Paddle with a Purpose - One Father’s Inspirational Story of “Paying it Forward” Through Upcoming Paddling Event

It is hard to believe that in just a few short days the 14th annual Paddle for Pine Tree Camp will commence. With over 200 registered paddlers and counting, participants will start paddling at 9 a.m. and enjoy a scenic seven mile paddle from Solon to North Anson. After the paddle, festivities will continue into the afternoon with the annual Paddle for Pine Tree Camp barbecue which will include live music, great food and lasting memories. Please join us for a fun filled day with your family and friends, and help raise money for Pine Tree Camp!

Shawn’s Story
For one father in Oklahoma, “paddling with a purpose” has taken a new meaning. Over 40 years ago, Shawn Arnold was an eight year old camper at Pine Tree Camp. During his stay, Shawn was able to take with him some new life lessons and a fresh outlook on life.

Today, though thousands of miles away, Shawn is continuing to connect with Pine Tree Camp and will be participating in the weekend’s paddling event. With a truly remarkable story and a “nothing is impossible” attitude, Shawn was able to strike the heart of over 110 donors in helping him raise money for Pine Tree Camp. His mission was simple – to be able to pay it forward, and provide the same opportunity he was granted years ago by sending one child to camp this summer. Shawn has accomplished an extraordinary task and has raised over $7,000.00 in donations for the Paddle for Pine Tree Camp. Through Shawn’s efforts, four children will be able to attend Pine Tree Camp this summer, well over his intended goal.

Shawn continues to instill the values and lessons learned while at Pine Tree Camp on to his eight year old daughter, Lily, who is the same age Shawn was while he attended camp. The two will embark on a cross country road trip coming from their home state of Oklahoma up to Maine to take part in paddling down the Kennebec River. Pine Tree Camp is very much looking forward to reuniting with Shawn, once more.

Additional Information
Pine Tree Camp would also like to thank our sponsors for their continuous support: Central Maine Vending, B98.5, Maine Oxy, Central Maine Power, and Albin, Randall and Bennett.

Click here for more information about Paddle for Pine Tree Camp. We hope to see you this coming Saturday, June 5th to Paddle with a Purpose!

Pine Tree Camp was founded in 1945 and is located in Rome.  Pine Tree Camp offers Maine children and adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities an extraordinary summer camp experience.  The 280-acre facility is fully adapted to meet the special needs of campers. The barrier-free setting and commitment of our staff allow campers to fully participate in activities that are not normally available to them like playing adaptive soccer, hiking on accessible nature trails, swimming, boating, sleeping overnight in a tent and spending time in Maine’s only accessible treehouse.

Pine Tree Camp has never turned anyone away because they could not afford to pay tuition. This tradition is kept alive by thousands of generous friends, supporters and volunteers. For campers, Pine Tree Camp is a highlight of their year. It gives them the opportunity to spend time with their friends in a setting that meets their unique needs. For families, Pine Tree Camp offers an extended period of greatly needed respite from care-giving.

Pine Tree Society helps Maine people lead richer, more socially connected lives. We share a spirit of innovation and desire to discover new ways to break down barriers that many find insurmountable. It started as a bold new idea in 1936 and it continues every day.