Pine Tree Society

Pine Tree Society Blog

FirstLight shines for Maine people with disabilities

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One thing you never think about at Pine Tree Camp is the technology that keeps us connected to our community every day of the year. We serve a broad geographic region and so does FirstLight. Thanks to their support, campers from the Brunswick area experienced the freedom of Pine Tree Camp.    

“Staying connected is critical to ensure that Pine Tree Camp is able to provide the highest quality and safe experience for our camper population,” said Noel Sullivan, President and CEO of Pine Tree Society.  “We are grateful for the partnership and support of First Light.”  

We’re grateful for their support of Maine people with disabilities and their commitment to the mission of Pine Tree Camp.

Spotlight: Pine Tree Camp’s Dirigo Experience for Deaf Youth

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Joshua Seal knows first-hand what it’s like to grow up Deaf in Maine.

“As a Deaf individual who grew up going to public school, I was surrounded by people who could hear,” he said.

During his youth, Joshua felt isolated, different and yearned to connect with others his age who were also Deaf.

Today, he leads Pine Tree Society’s Interpreting Services and is using his personal experience as a springboard for the creation of an innovative new pilot program for youth who are Deaf called Pine Tree Camp’s Dirigo Experience.

“Pine Tree Society wants to invest in the future by stepping up to help Deaf youth develop a sense of connection and community now,” he said.

Pine Tree Camp’s Dirigo Experience is a collaboration between two Pine Tree Society programs: Pine Tree Camp and Interpreting Services. Designed specifically for Deaf youth ages 11 to 14, the program will launch in August with a week-long immersive at Pine Tree Camp followed by on-going virtual and in-person connections throughout the year.

“Feeling alone is difficult at any age but it can be especially challenging in middle school,” said Dawn Willard-Robinson, Director of Pine Tree Camp. “We know that feeling alone can have a detrimental effect on self-confidence and the ability to envision a fulfilling life path that tends to stick with the individual into adulthood.”

In fact, studies show that a majority of Deaf adults are underemployed or not in the labor force at all.

Pine Tree Camp Dirigo Experience is designed to facilitate long-term peer connections, build self-confidence and develop leadership skills critical skills for youth as they transition to adulthood.

“Pine Tree Camp is an environment that encourages healthy risks and trying new things,” said Dawn. “When you come to Pine Tree Camp, you meet others going through the same thing and you realize that you aren’t alone. Lifelong friendships are quickly forged.”

During their stay at Pine Tree Camp, campers will explore ropes courses, kayaking, and outdoor adventures then receive ongoing opportunities to stay connected to their new-found friends both remotely and in-person, year-round.

Pine Tree Camp Dirigo Experience summer session will be held August 24 – 28 at Pine Tree Camp on the shores of North Pond in Rome. The program is open to all who can benefit regardless of their ability to pay tuition, but generous grants available through the Percival P. Baxter Foundation should cover the cost of tuition. Pine Tree Camp’s Open Door policy has been firmly in place since 1945. Space is limited to 30 participants.

Learn more and register today at Special Programs – Pine Tree Society.

 

Pine Tree Camp on the Road comes to Guilford

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Children with disabilities in Piscataquis County can experience the freedom and fun of Pine Tree Camp this summer right in their own backyard. This August, Pine Tree Camp on the Road is coming to Guilford for a week-long summer camp day program featuring a safe, barrier-free experience to children with special needs.

“We know how hard it can be for families in Piscataquis County to travel to the Belgrade Lakes area, so we are removing that barrier by bringing the Pine Tree Camp experience to them,” said Nate Podgajny, assistant director of Pine Tree Camp.

Pine Tree Camp on the Road will take place August 8–12 at the Friends of Community Fitness Center in Guilford. Campers ages 5-16 with a disability and their siblings are welcome to attend. The week will be filled with barrier-free games and activities, including adaptive bikes, inflatable archery, and a brand-new land canoe on wheels.

“We’re always looking for ways to expand our impact,” said Nate. “This gives us the opportunity to make an immediate impact now while introducing more people to the benefits of the Pine Tree Camp experience.”

Pine Tree Camp is open to all who can benefit regardless of their ability to pay tuition. Full scholarships are available. Spaces are limited.

Who: Children with disabilities in Piscataquis County (siblings are also invited to attend)

When: August 8-12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Friends of Community Fitness, 31 High Street, Guilford

Register here.

Have questions? Please contact Lori Chesley at (207) 386-5993.

A note from Noel: What it means to be back at Camp

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Support Pine Tree Camp today.

“It’s her heaven on earth.”

That’s how Carolyn describes what Pine Tree Camp means to her daughter, Jaclyn. But as it turns out, the Pine Tree Camp experience means just as much to Carolyn. Let me tell you their story…

Nearly a decade ago, Carolyn and Jaclyn attended a special program at Pine Tree Camp for children who use high-tech devices to communicate and their families. Carolyn and Jaclyn shared a cabin with Kris and her son Christian.

“Kris and I were an instant connection. We bonded like magnets,” Carolyn recalled. “It’s so wonderful to have someone who gets it because they are going through same thing.”

Kris couldn’t agree more.

“I would never have met Carolyn if it wasn’t for Pine Tree Camp. I love her friendship, and we look forward to being there together every year.”

After two long years, Carolyn, Jaclyn, Kris, and Christian are thrilled to be preparing to once again spend time together at Pine Tree Camp. Our entire team shares their excitement as we prepare to welcome campers (and in some cases, family members) back this summer for overnight camping experiences.

It’s what we’ve been known for since 1945 – and we couldn’t do it without you. You have stuck by our campers through thick and thin – and we couldn’t be more thankful. In fact, thanks to you, we have developed new, impactful programming and expanded our season to all year long.

We cannot do it without you. Pine Tree Camp receives no federal or state funding. Your donation will be put to work immediately to impact our campers – and their families. We thank you for your support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noel Sullivan
President and CEO

 

Two moms, one purpose: Giving back to Pine Tree Camp

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“I want to help other families the way we were helped.”  

“I owe Pine Tree Camp so much.”  

That’s how Kris and Carolyn describe what motivated them to create a team for the 2022 Bath Savings Paddle for Pine Tree Camp. 

Nearly a decade ago, good fortune brought these two moms and their children together at Pine Tree Camp for Camp Communicate, a camp experience for children who use high-tech devices to communicate and their families.    

Kris, her son Christian and Carolyn and her daughter Jaclyn have been going to Pine Tree Camp together and staying in the same family cabin ever since. 

“Kris and I were an instant connection,” said Carolyn. “We bonded like magnets.  It’s so wonderful to have someone who gets it because they are going through same thing.” 

 Kris couldn’t agree more.  

 “I would never have met Carolyn if it wasn’t for Pine Tree Camp,” she said. “I love her friendship and we look forward to being there together every year.”   

 The support they provide each other throughout the year extends the benefits they experience as parents at Pine Tree Camp’s Camp Communicate.  

 “What I love about Camp Communicate is that it’s good for the kids and good for the parents,” Kris continued. “It’s something that I look forward to every year and need in my life. I’m grateful for it. It’s been amazing for me.” 

 She and Carolyn both enjoy the workshops, opportunities to connect and learn from other parents and the chance to have some downtime to relax while their kids are having fun.   

 “Jaclyn feels very accepted at Pine Tree Camp. It’s like she comes out of her shell,” said Carolyn.  “She spreads her wings and tries new things and does it all with a smile, excitement and laughter.” 

 Although they’ve wanted to participate in the Paddle for Pine Tree Camp for years, this is the first time they’ve been able to take part.   

 “We received scholarships every year and I want to give back and support Pine Tree Camp,” Kris said. “I want to help other families the way we were helped.” 

 Since 1945, Pine Tree Camp has welcomed all who could benefit, regardless of their ability to pay. The funds raised from the Bath Savings Paddle for Pine Tree Camp are a critical part of the camp’s open door tuition policy.

Please consider donating to Kris and Carolyn’s fundraising team here:  

https://secure.frontstream.com/26th-bath-savings-paddle-for-pine-tree-camp/team/978998 

June 1: WABI TV5 Telethon at The Woodshed benefits Pine Tree Camp

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Mark your calendar for Wednesday, June 1 and head to The Woodshed in Manchester for a special live TV telethon to benefit the Paddle for Pine Tree Camp. 

WABI TV5 will be broadcasting live from The Woodshed with Pine Tree Camp staff and special guests standing by to take pledges. There will be music by Jason Spooner, a silent auction and lots of fun! 

Jason Spooner

The Bath Savings Paddle for Pine Tree Camp has been a Maine tradition since 1996 and one hundred percent of proceeds from the WABI TV5 Telethon will benefit Maine people with disabilities.  

Stop by The Woodshed in person to make a donation or show your support online at this link! 

The phone number to call is 207-386-5915 

26th Bath Savings Paddle for Pine Tree Camp

What: 

WABI TV5 Telethon at The Woodshed  

When: 

Wednesday, June 1 

5:00 – 6:30PM 

Where: 

The Woodshed 

915 Western Ave. 

Manchester, Maine 

The Woodshed, Manchester, MaineWhy: 

All proceeds from the Bath Savings Paddle for Pine Tree Camp benefit Pine Tree Camp’s Campership Fund. For over 75 years, Maine children and adults with disabilities have had their lives transformed at Pine Tree Camp in Rome, Maine. Since 1945, Pine Tree Camp has welcomed all who could benefit, regardless of their ability to pay. The funds raised from the Bath Savings Paddle for Pine Tree Camp are a critical part of the camp’s open door tuition policy.    

Adaptive bicycling at Pine Tree Camp

Accessible kayaking at Pine Tree Camp

 

Driving down the camp road, campers enter a world that is barrier-free, leaving behind the confines of their disability thanks to the camp’s 285-acre, fully accessible campus on the shores of North Pond. Year-round, campers actively participate in all the outdoor activities for which Maine is famous; experiencing freedom and independence.

 

Pine Tree Society’s 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Sweepstakes Winner

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Congratulations to Marc Cone from from Gardiner, the winner of Pine Tree Society’s March 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Sweeps drawing at Pine Tree Society.

Pine Tree Society Sweepstakes raise money to help Pine Tree Society transform lives. For information about the sweepstakes, call us at 207-443-3341.

Adventure Day Pass gives campers and families access to year-round outdoor fun

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“It was refreshing.”

“It felt like we finally did something fun.”

“It was nice for all of us to just be away from home.”

“I was so surprised at what he did and what he was good at.”

That’s what parents had to say after coming to Pine Tree Camp’s Adventure Day Pass this winter.

“For many parents, they got to see their child in an entirely new light when they realized they could do things they’d never seen them do before,” said Pine Tree Camp director Dawn Willard-Robinson. “They were blown away and amazed to see what their child can do at Pine Tree Camp.”

Pine Tree Camp Adventure Day Pass allows Maine children and adults with disabilities and their families the chance to come to camp together for the day, providing much needed time outdoors in a barrier-free environment.

“So often when you’re a special needs parent you can lose sight of the importance of just having fun with your kid,” said Pine Tree Camper mom, Erin. “Sometimes you need to step back from the role of being your child’s advocate. You just want to be your kid’s mom and have fun with them.”

In January, Erin and her son, Jackson, came with his younger sister, Sabrina. Jackson loves to fish and got to try his hand at ice fishing for the first time. They all enjoyed sledding and making s’mores around the camp fire, but the big surprise was how much they loved snowshoeing. Sabrina pushed them all to give it a chance and they were glad they did.

“It was awesome!” Erin said.  “I never in a million years thought that was something we would ever try. It was nice to be surprised how much we all enjoyed it!”

Spending the day at Pine Tree Camp also gave Erin the chance to relax knowing they were in a safe environment. She also appreciated the fact there were so many activities set up that, as a mom, she didn’t have to plan herself. They could just get outside and enjoy being together.

As a school nurse, Erin knows how important being outdoors is for overall well-being, especially for children and families living with disabilities who find it more difficult to get outside.

“Spending the day outside in nature at Pine Tree Camp, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” she said.  “It’s very grounding and helps quiet your mind. Being outdoors helps reduce depression and anxiety. Our children are lost behind screens right now and anytime we can get them outside in nature helps.”

Pine Tree Camp’s Family Camp returns again in February, giving families the chance to get away from home and spend the weekend together in a cabin. The team is laser-focused on summer and welcoming Pine Tree Campers back in-person for week-long camp sessions.

“This is what we’ve been waiting for,” said Dawn. “We’re very excited to be able to provide overnight camp sessions again.”

There are stringent Covid safety protocols in place and sessions will be run at 60% capacity, which will provide ample opportunity to spread out.

Dawn and her team are in full swing recruiting camp staff for the summer season and it won’t be long before the sweet sounds of summer camp return. It will be music to their ears.