Welcome to Chicago North Shore Moms’ Small Business Spotlight! Meet Sam Kahn, North Shore lifer and proud owner of Camp Timberlane for Boys, located in Wisconsin’s North Woods, just north of Minocqua, WI.
A former camper turned counselor, assistant director, and now owner, Sam shares how Timberlane became his home away from home and how that full-circle journey fuels his passion for creating a close-knit, tech-free community where boys can grow through adventure, choice, and meaningful connection. From elective wilderness expeditions to a powerful Father-Son weekend experience, he gives us a glimpse into what makes Timberlane so transformative for families.
We are so excited to spotlight Sam and Camp Timberlane as you look ahead to an unforgettable summer 2026!
Hi Sam! Where are you from originally, and why did you move to or stay on the North Shore?
I’m originally from Deerfield and grew up right here on the North Shore. This has always been home!
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
I’m a huge Green Bay Packers fan, yes, on the North Shore! I also love to travel, spend time outdoors, and I have a serious passion for building Lego sets. There’s something about the focus and creativity of it that I really enjoy.
Tell us all about Camp Timberlane!
Camp Timberlane for Boys was founded in 1961 and has been helping boys grow into confident, caring, and independent people for over 60 years. Through adventure, friendship, and community, campers build real relationships, explore the outdoors, and develop resilience, cooperation, and leadership, all in a safe, tech-free environment.
Timberlane is a place where boys feel free to be themselves, try new things, and truly belong. We’re excited for summer 2026! Families can also get a real taste of camp life through our Father-Son program. It’s not a tour or a sales pitch, it’s a genuine weekend of shared challenges and meaningful memories.
Does Timberlane have off-campus field trips?
During the summer, we send out 40 wilderness trips, a mix of 3-day and 12-day expeditions featuring backpacking, lake and river canoeing, and rock climbing. All trips are elective, so campers choose the adventures that excite them most. These trips are some of the most transformative experiences we offer at Timberlane.
What is your personal journey with Camp Timberlane?
My story with Timberlane started in 1999 when I came here as a camper. Camp quickly became my home away from home, the place where I felt most like myself and the best version of Sam. I later returned as a counselor and then as assistant director. During the school year, I was teaching on the West and South Sides of Chicago and in Oak Park, but every summer, I would come back to Timberlane. That’s when I truly fell in love with the camping world and realized this was what I wanted to do full-time. In 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to buy the camp I grew up attending. After 25 years of being shaped by Timberlane, my passion is to give that same life-changing experience to other kids, and that’s what drives me every single day.
What sets Camp Timberlane apart from other camps?
Two things really stand out. First, our size. We’re a community of about 150 boys, which means everyone truly gets to know everyone. There’s a closeness and sense of belonging here that’s hard to find anywhere else. Second, we place a huge emphasis on camper choice. Boys choose the activities they participate in, stick with them for a few days to really dig in, and then select the wilderness trips that excite them most. That sense of ownership and agency makes a real difference in how campers grow and connect with the experience.
How do our readers learn more about the camp?
We look forward to showing you how awesome this camp is! Fill out this interest form and we’ll be in touch you with you! You can also see what we’re up to on Instagram.
