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.

Dear Friends:

Someone recently asked me to sum up Pine Tree Camp in one word. I thought for a minute and replied “inspirational.”

Every time I visit Pine Tree Camp I leave feeling inspired. Watching campers who use wheelchairs experience the freedom of kayaking around North Pond.  Seeing the wonder on our campers’ faces as they hike down our accessible nature trail to the accessible treehouse and see a deer for the first time.  Experiencing a camper catch “the big one” on Pine Tree Camp’s accessible pontoon boat.

Something magical happens when our campers come together in a natural environment where barriers have been eliminated and there is free access for participation in the recreational activities for which Maine is famous. From the moment they arrive, campers are immersed in nature with friends by their side.  Friends who understand.

You see the impact immediately, but look closer and you see something more — you will see campers inspiring campers. One camper recently told me about his experience at Pine Tree Camp saying “If they can do it, I know I can do it.” They inspire each other to move beyond their disability.  Campers gain self-confidence.  They are ready to take on the challenges ahead with a positive outlook and hopes and dreams for the future.  It’s incredible to think that Pine Tree Camp’s impact has only just begun when campers leave North Pond after their summer camp experience. Pine Tree Camp transforms lives.

We are proud of our promise to welcome all campers regardless of their ability to pay the $1900 tuition and we couldn’t do it without you. Each year, Pine Tree Camp provides 99% of our campers with full or partial tuition assistance.  This translates into the need to raise $1 million each year to keep our Open Door policy firmly in place.  Pine Tree Camp receives no state or federal funding.

Pine Tree Camp opens its gates for the summer season on June 13. Your help is more important than ever.  Your support of Pine Tree Camp will make a big impact – a lasting impact to our campers.  You give your gift securely online here.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

Noel J. Sullivan
President and CEO

Pine Tree Camp and the Pine Tree Society Interpreting Services team are pleased to announce that Camp Sign is accepting applications for the Fall 2017 session.

Camp Sign will welcome campers during the week of October 2-5, 2017.

Camp Sign at Pine Tree Camp is a unique retreat designed for adults who are deaf or use sign or gesture and have an intellectual disability.

Many of our “campers” live in communication isolation as the only deaf person living in group homes scattered throughout Maine and beyond. Camp Sign offers a fun, language-accessible camp experience in a barrier-free environment.

Pine Tree Camp is set on 285 fully accessible acres of woods, fields and more than a mile of waterfront on North Pond in Rome, Maine. During their stay, campers will have the opportunity to connect with a peer group and benefit from participating in a full range of recreational activities all adapted to meet their needs. Campers will stay in beautiful new fully accessible camper cabins with breathtaking views of North Pond.

Hearing staff who work with and support campers will benefit from workshops and training opportunities designed to build skills in Visual Gestural Communication to better support individuals long after Camp Sign has ended.

Click here for more information or to Register for Camp Sign

Pine Tree Camp and the Pine Tree Society Communications Pathways team are pleased to announce that Camp Communicate is accepting applications for the Summer 2017 session. (Update: 5/18/17 – Camp Communicate enrollment has reached capacity for the Summer 2017 session.  Please contact Lori Chesley at (207) 386-5990 or ptcamp@pinetreesociety.org to be placed on the waiting list.)

Camp Communicate will welcome campers who “talk” with devices 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.

Click here for more information

Camp Communicate caught the attention of the local media during the Summer 2017.  Reporters from WLBZ2/WCSH6 and WABI TV5 spent time with campers and their families and shared their stories. Here are the reports from Summer 2016:

WLBZ2/WCSH6

WABI TV5

Dysart’s commitment of Pine Tree Camp is remarkable.  Since 1998, they have been transforming lives of Pine Tree campers by supporting the annual Snowmobile Ride-in.  All fund raised through the Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-in to benefit Pine Tree Camp go directly to Pine Tree Camp’s Campership Fund.  This ensures that all who can benefit from the Pine Tree Camp can attend regardless of their ability to pay tuition.  Pine Tree Camp’s gratitude to Dysart’s runs deep.

Noel Sullivan, President and CEO of Pine Tree Society, recently presented Dysart’s with a plaque illustrating Dysart’s deep impact to Pine Tree campers.  The generosity of the Dysart’s team has helped send hundreds of Maine children and adults to Pine Tree Camp for a transformative, barrier-free summer camp experience.

Pictured left to Right: Tyler Cary, Pine Tree Society Development Officer, Amy Judson and Tim Dysart of Dysart’s and Noel Sullivan, President and CEO of Pine Tree Society