70 Kids Trade the City for the Ranch

Off The Street Club Campers Saddle Up for a Day at Timmermanns Ranch

Seventy Camp Mathieu campers trade city streets for country trails, horses and plenty of fun

Earlier this month, 70 campers from Off The Street Club’s Camp Mathieu swapped the city for a day of country adventure at Timmermann’s Ranch & Saddle Shop in Island Lake.

For many of the children, the visit offered a chance to experience something entirely different from their everyday lives in Chicago – and make memories they’ll carry with them long after summer ends.

A Ranch Tradition That Keeps Growing

Timmermann’s Ranch has welcomed campers from Off The Street Club for many years, opening its gates to give children the opportunity to explore a working horse ranch, get close to animals and simply enjoy a day in the great outdoors.

“It is always a wonderful day for everyone at the ranch,” said Dale Timmermann, owner of Timmermann’s Ranch & Saddle Shop. “We look forward to welcoming the campers each year and sharing our horses, animals and ranch with them.”

Meet the Horses – and Gunner!

The campers spent the day exploring the ranch and meeting its four-legged residents. One of the biggest hits was Gunner, Carol Timmermann’s talented dog, who had the children laughing as he danced, played dead and even selected specific toys on command.

Of course, the horses were another major attraction.

Fourteen-year-old camper Jayden has visited the ranch four times – and he still looks forward to coming back every year. His favorite parts? Seeing the horses and watching Gunner show off his tricks.

More Than a Day at Camp

Jayden also shared what makes Camp Mathieu special to him. His favorite activities include swimming, riding bikes, row boating and spending time with Lucky, the camp’s horse, whom campers can ride and feed.

And Jayden is already thinking about the future. He hopes to become a Camp Mathieu counselor someday, giving younger campers the same opportunities to have fun, try new things and create lasting memories.

Good Food, Good Friends and Giving Back

After a busy day at the ranch, campers, ranch staff and volunteers gathered for a pizza lunch.

The Timmermann’s team also went a step further, donating school supplies and inspirational gifts to the campers – another reminder that a day of fun can also be an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Making Room for New Experiences

The annual ranch visit is about much more than horses. It gives children the opportunity to spend time outdoors, interact with animals and experience something they might not otherwise have the chance to enjoy.

That spirit is at the heart of Off The Street Club, which provides a safe and welcoming place where children can learn, play and build relationships with caring mentors. Through its summer program at Camp Mathieu, children get to enjoy outdoor recreation, discover new interests and experience the freedom of being kids.

A day at the ranch. A few new experiences. A lot of laughter and memories that last.

Learn More

To learn more about Off The Street Club, visit otsc.org.

To learn more about Timmermann’s Ranch & Saddle Shop, visit timmermannsranch.com.

About Off The Street Club

Founded in 1900, Off The Street Club provides programs, mentorship and recreational opportunities for children from Chicago. The organization creates a safe and supportive environment where young people can learn, build friendships and enjoy the experiences of childhood.