What Camp Timber-lee does

Camp Timber-lee is a Christ-centered nonprofit camp and retreat ministry operating on a 600+ acre campus near East Troy, Wisconsin, roughly 45 minutes southwest of Milwaukee. Founded as Camp Willabay in 1947 and relocated to its current site in 1972 under the legal entity Timber-Lee Ministries Inc., the organization serves youth (grades 2-12), church groups, families, schools, and corporate clients through summer overnight camps, winter retreats, outdoor education programs, and year-round retreats. The product portfolio spans tiered summer camps (Camp Start, Kids Camp, Jr. High, High School, and specialty tracks such as Horsemanship, Outdoor Wisconsin, and Action Sports), WinterXtreme and Arctic Blast weekend retreats, Father/Son and Mother/Daughter retreats, Build Your Own retreats, and Outdoor Education aligned with state academic standards.

The operation is anchored by three differentiated physical facilities: a 14,000-square-foot Science Center housing 60+ animal species and 35+ interactive displays; Saddle Horn Ranch, an equestrian facility with 35 horses plus a working animal farm and leather shop; and the Timber Challenge course featuring 900-foot four-line zip lines, a 22-element high ropes course, and a 40-foot climbing tower. These facilities, along with 64-65 on-site buildings, enable year-round programming. The technology stack is conventional and third-party: CampBrain for online registration, JotForm for waivers, and SmugMug for photo galleries, with no proprietary platform or AI capability. A $2.5M multipurpose building with gym and stage is under construction as of 2025, and the Built for More capital campaign is funding a $150,000 Creation Walk exhibit upgrade.

The business model is a hybrid of per-participant program fees ($305-$970 for summer camps; $95-$175 for winter retreats; $160/person for family retreats), monthly recurring donations ($20-$1,000 tiers), annual and capital-campaign fundraising, an annual Golf Outing, camp store merchandise, and activity add-ons. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via online registration, supplemented by church-group channel partnerships (1 free leader per 8 campers) and referral incentives ($50 credits). The organization serves approximately 20,000 campers annually, primarily across the Midwest U.S.

Name

Camp Timber-lee

Legal name

Timber-Lee Ministries Inc.

Website

https://timber-lee.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Camp Timber-lee is a Wisconsin-based Christian nonprofit camp and retreat ministry on 600+ acres, serving youth, church groups, families, and schools with overnight camps, winter retreats, outdoor education, and family retreats since 1947.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Christian Youth Camp Services

NAICS

RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212), Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI), Wilderness & Backcountry Lodges (Remote/Off-Grid) (THAGAIAB), Mountain & Wilderness Lodges (THAAAHAE)

Keywords

• Christian summer camps
• Youth outdoor education
• Group retreat programs
• Equestrian camp activities
• Ropes course adventures

Headquarters

HQ city

East Troy

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Summer Camp Registration Fees: Week-long overnight summer camp sessions for grades 2-12 with tiered pricing based on grade level and session length. Prices range from $305 for 3-day Camp Start sessions to $970 for specialty camps like Horse Wranglers. Includes lodging, meals, and core activities.
2. WinterXtreme Retreat Fees: Weekend winter retreat for youth groups. WinterXtreme (Jr High + HS): $175/student, $135/leader. Arctic Blast (4th-5th graders): $95/student, $75/leader. Includes lodging, meals, activities, worship, and speaker.
3. Family Retreat Fees: Father/Son Retreat (November 13-15, 2027): $160/person for shared room + shared bathroom, with upgrades available. All meals and activities included.
4. Monthly Giving Program: Recurring monthly donations with tiered structure: Mustard Seed ($20), Olive Tree ($50), Cedars ($100), Oak ($250), Garden ($500), Forest ($1,000). Supports Christ-centered programming, facilities, staff, and camper scholarships.
5. Donations and Capital Campaigns: Annual fund, science center fund, scholarship fund, saddle horn ranch fund, and Dave Prowitz Memorial Scholarship. Capital campaign 'Built for More' raising $250,000 for multipurpose building furniture/fixtures and $150,000 for Creation Walk upgrade.
6. Golf Outing Event: Annual golf outing with sponsorship tiers: Presenting Sponsor ($10,000), Kingdom Builder ($5,000), Camper Champion ($1,500), Silver ($1,000), Hole Sponsor ($500). Foursome registration $600, individual $150.
7. Camp Store Merchandise: Camp store sells t-shirts (from $20), sweatshirts (from $45), water bottles, hats, stuffed animals, souvenirs, and leather craft items. Open Saturday mornings during camp sessions.
8. Optional Activity Add-ons: Additional fee activities: Trail Rides ($40 for 2 days, $75 for 4 days), High Ropes ($30 for 2 hours), Trap Shooting ($35 for 2 hours), Gellyball ($20 for 1 hour).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Camp Timber-lee operates overnight Christian summer camps for grades 2-12, winter youth retreats, and outdoor education programs on a 600+ acre campus in East Troy, Wisconsin. Programs include age-tiered overnight camps (Camp Start, Kids Camp, Jr. High, High School), specialty camps (horsemanship, horse trainers, outdoor survival, action sports), family retreats (Father/Son, Mother/Daughter), school outdoor education, and customizable Build Your Own Retreats for churches and corporate groups. On-site facilities feature a 14,000-sq-ft Science Center with 60+ animal species, the Timber Challenge adventure course (900-ft zip lines, 40-ft climbing tower, high ropes), and Saddle Horn Ranch with 35 horses.

Product overview

Camp Timber-lee is a Christian summer camp offering a comprehensive suite of programs including Summer Camp (with Camp Start for young first-timers, Kids Camp, Jr. High Camp, and High School Camp), specialty camps (Horsemanship, Horse Trainers, Outdoor Wisconsin, Action Sports), WinterXtreme/Arctic Blast winter retreats, Father/Son and Mother/Daughter retreats, Outdoor Education for school groups, and Build Your Own retreats for churches, schools, and corporations. The camp operates activity centers including the Science Center (with over 60 animal species and interactive displays), Timber Challenge (featuring zip lines, high ropes, and climbing tower), Saddle Horn Ranch (35 horses plus farm animals), and Community Events facilities. Additional offerings include special events (Pumpkin Walk, Annual Golf Outing), scholarship programs, and the Built for More capital campaign for facility upgrades. The camp spans over 600 acres with 64-65 buildings serving thousands of campers annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Summer Overnight Camps Week-long and 3-day overnight Christian summer camp sessions for youth in grades 2-12, with age-tiered tracks (Camp Start for 2nd-4th graders, Kids Camp for 4th-6th, Jr. High for 6th-8th, High School for 8th-12th). Each session includes lodging, meals, Bible studies, worship, chapel, cabin competitions, and core camp activities.
• Specialty Summer Camps Specialty overnight summer camp sessions themed around specific activities: Horsemanship Camp (4th-6th grade western riding and horse care), Horse Trainers Camp (6th-12th grade immersive horsemanship with overnight trail ride), Outdoor Wisconsin Camp (fire building, shelter, fishing, target shooting, overnight campout), and Action Sports Camp (gellyball, rappelling, paintball, trap shooting).
• Winter Retreat Programs Weekend winter youth retreats including WinterXtreme (Jr High + High School, $175/student) with tubing, broomball, worship, and speakers, and Arctic Blast (4th-5th grade, $95/student) with age-appropriate speakers and simpler activities. Includes lodging, meals, activities, and worship programming.
• Father/Son Retreat Two-day intergenerational retreat for fathers and sons featuring outdoor adventures, horseback riding, Science Center, chapel, worship, and ziplines in an unplugged faith-based environment. Priced at $160 per person with private room upgrades available; all meals and activities included.
• Mother/Daughter Retreat Two-day intergenerational retreat for mothers and daughters featuring ziplines, worship, craft shop activities, and meaningful bonding experiences away from everyday distractions. Weekend retreat format.
• Build Your Own Retreat Customizable retreat packages for church groups, schools, and corporate groups that allow organizations to design their own retreat experience using Camp Timber-lee's lodging, dining, and activity facilities.
• Outdoor Education Hands-on overnight outdoor education programming for K-12 school groups, featuring the Science Center, Timber Challenge, and Saddlehorn Ranch activities across 600 acres, with curriculum aligned to state educational standards. Catalog and rate sheets available.
• Pumpkin Walk Annual fall family community event featuring two lit pumpkin trails, pumpkin plop zipline, snake meet-and-greet, face painting, balloon artist, food trucks, and campfire activities. Priced at $5 per person ages 5 and up.
• Annual Golf Outing Annual fundraising golf tournament hosted at Lake Lawn Resort featuring 18 holes at Majestic Oaks, fellowship, raffle, silent auction, and tiered sponsorship opportunities (Presenting $10,000, Kingdom Builder $5,000, Camper Champion $1,500, Silver $1,000, Hole Sponsor $500). Foursome registration $600, individual $150, foursome with Pastor $450.
• Internship in Camp Ministry Nine-month paid internship program offering hands-on experience across Timber Challenge, Retail, Saddle Horn Ranch, Science Center, and Food Service departments. Designed for emerging camp ministry leaders.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,000 campers served annually across all programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Team AdamsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor for 51st Annual Golf Outing. Christian business owned by sponsor referenced in youth pastor testimonial. Represents faith-aligned business community supporting camp ministry.
• 1160 HopeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor for 51st Annual Golf Outing. Christian organization focused on hope ministry. Partnership supports shared mission alignment.
• WDS ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor for 51st Annual Golf Outing. Construction company providing building expertise. May support facility improvement projects.
• New LeafminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor for 51st Annual Golf Outing. Business partner supporting camp ministry through event sponsorship.
• CCI (CCIWI)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor for 51st Annual Golf Outing. Local Wisconsin business partner.
• GoJet DirectminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor for 51st Annual Golf Outing. Aviation/transportation related business supporting ministry.
• Lowell Custom HomesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor for 51st Annual Golf Outing. Custom home builder supporting community investment in camp ministry.
• RW Baird (Robert W. Baird)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor for 51st Annual Golf Outing. Financial services firm Johnson-Kellogg-Lane team. Represents high-net-worth individual donors engaged with camp.
• Lake Lawn ResortminorOthersHost venue for Annual Golf Outing at Majestic Oaks Course. 2 miles of pristine shoreline. Partnership enables premier event location.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Kanakuk Kamps: Multi-activity Christ-centered summer camp network based in Branson, MO, serving grades 1–12 with overnight sessions, specialty sports, and adventure programming. Closest comparable by mission, multi-activity model, and target demographic of Christian families.
• Trout Lake Camps: Multi-site Christian summer camp in Pinewood, MN, offering overnight programming for grades 1–12 plus family and group retreats. Strongly comparable as a faith-based multi-activity camp operator in the Upper Midwest.
• Pine Cove: Christian summer camp operating multiple Texas sites with grades 2–12 overnight programming, specialty camps (horses, adventure, water sports), and church-group retreats. Direct model and customer overlap with Camp Timber-lee.
• Forest Home: Christ-centered camp and conference center in Southern California offering summer camps, family retreats, outdoor education, and group retreats. Comparable as a multi-program nonprofit camp ministry with similar retreat/family offerings.
• Covenant Harbor Bible Camp: Lake Geneva, WI-based Christian camp and retreat center offering summer youth camps, family retreats, and church-group retreats. Operates in the same Southeast Wisconsin geography with overlapping programs and customer base.
• Eagle Lake Camp: Colorado-based Christian summer camp running multi-activity overnight programs for grades 1–12, with specialty adventures and church-group retreats. Comparable faith-based, multi-activity model.
• Camp Forest Springs: Christian summer camp and retreat center in Westboro, WI, providing multi-activity overnight programming for youth and church groups in the Upper Midwest. Comparable scope and customer mix.
• HoneyRock: Wheaton College-affiliated Christian camp in Three Lakes, WI, serving youth and families with multi-activity overnight programming and leadership development. Direct Midwest peer with similar faith-based mission.
• Camp Phillip: Wautoma, WI-based Christian camp and retreat center serving youth, families, and church groups with overnight camp and retreat programming. Closely comparable in geography, scale, and Christ-centered programming.

Broad incumbents

• Sky Ranch: Multi-site Christian camp organization operating summer camps, retreats, and outdoor education across Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Larger scale than Camp Timber-lee but overlaps on mission, customer base, and programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/tr?id=359248111335263&ev=PageView&noscript=1
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/timber-lee-christian-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Camp Timber-lee