When Pine Tree camper Victoria Queally was in fourth grade, she read an intriguing article about an accessible treehouse built by a unique Vermont-based non-profit organization. Torie uses a wheelchair, so she knew first-hand what it was like to never have had the opportunity to spend time in a treehouse. Now 13, Torie is looking forward to the completion of Maine's only fully accessible treehouse at Pine Tree Camp in Rome. (Read Torie's own thoughts on the treehouse inside.)

This unique project will allow Maine children of all abilities to experience the wonder and pure joy of spending time in a real treehouse. There's no doubt that 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's treehouse will be a special place where they can spend time high above the earth, where their imaginations will soar and they will discover new abilities together with their friends.

According to Torie's mother, Caroline, this is an opportunity her daughter will relish. "The treehouse will give her the ability to be up in the leaves in trees that she can't climb," she said. "She can't see that aspect of the world. That will be exciting for her."

Pine Tree Society is working in collaboration with Forever Young Treehouses, the organization Torie read about. Based in Burlington, Vt., the organization's mission is to build an accessible treehouse in every state.

"All of a sudden we were hearing about these accessible treehouses from different people connected to Pine Tree Society," said Anne Marsh, Executive Director of Pine Tree Society. "When we learned more about Forever Young's work and passion, we couldn't help but get excited about the potential of building one of the few accessible treehouses in the country at Pine Tree Camp."

Pine Tree Camp's treehouse plans represent a whimsical structure connected to five oak trees. The treehouse will encompass 1,000 square feet while providing just under 400 square feet of interior space. The winding wheelchair-accessible ramp is wide and features landings for picnics or just relaxing with friends. The treehouse itself will sit eight feet high in the trees' canopy of leaves.

The structure is specifically designed to support both the children and their wheelchairs, including motorized chairs that can easily weigh hundreds of pounds. In addition, environmental, ecological, design and accessibility issues are determined by architects, engineers and arborists to ensure that our treehouse will not damage any trees or harm the surrounding environment.

Pine Tree Society will break ground in mid-September and construction is slated to take six to eight weeks.

According to Marsh, the treehouse will really add a new dimension to campers' stay at Pine Tree Camp. "I hope this enhances their camp experience," she said. "So often services are about everyday life skills and dealing with health issues. The treehouse goes beyond that. It's all about freedom and the joy of living."

Pine Tree Camp is committed to ensuring that children with disabilities can experience typical childhood activities in a beautiful outdoor setting. Maybe most importantly, campers are able to meet other children who are dealing with similar challenges and make friends that will last a lifetime.

For Torie, that feeling of not being different is key. "Pine Tree Camp has shown Victoria that she's not the only one. She's so lucky that she can communicate even though she can't talk," her mother said. "She's the only kid in junior high school in a wheelchair. Camp makes her feel like 'wow, I'm not the only one.’ They accept her for who she is and they don't judge her."

Thoughts about the Treehouse by Victoria Queally

I am so excited about the treehouse. I can go into the treehouse by myself. I can be up in the trees, high above the ground. It would be my special place at Pine Tree Camp. It will be a great pretend place. A good place to hang out with my friends.

When I first read about the treehouses, I never imagine that I would be able to visit one, let alone have one at my favorite summer camp. Now I'll have one that I can visit every time I go to camp. I have been going to Pine Tree Camp for four years now and I plan to keep coming to camp. It will be like having my own treehouse! I can't wait until it’s done!