Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to attend Pine Tree Camp?

While many people with disabilities are not able to attend a traditional summer camp, they have the same need for outdoor recreation as those without disabilities. Our staff is trained to meet many special needs, including mobility limitations and help with all activities of daily living. Our counselor-to-camper ratio is much lower than other camps, a minimum of one staff member for three campers. We can accommodate almost any camper, but we have some requirements that must be met. Every applicant must: have a disability; meet the age limit for the session (8-18 for children; 18 and older for adults); and not present a danger to himself or others. While our counselor-to-camper ratio is very low, Pine Tree Camp is unable to accept campers who present a significant behavioral challenge. Since many activities offered in our adult sessions involve travel away from camp, we require campers to be independent in their toileting. They must be able to use the bathroom by themselves or be able to tell counselors of this need.

What about health care?

Pine Tree Camp's medical staff includes registered nurses who provide 24-hour, on-site coverage, and two area hospitals are available within minutes. While Pine Tree Camp is able to accommodate almost any camper's medical problem, it is not able to provide continuous nursing home-type health care for campers and it does not provide awake overnight staff.

What if my child needs intensive one-on-one care?

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers, Pine Tree Camp now had a cabin to specifically house campers who need a family member or personal care attendant to attend camp with them. We invite those who need this intensive one-to-one care to explore the possibilities of staying in the family cabin. This building allows campers to participate as they are able and pay heed to their physical and medical needs. For more information on this innovative program, contact us at 443-3341 or by e-mail at ptcamp@pinetreesociety.org.

How much does camp cost?

Because Pine Tree Camp is special in many ways, it is expensive to operate, costing about $1,700 per camper per session. We ask that everyone do their share and parents and guardians who can afford to help pay for their camper's stay are asked to select a payment plan. Camperships are available for those in need, so don't let financial concerns prevent you from enrolling your child. We have never turned away anyone for lack of funds. Thanks to thousands of generous donors, this policy will always remain firmly in place.

Who works at Pine Tree Camp?

Pine Tree Camp is very proud of its qualified and capable staff. Counselors who live and work with campers typically are high school seniors or college students. Many are studying for future careers in social work, rehabilitation or special education. They are intelligent and caring people who have the maturity necessary to handle the responsibilities of caring for people with disabilities. Counselors arrive a week before camp open for intensive training on disabilities and personal care. In addition, they spend time with campers' parents or guardians on each session's opening day, to learn more about daily care routines, likes and dislikes. It's the beginning of a friendship that will last the entire session and for many years afterward. Each cabin is supervised by a senior counselor with at least two years counseling experience. The camp's smooth operation is maintained by experienced program directors, a camp director of services and director of operations. Most of these employees have worked at camp for many years.

What activities are offered?

We offer activities and programs similar to traditional summer camps. Our campers enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, dramatics, singing, arts and crafts, team sports, overnight camping, trips and many other activities. Our goal is to involve every camper in activities geared to his or her abilities. Besides being lots of fun, most activities help campers develop new skills and confidence. Campers quickly learn to believe in themselves and each other - and succeed by doing.

Are opportunities available at Camp throughout the year?

In the fall, winter and spring, Pine Tree Camp’s fully-accessible facility is available for use by groups and organizations. For more information on Pine Tree Camp Retreats, please click here.

What is the facility like?

Pine Tree Camp has 280 acres of woods and fields and nearly a mile of frontage on North Pond in Maine's Belgrade Lakes region. There are 33 buildings that house and support everyone at camp - up to 100 campers and 70 staff with families per session. Our camper cabins all have hot and cold running water with toilets and shower/tubs and offer easy access to the dining hall, infirmary and recreational areas. The grounds have many trees and open grassy areas, as well as paved walkways. All facilities are ramped and designed to meet our campers' needs. We even have tents with ramps at the "overnight" campsite area to allow them to sleep under the stars.

What about programs for adult campers?

While many campers enjoy traditional activities, others prefer different choices. Our adult campers are grouped with people of similar abilities, interests and experiences and there is less structure in programming. We emphasize a "vacation" atmosphere and program choices may involve travel away from camp.