The Declaration of Timberpendence

Today was a celebration of freedom—both the freedom we enjoy as Americans and the greater freedom found in Christ. Between county fair games, laughter, fireworks, and time spent together as a community, campers enjoyed a Fourth of July they’ll remember for years to come. In honor of the occasion, we present the official Declaration of Timberpendence.

July 4, 2026

When in the course of summer events, it becomes necessary for campers to dissolve the ordinary bonds of civilization and assume among the cabins of the earth a separate and equal station, entitled by the Laws of Camp and of Nature’s God, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to this Timberpendence.

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all campers are created with unique gifts and abilities; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are Adventure, Friendship, and the Pursuit of a Better Version of Themselves.

That to secure these blessings, Camp Timberlake was established among the mountains of North Carolina, deriving its just powers from a dedicated staff, an excessive quantity of bug spray, and a healthy respect for hydration.

Whenever any camper becomes trapped by fear, doubt, failure or homesickness, it is the responsibility of this community to encourage, challenge, and support him toward growth and freedom.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that traditions long established should not be changed for light and transient causes. Thus, we remain steadfast in our commitment to Morning Yell, chapel, Camp Hymn, cabin clean-up, evening activities, and the occasional mystery meat served at dinner.

The history of Camp Timberlake is a history of forming friendships, conquering challenges, discovering courage, and experiencing the Gospel through friends and adventure.

We have crossed lakes, climbed mountains, weathered thunderstorms, conquered blob launches, endured tribal defeats, celebrated tribal victories, and discovered that growth often comes disguised as a challenge.

We have learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but pressing forward despite it.

We have learned that community is built not merely by sharing cabins, but by serving one another.

We have learned that true greatness is found not in being served, but in serving others.

We have learned that the Gospel is the agent of change, transforming hearts far more effectively than rules ever could.

Therefore, we, the Campers and Staff of Camp Timberlake, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the Universe for the righteousness of our intentions, do solemnly publish and declare:

That these campers are free to try, free to fail, free to grow, and free to become the men God is calling them to be.

That they are released from the tyranny of comfort and invited into the adventure of courage.

That they are empowered to build community, care about details, help develop others, and love their fellow campers.

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance upon the providence of The Almighty God, we mutually pledge to one another our friendship, our effort, our encouragement, and our remaining days of Second Session Summer 2026.

From the mountains, to the chapel, to the rivers’ raging falls. We’re Timberlake one and all!

Signed,

The Campers and Staff of Camp Timberlake