History
Timberline's Beginning...
Timberline Ranch was born out of a vision for the young people of Vancouver to be able to enjoy creation at a ranch-style camp and have an opportunity to be exposed to the Gospel. This vision was held primarily by two men, Cec Leng ("Chuck") and Don Lawrie ("Lefty"). These men were led over a period of eight months to the site of an Arabian horse ranch in Maple Ridge. Today, those 73 acres are known as Timberline Ranch. Because it was only one hour from central Vancouver and provided an isolated environment, it was an ideal site for reaching lower mainland young people. The site was purchased in July 1961 and has been greatly used of God since that time.
The emphasis of the Ranch was in training young people in the basics of the Christian life. Chuck and Lefty, along with their families, lived on the site for the first years providing this training in association with the Navigators. In 1964, Timberline Ranch was registered as a Society. Chuck resigned in 1967 after six years of serving as the Director and Chairman of the Board for Timberline, after which Peter Wittenberg took over those responsibilities.
The "Rocky" Years
For seventeen years, Peter Wittenberg, known affectionately as "Rocky", served as Director. Claiming the promise,
"For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, 'Fear not; I will help thee.'" (Isaiah 41:13)
Rocky built, preached, directed, and challenged so that by 1984, over 800 campers were coming to summer camp at Timberline. Under Rocky's leadership, many improvements were made to the facilities and program. The Lodge, Bunkhouse, Cabins and a heated outdoor pool were built or improved so that the facilities could be used year-round for retreats, weekend camps, and outdoor education. Many young people were trained and a core group of people dedicated to the ministry was developed.
Since 1984
Timberline has been led by the Board of Directors since 1984. Two long-serving directors since that time were Frank Chisholm (1989 to 1994) and Ron Hoskyn (1997 to 2005). The current director is Craig Douglas, who has served since April 2005. Many improvements have been made over this time, including a large new barn built in 1992, and several recent new program activites, including a bike park, a low ropes course, and a team-building course.
The facilities can now accommodate over 200 people at a time, and over 6000 young people come to the Ranch every year, plus hundreds of adults. Many groups come annually, and most groups book a year ahead to secure their place.
Moving Ahead
Numerous building projects are scheduled for the next five years, including new cabins, a large activity centre, a new chapel, and staff housing.
The ministry of Timberline would not be possible without the gracious donations of time and materials by countless people. The vision that began in 1961 is bearing fruit because of the support of God's people. As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2011, we look to God to continue this good work that He has so graciously blessed these many years.