Pine Tree Society

Pine Tree Society Blog

A Spring message From Noel

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“Spring: A lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.” I came across this quote the other day and couldn’t help but think about how that applies to our work at Pine Tree Society right now in 2022.

Take the story of 11-year-old Jackson. Two years ago, Jackson was set to attend Pine Tree Camp for the first time, then the pandemic hit.

“We had to put everything on hold,” his mother, Erin, recently told us. “He was heartbroken he couldn’t go to Pine Tree Camp.”

A few weeks ago, Jackson got his chance to attend Pine Tree Camp – along with his mom and his younger sister. They enjoyed ice fishing, snowshoeing and, of course, s’mores over the fire.

“It was awesome,” Erin told us. “At Pine Tree Camp I feel I can let my kiddo have more freedom. I can let him be himself.”

It’s incredible to think that two years ago, Pine Tree Camp was closed during the winter, spring and fall. Today, we are offering a full slate of programming to meet the needs of Maine children and adults with disabilities and their families all year long.

Changes can be seen in other programs as well. Our Early Learning Center is growing to meet the increased needs in the community, our adult services program has focused on getting clients outside to experience the restorative benefits of nature and we are launching a new conference to support parents caring for children with disabilities.

We are proud to change to continue to meet the evolving needs of Maine children and adults with disabilities and their families during a time in which they need us most – and we could not do this critical work without you.

Your support today will go right to work to help us continue to impact Maine people with disabilities through Pine Tree Camp, early intervention, day programs for adults, and case management services to implement and retain critical services.

Jackson and his family are just one of thousands of families who are counting on us. Please send in your gift today. It will go right to use to help Maine people who need us. We thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,

Noel Sullivan
President and CEO

2022 Snowmobile Ride-In recap

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Bob Crowley of Survivor, Maine Cabin Master Jedi, and North American Ski-Doo Ambassador John Gibbs were among the celebrity riders who revved their engines at the 49th annual Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-In for Pine Tree Camp and Q106.5 Egg Ride.

This nearly 50-year Maine tradition of riders stuffing raw eggs down their snowmobile suits at Dysart’s in Hermon before parading on their sleds to the Penobscot Snowmobile Club and back smashed fundraising goals as well as eggs, raising record-setting amounts.

“We surpassed many goals in advance of the Ride-In with the busiest weeks yet to come as pledges continue to roll in after the event,” said Adria King, Donor and Alumni Relations Manager for Pine Tree Society.

From Dysart’s staff competing to sell the most Window Eggs, to creative fundraising by Celebrity Egg Riders – including an original ukulele song about eggs – and the excitement of the entire Maine snowmobile community, the energy and support was electric.

“The outpouring of support was inspiring,” Adria continued. “Having North American Ski Doo Ambassador John Gibbs on-board heightened the visibility of this event throughout the snowmobile community and reenergized the spirit and tradition of why we ride.”

Snowmobile Ride-In Update: We Need Your Help! Yes, You!

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Did you know that Pine Tree Camp is asking our camp families to help us get the word out about the 49th Annual Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-In to benefit Pine Tree Camp? We’ll even send you some awesome Camp swag if your page raises enough!

It’s true! We need as many families as possible to create fundraising pages to ensure we meet our goal and raise enough to support Pine Tree Camp’s Open Door policy: that no camper is ever turned away for inability to pay.

We have currently raised $12,592 of the $15,000 we need, and time is running out.

How can you help? It’s easy, quick, and free! Just create a fundraising page and send the link to your network via email or social media.

Go here and click “Register” to get started or reach out to Events Manager Adria King at aking@pinetreesociety.org who is happy to create your page for you. We need as many families as possible to help us reach our goal before the Ride-In on February 5th.

What’s in it for you? Glad you asked! Families and individuals who raise $250 will win a Pine Tree Camp mug, those who raise $500 will win a Pine Tree Camp t-shirt, and those who raise $1,000 will win a Pine Tree Camp sweatshirt. What better way to show others that Pine Tree Camp matters in your life than to wear it on your sleeve?

So register to create a page or reach out to Adria today!

February Festivities at Camp

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There is always something going on at Pine Tree Camp!

February might be the shortest month, but there is plenty of time to squeeze in some outdoor activities this winter. We would love to see you for ice fishing, trail walks, cocoa, sledding, snowshoeing, and more for our February Adventure Day Pass on February 19th, 20th, and 26th.

Ever stayed in a cabin? If you’ve never joined us for an overnight at Camp, now is a great time to bring the whole family for a Family Camp Weekend, February 19th-21st. Choose your own adventures from daily activities and make lasting memories outside as a family.

Even if you’re snowed in and can’t make it up to Rome, join Assistant Camp Director Mary for some great virtual Pine Tree Camp To You sessions, which you can join via Facebook Live on Wednesdays at 1 P.M.

We hope we see you at Camp!

 

Snowmobile Ride-In Celebrity Rider: Jedi Baker

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Jared Baker is well-known as the one and only “Jedi” on Maine Cabin Masters, which is now in its 7th season on the DiY Network. This series follows a crew of skilled Mainers as they save and preserve family camps and cabins across the Pine Tree State. He particularly enjoys seeing how families react when they see their restored cabin. For him, bringing an old place back to life not only keeps family memories alive, but helps ensure families will make new memories together for years to come. Jared grew up on a cattle farm in Pittston where he learned to hunt, fish, play hockey, and ride a sled. He absolutely loves being outdoors and has coached hockey, football, and tried a stint as a ski bum in Colorado before returning home to Maine.

Ahead of this year’s Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-In, we sat down with Jedi to learn more about how he spends his time when he’s not being a Maine Cabin Master.

Have you ridden a snowmobile before?
I have. I’ve ridden snowmobiles since I was five years old and still ride pretty heavy today. I chase the snow around and ride anywhere I can. When the snow is good, you can get a lot of places.

Do you like winter?
I’m a polar bear. I absolutely love winter. I grew up playing hockey, starting when I was three years old. I was pretty much born on a hockey rink. My family also owned Baker’s Smelt Camps on the Kennebec so I was always outdoors in the winter.

What is your favorite song right now?
My goodness. I’d have to say Loser by the Grateful Dead. I like to spend some time at a poker table and this song relates to those times around the table. It’s a good tune.

Why is this snowmobile ride meaningful to you?
Love of camps is what I’ve made a career out of. Camps, cabins, and anything to get kids to enjoy the outdoors is well worth it to me. It’s really important to be able to get outdoors and experience camp.

Catch up with Jedi and all our other celebrity riders are this year’s Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-In to benefit Pine Tree Camp on February 5!

Coming Spring 2022: Pine Tree Camp’s New Greenhouse

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Thanks to the Burger-Roy Family Charitable Trust and Campbell’s True Value, Pine Tree Camp will soon become home to a new greenhouse.

The 21-by-36-foot structure will welcome campers of all abilities inside to actively care for and learn about plants. The size of the greenhouse will provide ample space with wide aisles for wheelchairs and tables of different heights. The greenhouse will be adjacent to the barn, providing a link between the farm animals and surrounding land.

“This addition to our campus gives us the chance to expand our environmental education and stewardship programming in ways we would not be able to do otherwise,” said Dawn Willard-Robinson, director of Pine Tree Camp. “The greenhouse provides a home base for that program to exist.”

Whether it’s learning how to feed and care for animals, planting a garden, or seeing firsthand how plants and trees support the ecosystem and health of North Pond, campers will now have even more opportunities to connect with nature in unique and meaningful ways that impact their lives all year-round.

“Anytime campers have the opportunity to care for something or someone else is really important,” noted Mary Schafhauser, assistant camp director of Pine Tree Camp. “People with disabilities are often the ones being taken care of so the chance to care for a farm animal, water the garden, or help a fellow camper in the greenhouse gives them the opportunity to show what they can do and provides a huge sense of independence.”

The sensory aspect the greenhouse provides is also important.

“Anytime you can do something with your hands outside it brings you closer to nature,” continued Mary. “In the greenhouse campers will be able to touch, smell, feel and taste the plants as they grow. That experience will cultivate a deeper sense of ownership in camp.”

Like the building of the barn, the construction of the greenhouse will be completed by volunteers. CMP Employee Volunteers participated in the barn raising in 2019 and are volunteering to build the greenhouse as well.

“What makes Pine Tree Camp stand out is that it provides a fully accessible camp experience for both children and adults,” said Mary Brayall, Lead Analyst – Social Projects for the Avangrid Foundation. “The greenhouse is the type of project we love because it will serve countless campers over many years to come. It is something permanent with a long-lasting impact. Our employee volunteers put in the time now and the reward goes on and on and on.”

New greenhouse will officially open in spring 2022.

WABI Says: Check Out January Adventure Day Pass!

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Join us Saturday, January 15 and Saturday, January 22 for newly-added Adventure Day Pass sessions at Camp! Our friends at WABI recently highlighted these great opportunities to get outside in an article on their website.

We can’t wait to bundle up for sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and s’mores by the fire. These two sessions offer campers additional opportunities to get outdoors for safe, community-oriented recreation, so bring your lunch (extra points if it’s in a thermos!) and join us.

Pre-register for either or both Saturdays here. We hope we see you at Camp!

2021 Christmas Sweeps winner

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Congratulations to Mikayla McLaughlin from Glenburn, the winner of Pine Tree Society’s 2021 Christmas Sweeps!

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

Winter Fun at Pine Tree Camp

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Pine Tree Camp has long been known as a gorgeous warm weather destination for kids, adults, and families to swim, bike, kayak, and play. It’s an opportunity for everyone to soak up some sunshine and relax.

But Winter at Camp might be our new favorite season! Did you know you can visit Pine Tree Camp during cold weather for activities like snowshoeing the trails and ice fishing? Our staff has been having a blast in the snow for the past few seasons and would love to welcome you for some sledding and cocoa.

Keep an eye out for our Winter calendar to plan your chilly visit up to Camp this season!