Pine Tree campers to pound the first nail of Maine's only fully accessible treehouse
Senate Majority Leader Libby Mitchell scheduled to speak at event

(September 5, 2007) – A group of children with disabilities who attend Pine Tree Camp will pound the first nail of Maine’s first fully accessible treehouse on Mon., Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. at Pine Tree Camp in Rome.

Pine Tree Society is building Maine's the treehouse at Pine Tree Camp.  This unique and innovative project will allow Maine children with disabilities to experience the wonder and pure joy of spending time in a real treehouse.

"Pine Tree Society's accessible treehouse is a great way to provide children and adults of all abilities the opportunity to experience Maine's great outdoors to its fullest," said Senate Majority Leader Libby Mitchell, D-Kennebec County, who will speak at the first nail ceremony.  "I know that this project has been a labor of love for the staff and volunteers involved, and I am also excited that the first treehouse of this kind in Maine will be located right here in our part of the state."

The “first nail” ceremony will be followed by refreshments and optional tours of Pine Tree Camp’s barrier-free facility.

Treehouses are magical places for children of all ages, but until now they've been places that aren't accessible for children with disabilities.

“Pine Tree Camp is completely committed to ensuring that children with disabilities can experience normal childhood activities in a beautiful outdoor setting,” said Anne Marsh executive director of Pine Tree Society.  “So often services are about every day life skills and health issues, but the treehouse goes beyond that - it’s all about freedom and the joy of living.”

The treehouse design is whimsical in nature, encompassing 1,000 square feet of land and featuring just under 400 square feet of interior space.  A winding ramp will lead up to the structure making it completely accessible for everyone.

Pine Tree Society is working in collaboration with Forever Young Treehouses of Burlington, Vermont.  Forever Young’s mission is to build an accessible treehouse in every state.  In addition, Pine Tree Society will be working with environmental, ecological, design and accessibility issues determined by architects, engineers and arborists to ensure that our treehouse will not damage any trees or the surrounding environment. 

Pine Tree Society will break ground on the project in September, following the first nail ceremony.  Once construction begins, the project will take six to eight weeks to complete.  A ribbon-cutting and dedication will take place in spring of 2008.

Established in 1945, Pine Tree Camp offers Maine children and young adults with disabilities an extraordinary summer camp experience. The 285 acre camp is located on North Pond in Rome, Maine. The 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 normally aren’t available to them including swimming, fishing, boating, outdoor games, kayaking, arts and crafts and even camping in a tent under the stars.

Pine Tree Society offers a full range of comprehensive and professional services designed to help Maine people with disabilities lead active, more socially connected lives.  Our professionals deliver uniquely customized services in highly supportive environments. 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.  It continues every day throughout Maine. 

To learn more about, please visit www.pinetreesociety.org or call (207) 443-3341.

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