator and assisting with our Swim, Theatre and Creative Arts Programs. When Laura is not at Camp, she is a teacher with the TDSB and is an Aquatic Manager at Shendy’s Swim School.
Stephen Polevoy
Photography & Special Resources
Stephen Polevoy joined Camp Timberlane 4 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.
Jay Orton
Senior Administrator
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.
Angie Lewis
Head of Maintenance
Angie Lewis has been a part of our maintenance team for 10 years and has been one of our Maintenance Managers for 6 years. Angie and her team are responsible for the Timberlane grounds and ensuring all areas of Camp, our cabins & facilities are kept at the highest standards. Angie is known for going over and above what is expected of her. As a mother (and grandmother!), Ang is always looking out for the health, hygiene and safety of our campers & staff. Angie is joined at Camp by her daughter Ashley, who is expecting her first child this summer.
Jim Wruth
Head of Maintenance
Jim Wruth has worked at Timberlane for 13 summers on our maintenance team & has been one of our Maintenance Managers for 7 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.
Unit Heads:
Benji Bloom
Voy Boy unit Head
Benji Bloom has been at camp for 14 summers. This will be his fifth year on staff, and his second year as a Voy Boys Unit Head. Benji is currently studying at The University of Western Ontario.
Ben Thacker
Voy Boy Unit Head
Ben is returning for his third summer at camp from Australia. When he’s not at camp he’s travelling the world and looks forward to returning to Timberlane where he gets to escape and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Rachel Florence
Voy Girl Unit Head
Rachel Florence has been at camp for 13 summers. This will be her 5th year on staff and her second year as a Voy Girls Unit Head. Rachel is currently studying at Queens University.
Emily Miller
Voy Girl Unit Head
Emily has been at Camp for 10 years and this will be her fourth on staff. She’s excited for the summer ahead. Emily is attending Laurier University and majoring in Psychology with a minor in criminology.
Alexa Zoltak
Voy Girl Unit Head
Emily has been at Camp for 10 years and this will be her fourth on staff. She’s excited for the summer ahead. Emily is attending Laurier University and majoring in Psychology with a minor in criminology.
Alex Green
Weekend Trips/ BVG Coordinator
Alexandra Green has been at camp for 9 summers. This will be her third year as a Voy Girls Unit Head. Alex has led our Theatre Program for 5 summers. She is currently completing her masters in Theatre Directing at the East 15 School for Actors in London, England.
Zach Lanys
C DE B Boys Unit Head
Zachary Lanys has been at camp for 13 summers. This will be his fifth year on staff, and his third year as a C de B Boys Unit Head. Zach is currently studying at McGill University.
Jaimie Ross
C DE B Boys Unit Head
Jamie is joining us for his 7th summer at camp. He’s currently taking a BMOS at Western University. He can’t wait to come back and be in the calm camp environment, as well as taking on a new role at camp.
Carly Recoon
C DE B Girls Unit Head
Carly is back for her 12th summer at Timberlane, 5th on staff. She is studying International Business, Accounting and Spanish at Elon University in North Carolina. She can’t wait to be back at her favourite place on earth for another summer.
Spencer Goldberg
C DE B Girls Unit Head
Spencer is joining us for her 10th summer at camp. She is Majoring in Environmental Science/Sustainability at San Diego State University. She is excited to go back to her home away from home!
Jess Rogers
Cit Girls Co-Ordinator
Jessica Rogers has been at camp for 5 summers. This will be her third year as a CIT Coordinator. Jessica is currently working as a skills coach in a therapeutic residential home for teenage girls at high risk. She also works in disability employment placing young adults in various jobs where they can excel. Jessica is currently living in Australia and is looking forward to another summer in Canada.
Noah Belis
Cit Boys Co-Ordinator
Noah is joining us for his 12th summer at Timberlane, 4th on staff. He is studying Political Science at Queens University and loves being able to experience something new everyday and creating lifelong friendships at camp.
Heads of Specialty:
Dylan Hewett
Waterfront
Dylan Hewitt has been at camp for 5 summers. Dylan is returning as our Head of Waterfront for a second summer. Prior to taking on this role, Dylan was a senior swim staff and an Assistant Head of Swim. Dylan helps coordinate and facilitate the overnight trips to the Treehouse. Dylan is currently living in South Australia and is looking forward to returning to Canada.
Jake Weckhert
CO Head of Ski
Joining us for his second summer, Jake will be returning to Camp to Co-Head our Ski, Wakeboard & Barefoot program. Jake has been tournament skiing for 6 years and has competed in 5 National Championships in both Slalom and Jump. He has won 3 State Titles in u17 and u21 competitions. Jake also competes in the Riverland Dinghy Derby back in Australia and finished in first place in 2019. Jake loved his first summer at Timberlane and can’t wait to get back on the Lake of Two Islands.
Rachel Shulman
CO Head of Ski
Rachel has been at Timberlane for 12 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 fourth year on Ski staff and her first co-heading the program. Rachel is looking forward to working with our dynamic team and instructing both campers and staff.
Jeremy Freeman
Sail
Jeremy Freeman is returning to Camp for his 7th summer. He has been running our sail programme for 4 years and is a regular star in our staff musicals. Coming back from Yorkshire in the UK he is excited to take out the new Catamarans and continue to grow the sail program.
Coalan Moore
Paddles
Coalan Moore is joining us for his second summer. Switching from sail to paddles Caolan has a diploma in Outdoor Adventure Management from Ireland.
Casey Wilson
Ropes
Casey is joining us for her 2nd summer on ropes from Australia where she studied Outdoor Recreation at Avondale College in New South Wales. She is looking forward to spending summer in her favourite place as well as working with Harley for pre and post camp.
Ryan Hodge
Tennis
Ryan Hodge will be heading up our Tennis Program for his second summer. Joining us from the UK for his 4th summer after finishing his Degree in Sports and Exercise Science he is eager to continue improving the program. He will also be working closely with Harley during pre and post camp this year.
Jacob Mortenson
Trip
Jacob is joining us for his 11th summer at camp. He is studying Integrated Science at Western University. He loves camp for the great sense of family he gets every summer he returns and the great group of friends that grows every year.
Amie Donnellan
Arts
Amie is returning for her 2nd summer heading up arts. She is studying Performing Arts with Law and German in the National University of Ireland Galway. She’s really looking forward to seeing all the friends she made last year and the amazing campers and can’t wait to make new memories again this summer.
Chris Walshe
Video & Programming
Chris Walshe has been at camp for 3 Summers on our video and programming team. Originally from Ireland he joined us and loved camp so much he moved to work full time here and is excited to return for another summer on the lake.
Dylan Huber
Programming
Dylan Huber has been at Camp for 28 summers; 8 as a camper and 20 as staff. A former cabin counsellor and Tennis Staff, Dylan has been a Programmer & DJ at Timberlane for 6 summers. Dylan wears many hats at Camp, but he is most known for his stage name DJ Order 66. Dylan has a BMOS Degree from Western University and specializes in consumer behaviour.
Oneil Morris
Head of Riviera Beach
O’Neil Morris has been at camp for 4 summers. O’Neil is returning as our Head of Riviera Beach. 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 Timberlane at “Reggae Riv”, his home away from Jamaica.
Brandon Veil
Landsports
Brandon is looking forward to joining us on Landsports for his 5th summer. He is studying Chemical Engineering in California and in spare time plays basketball and video games.
Our Staff: Passionate, Energetic and Accountable
One of our philosophies at Timberlane is that campers have the best and learn from the best. That is the standard by which we hire, train and mentor staff. We look for people that personify passion – they love working with kids, they’re dynamic, they’re energetic, they take the lead and lead by example.
Our staff is diverse. We have counselors who grew up at Timberlane. It’s their home. It’s in their blood. They embody the traditions and understand every aspect of the camp experience because they lived it just like the campers do. And we also have a large group of international staff that brings a different level of maturity and skill as well as an infectious energy and professional drive.
But every staff member, whether from Toronto, Australia, England, Israel or from around the world has one thing in common. And that’s accountability. We expect from our staff what you expect for your child. And we hold each and every staff member – counselors, specialists, unit heads – accountable to you and our campers in shaping and ensuring a positive, nurturing, safe and fun summer.
Camp Timberlane has complied in accordance under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) established in 2005. If any applicant requires any type of accommodation, Camp Timberlane is committed to being fully accessible.