WABI5 Interviewed Pine Tree Camp director, Dawn Willard-Robinson to learn how we’re keeping our Pine Tree Camp community connected during this time of social distancing. Discover more on Pine Tree Camp’s Facebook page.
News
Pine Tree Society launches remote Community and Home Support services
Pine Tree Society is committed to discovering abilities together and, during this time of social distancing, technology is one of the critical ways to bridge distances and keep connected. Under the best of circumstances, adults with disabilities are among those most at risk of being socially isolated. During times like these, that risk increases exponentially which is why Pine Tree Society has created remote programming to virtually connect and provide Community and Home Support to its clients.
“As with all of Pine Tree Society’s programs, this technology-based service is designed based on individual goals and interests with activities catered to meet those unique objectives,” said Shelley Zielinski, director of Adult Services at Pine Tree Society. “It will also provide people with the ability to connect with friends, which has immeasurable benefits as social connections become few and far between during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
These services will be available on user friendly technology platforms and the Pine Tree Society team will provide individualized tech support to ensure all who can benefit from this program can participate.
Pine Tree Camp shares its expertise with other camps across New England
Pine Tree Camp is recognized for its expertise in creating a summer camp program designed to meet the needs of all.
Last week, Pine Tree Camp Director, Dawn Willard-Robinson, and Assistant Camp Director, Mary Schafhauser, virtually shared their expertise at the 2020 New England American Camp Association’s annual conference as a way to to help other camps adapt their programming to meet the needs of campers with a range of abilities.
“So often, other camping professionals ask us how to adapt an activity or how to make a space more accessible,” said Dawn. “We enjoy sharing what we have learned in our program with others.”
The title of their presentation was “Adaptability versus Accessibility: Creating Inclusive Environments Within Your Own Programming.” Dawn and Mary shared how camps can create inclusive spaces while holding true to their own history and traditions. Their on-line session sparked the conversation about how camping professionals can help facilitate success by adapting activities to meet the needs of campers and explored the differences between adaptability and accessibility.
St. Patrick’s Day Sweeps Winner Announced
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Dallas Hosford of Bangor, Maine! Mr. and Mrs. Hosford are the winners of our March 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Sweepstakes drawing.
Pine Tree Society’s Sweepstakes raise money to support our programs. Want to learn more about our sweepstakes? Call us at 207-443-3341.
Virtual Pine Tree Camp Info Sessions
***Registration is required. The Zoom conference login will be sent to participants after registration*** Click here to register.
Questions? Please contact Lori Chesley at lchesley@pinetreesociety.org or 207-386-5993.
Taking the leap and sending a child to overnight camp is a big decision for any parent.
At these three Zoom conference informational sessions, we can help you decide if Pine Tree Camp may be a good fit for your loved one. We’ll explore all that Pine Tree Camp has to offer including:
-A 285-acre accessible campus on beautiful North Pond in Rome, Maine
-A barrier-free environment allowing campers, regardless of ability-levels, to actively participate in fun, outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, boating and fishing.
-Opportunities for campers to make lifelong friends with peers who understand the daily challenges of living with a disability.
You’ll have a chance to virtually meet Camp Director, Dawn Willard-Robinson, as well as other parents who will share their experiences. We look forward to virtually meeting you!
Click here to register for a session today.
Tuesday, May 26 — Info Session
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Video call via Zoom
Saturday, May 30 — Virtual Tour of Pine Tree Camp
10:00am – Noon
Video call via Zoom
Freeport library incorporates sign language into reading program
Freeport Community Library has added another component to their reading program: sign language!
The Portland Press Herald interviewed our very own Linda Bonnar, Director of Communication Pathways about the benefits of sign language with speech development. Check out the story here.
Portland Press Herald features Pine Tree Society
Pine Tree Society’s expansion of children’s case management to the Midcoast area was featured in the 
Portland Press Herald on February 6.
“There’s always been an unmet need around case management in the region,” Pine Tree Society’s President & CEO Noel Sullivan said. “We felt we really needed to up our game here, and provide more opportunities for kids to access case management, because that’s the conduit to connect to other things. It educates parents, as well as the child, on services that are available to them.”
Read the full story here!
Pine Tree Society’s ELC accepts grant from LACF
Pine Tree Society’s Early Learning Center recently received a grant of $649 from the Lewiston Auburn Children’s Foundation.
The Early Learning Center provides early intervention and educational programming for children ages 3 to 6. While each child comes with unique strengths and challenges, the center has a common goal for all its students: to foster a love of learning that will set a strong foundation for the future.
Thank you to the LACF for your generosity!
Learn more about the ELC here.
Pine Tree Society expands Children’s Case Management to Midcoast
Big news! Pine Tree Society is expanding its Children’s Case Management Services to its Bath office.
“This expansion of our children’s case management program means we are now accepting new referrals with no waitlist in Bath,” said Pine Tree Society’s president and CEO, Noel Sullivan. “We currently offer case management in Scarborough and Auburn and expanding this service to our headquarters office in Bath allows families in the surrounding area to receive much needed assistance without having to wait for an opening.”
Pine Tree Society’s case managers will provide services for families who live within an hour radius of Bath.
“We are flexible about where we meet and accommodate what works best for families based on what the goals are,” said Julie Brennan, director of Pine Tree Society’s case management services. “As case managers, we want to get to know a child in different environments and we do whatever is easiest for the parent. The important thing is that the family gets what they need for help. We often meet at a child’s school or home or at our office.”
To be eligible for Pine Tree Society’s case management services, the child must be 0-21 years of age and be enrolled in Katie Beckett/MaineCare. Private pay is also an option. Instructions for Katie Beckett enrollment and a full list of diagnosis are available here.