It’s no secret that Pine Tree Society is dedicated to making accessible outdoor recreation available to Maine children and adults with disabilities.

On November 12, The Maine Sunday Telegram ran a front-page article entitled “Vacationland’s Limited Access.” The story focuses on the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing the Maine outdoors.

Pine Tree Society is mentioned as a nonprofit organization that makes outdoor recreation possible for people with disabilities. Photos in the story depict the barrier-free nature of Pine Tree Camp illustrating Pine Tree Society’s commitment to providing full access to Maine’s beautiful outdoors and the recreational activities for which our state is famous.

We are glad to see the spotlight on this topic that impacts the people we serve each and every day.

Read the full article here: http://www.pressherald.com/2017/11/12/maine-lags-in-providing-state-park-access-to-people-with-disabilities/

Pine Tree Society is thrilled to announce that the agency has earned another 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator by demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to agency accountability and transparency.  Noel Sullivan, President and CEO of Pine Tree Society, shared this letter that he received from Todd Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator.

 

We are excited to share that Pine Tree Camp has been chosen by the Newport Hannaford as the latest beneficiary of the Hannaford Cause Bag program!

Starting today, and for the entire month of September, every time the reusable “Hannaford Helps” bag with the good karma message is purchased at the 44 Moosehead Trail, Newport Hannaford, we receive $1. Help support Pine Tree Camp and purchase the Hannaford Helps bag in Newport!

Spread the word to your family and friends too.

This is truly a great opportunity for us! Please visit the store, find the reusable bag rack and buy the blue Hannaford Helps bag!

Visit www.hannaford.bags4mycause.com for details!

For over 50 years, Pine Tree Society’s holiday cards have featured quintessential Maine art showcasing the beauty of winter.  What a difference a card makes!  Three million dollars in card sales has had a tremendous impact and transformed the lives of people with disabilities.

When you send your holiday cards this year, you can do so with pride knowing that Maine artists are helping you help Maine people, one card at a time.

This year’s cards feature work of renowned Maine artists, Carlton Plummer and Sandy Crabtree.  Both artists have designed cards for Pine Tree Society in previous years.

“Homeward Bound”

Carlton Plummer’s scene features a man making his way home after harvesting the perfect Christmas tree. He moves through the rugged landscape of the snow-covered forest on his way to the quaint town in the clearing where his family eagerly awaits his arrival.

“Squirrel Point”

Sandy Crabtree brings us a captivating watercolor of a beloved Maine lighthouse.  On a clear, brisk day on the Kennebec River, Squirrel Point Lighthouse is festively adorned with a wreath for the holiday season.  The Christmas tree in the yard and the jolly snowman waving from the hill are sure to delight the occupants of any vessels sailing by. 

Order your 2017 Pine Tree Society Holiday Cards now.

Pine Tree Society’s holiday cards are the perfect way to wish customers, vendors, family members and friends a happy holiday season while impacting Maine people with disabilities.

Click here to order online today. Cards will ship beginning in September.

Cards will be available for purchase at the 149 Front Street office in Bath during normal business hours after September 1.

You may also call (207) 386-5912 for more information or to place an order by phone.

July 27, 2017 marked the annual Downeast Feast at Pine Tree Camp.  This annual event celebrates the impact of Pine Tree Society and the people who help make it all possible.

Pine Tree Society President and CEO, Noel Sullivan, said, “Our work would not be possible without the support of thousands of generous friends throughout Maine and beyond. Whether you give your time, talent or treasure, your support makes the difference to the people we serve.”

Sullivan also thanked staff and board members for their commitment to helping Maine people with disabilities lead fuller, more socially connected lives.

After a special performance by a group of campers, Sullivan presented the annual Spirit of Pine Tree Society award to retired US Army Sergeant Travis Mills.

Sullivan explained, “For the past decade, Pine Tree Society has taken the opportunity at this event to honor individuals who truly embody the spirit of this organization. This year, we didn’t have to look very far.  Just down the road from where we sit tonight is amazing place that is making a transformational impact in the lives of combat-injured veterans:  the Maine Chance Lodge, founded by Retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills.”

In an interview with WABI-TV5 reporter, Emily Tadlock, SSG Mills said, “I’m honored and thankful for the opportunity.  It’s a really great mission they have here.  We try to deliver our mission at the foundation in the same parallel so it’s exciting and I’m happy to be here.”

Sullivan added, “We feel we have a lot in common and he’s certainly someone who deserves a lot of thanks for what he does for our veterans.”

See links to WABI-TV5 coverage below.

Live interview with SSG Mills in the 5:00 newscast:

http://www.wabi.tv/video/?vid=437062943

Live interview with Noel Sullivan in the 6:00 newscast:

http://www.wabi.tv/video/?vid=437066383

A story which includes footage of the Pine Tree Camp Chorus performance on the 11:00 newscast.

http://www.wabi.tv/content/news/Travis-Mills-Honored-at-Pine-Tree-Society-Event-437092593.html

To see the performance of the Pine Tree Camp Chorus, click below:

 

Pine Tree Society is Maine’s only performance testing site for interpreters to finalize their national certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

This national certification level requires a written test followed by a performance test on video.

“The video performance test is what we now host at Pine Tree Society in Scarborough,” said Maura Nolin, director of interpreting services for Pine Tree Society.

Maura is a former president of the Maine RID Chapter and when she learned Maine needed a dedicated location for interpreters to complete their national certification testing, Pine Tree Society seemed like a natural fit.

“People were travelling to Massachusetts and Rhode Island to complete their certification. This will be much more convenient for many people in Maine and from out of state to be able to come to our location.  We already have people signed up to come take the test.”

Once interpreters complete their prerequisite written test, they contact the Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpreting (CASLI) to schedule the national certification video performance test at Pine Tree Society where a designated room is set up specially for the testing service to monitor the video from its office in Washington, D.C. as it is recorded and to then review the performance video once it’s uploaded.

Testing is currently being scheduled Monday through Friday during normal business hours and can be arranged through CASLI at www.casli.org.

More about RID:

http://rid.org/rid-certification-overview/

More about CASLI:

http://www.casli.org

More About Pine Tree Society’s Sign Language Interpreting Services:

Pine Tree Society is Maine’s only not-for-profit sign language interpreting agency, specializing in providing interpreters who use American Sign Language and other forms of signed communication. Pine Tree Society interpreters are available for pre-scheduled, last minute and emergency needs and can provide services on-site or remotely through video conferencing.

The 2017 session of Camp Communicate has come and gone, but the memories will last for a lifetime for the campers and families who attended.

Camp Communicate welcomed campers who “talk” with touchscreens from around Maine and beyond during the week of June 27 – July 1, 2017.

Camp Communicate is an innovative retreat designed specifically for non-verbal children who use computerized devices to communicate. The children enjoy a unique opportunity to spend time with other augmentative communicators in an accessible summer camp environment. During their stay, they learn new skills, meet new friends and become more comfortable and confident in their communication abilities, all while enjoying traditional summer camp activities such as art and crafts, drama and swimming. Their family members also attend camp to enjoy a week of networking, enrichment activities, and respite time on the beautiful 285 acre campus on North Pond.

Once again, Camp Communicate caught the attention of the local media.  Reporters from WLBZ2/WCSH6 and WABI TV5 spent time with campers and their families and shared their stories.  Here are the reports:

207 on WSCH6/WLBZ2

WABI/5

 

“Paddling is a change to our very busy lives. It’s a chance to slow down, be reflective and do something for a good cause.”

For the 3rd year, Nate Libby’s friends and family will paddle together as Team Jude in the Bath Savings Institution Paddle for Pine Tree Camp.

Nate is a state senator from Lewiston. His eight-year-old son Jude attended Pine Tree Camp’s day program, Camp Pine Cone, for the first time last summer.  Jude was one of 650 Maine children and adults with disabilities to experience Pine Tree Camp’s week-long day and overnight programs and leave behind the confines of their disability on the camp’s barrier-free, fully accessible 285-acre campus.

“We heard about Pine Tree Camp’s outstanding program and wanted to support it and we actually paddled for a year before Jude attended camp.”

After their first paddle, they toured the camp with Jude.

“Once we saw the facility and how much the staff cares, we felt very comfortable and knew it would be enriching for Jude. The staff was so professional and caring.  It felt good.”

Jude’s family has always been interested in finding opportunities for him to experience the outdoors. “We do a lot in the summer to expose him to sensory sensations, and a whole week of that is great.”

At Pine Tree Camp, Jude enjoys the playground, taking boat rides, swimming in the lake and going for walks in the woods.

Nathan likes knowing they could do something really fun for Jude and “It opened my eyes to the folks who do this work every day. The counselors and staff are very impressive.”

This summer, Jude will attend day camp again and, on June 3rd, Team Jude will be on the Kennebec River for the third time, paddling with teams from around New England to support Pine Tree Camp.

The goal is to raise $68,000 and all proceeds from the 21st annual Bath Savings Institution Paddle for Pine Tree Camp directly support the Campership Fund and are a critical part of the Camp’s open door tuition policy.  Since 1945, Pine Tree Camp has welcomed all who could benefit, regardless of their ability to pay.

Along with 250 other paddlers, Team Jude will set out from Evergreens Campground in Solon for a seven-mile kayak trip down the Kennebec to North Anson, raising money for the Campership Fund. 99% of campers cannot afford to pay the tuition and this paddle is a major fundraiser to ensure they can attend not just this summer, but for years to come.

Join the Libby family by showing your support for all the people with disabilities who attend Pine Tree Camp each summer by making a donation at this link: https://www.firstgiving.com/pts/paddle-for-pine-tree-camp-2017

Pine Tree Camp is a finalist in the Summit Natural Gas of Maine 2017 Community Giving and Sponsorship Program.

CAST YOUR VOTE FOR PINE TREE CAMP TODAY!

http://summitnaturalgasmaine.com/community-sponsorship/

This is an easy one-click vote…you are not asked to fill out a contact form.

Your vote can help Pine Tree Camp win a $4,000 grant to benefit the Campership Fund to send people to camp! Each year, we must raise $1 million keep our Open Door promise in place for our campers and their families.  Since 1945, no camper has ever been turned away due to inability to pay tuition.  At Pine Tree Camp, the barrier-free setting, along with an amazing staff, ensure that activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and boating are completely accessible to all.  Participating in activities that take people beyond their disability has a tremendous impact.  It builds self-esteem and self-confidence.  That experience coupled with meeting friends who understand and experiencing the feeling of acceptance is transformational.

Tell everyone you know to vote! Thank you for your support.