“Each tiny effort builds on the next, so that brick by brick magnificent things can be created.” 

I came across this quote recently and it made me think of the transformative impact of Pine Tree Camp. Let me share a story with you…

Deborah first came to Pine Tree Camp in 1962.  It was the family physician who suggested Pine Tree Camp to her parents.

“The doctor who recommended Pine Tree Camp was an amazing guy,” she said.  “My parents were very loving and supportive, but he sensed Pine Tree Camp would be my ticket to try things my parents wouldn’t have otherwise been emotionally able to let me do. I did everything at Pine Tree Camp: swimming, canoeing, archery. The word ‘No’ wasn’t in the vocabulary.  It was ‘We will figure out a way to get this done.’ It allowed me to spread my wings. I remember the doctor saying to my parents ‘When you drop her off, it’s going to be very hard for you. When you drive off and leave her there, you are going to feel like you want to go back and get her. But you can’t. It’s where she needs to be.’”

Brick by brick, Deborah’s experience at Pine Tree Camp fundamentally transformed her life.

Deborah recently retired from a career as a health psychologist.  Over her 38 years in the field she helped thousands of patients and families cope with medical illness and disability and helped medical students understand how to best care for these populations.  She said, “I owe my whole life to Pine Tree Camp, all of my successes.  It was there I discovered I needed to learn how to get good at things in my own way so I could be part of a bigger picture in life.  It was a tremendous lesson.”  

It is incredible to think that friends like you made Deborah’s Pine Tree Camp experience possible.  Friends like you, changed Deborah’s life – brick by brick. 

Pine Tree Camp has big plans for 2021 and your support is more important than ever.  We have faced challenges over the past year with innovation and creativity – expanding from summer to year-round programming.  Why?  Because Maine people with disabilities need us more than ever.

You make stories like Deborah’s possible.  We cannot do it without you.  Pine Tree Camp receives no federal or state funding.  Your donation will be put to work immediately – brick by brick – magnificent things will happen. 

Being outside in nature gives kids a leg up for learning.  We are excited about the opportunity for Pine Tree Camp to be a part of your summer programming to help offset learning loss for your students with disabilities.

Social and emotional learning and physical well being has never been more crucial for students and our fully accessible campus has hundreds of acres and dozens of opportunities to safely get your students outside and socializing with peers again.

Well being benefits learning and the chance to explore and try new things enhances motor development and curiosity; two critical pieces to help offset learning loss and provide kids with a level of normalcy before returning to the classroom this fall.

In-Person:

Pine Tree Camp Adventure Day Pass – Safely spend the day at Pine Tree Camp with your students.  Kayak, swim, hike accessible nature trails, ride a bike, spend time in a real treehouse and take aim in the archery pavilion. All activities are fully accessible and staff is on-hand to provide support.  NEW ACTIVITY: Adaptive Biking – Pine Tree Camp’s new fleet of adaptive bikes offer a new way to explore our nature trail system.   Learn more and register now.

Remote:

Pine Tree Camp to You – Created and led by educators, this fun-filled curriculum is delivered online via Zoom and also includes self-guided activities, providing kids the chance to virtually connect with friends from all over the State of Maine and hone their learning skills at the same time. Materials are provided by Pine Tree Camp and mailed to the camper’s home.  Learn more and register now.

Have questions?  Contact us at ptcamp@pinetreesociety.org or phone.

As a member of our new Impact Society, we are honored to invite you to join us for a special evening live from Pine Tree Camp.

Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m. We will connect via Zoom.

Noel Sullivan, President and CEO of Pine Tree Society, and Dawn Willard-Robinson, Pine Tree Camp Director, will share a recap of our 2020 season, plans for 2021 and vision for the future of Pine Tree Camp.  You will also have the opportunity to hear from campers who have been directly impacted by you.

RSVP for the event at this link!

One family at a time is allowed on the boat, and private kayaks and canoes provide physical distancing and the opportunity to create memories together on North Pond.

Linda Bonnar was among the very first group of paddlers who kayaked their way down the Kennebec River when the Paddle for Pine Tree Camp started 25 years ago.  She was a Pine Tree Camp counselor at the time.

“I saw how important Pine Tree Camp was to so many people,” she recalled.  “Campers live for Pine Tree Camp.  There are no barriers and it’s a place where they are immersed in activities and feel just like everybody else.  When camp ends, they can’t wait to come back next year to see their friends.”

She spent 16 years working at Pine Tree Camp and, today, she’s the Director of Communication Pathways and has been with the organization for over 30 years.

“Taking part in the Paddle is one way to give back to a place that gave me so much.  I know how challenging it can be for families financially.  We’ve always very much believed in an open door policy.  No one is every held back due to an inability to pay.  This is my way to help keep that open door policy in place.”

Linda’s goal is to raise $1000.  Please help her reach her goal by donating today.