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Ten tips for a successful school year from Pine Tree Society’s Children’s Case Management team

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As your child heads back to the classroom, Pine Tree Society’s Children’s Case Management Team is here to help achieve a smooth transition for families, students and teachers.  Below are our ten top tips. But first, do you know what a Case Manager does? 

In short, Case Managers are the bridge between all aspects of a child’s life; coordinating smooth communication between providers, educators and family members.  They also link families to resources they need and provide consistent follow up to be sure every detail is followed through and that all the child’s and family’s needs are met.   

From a Case Manager’s perspective, here are ten things you can do right now to set your child up for success as the school year begins: 

  1. Take some time to get comfortable with the building and school grounds again.  A good way to reacclimate is to visit on the weekend and walk around, remembering all the positive experiences from past years.  
  1. Talk about why teachers and students will be wearing masks and practice wearing one for short periods of time; gradually building to several hours.
  1. Develop morning and nighttime routines that work for your family. Case managers can help you create checklists so everyone can see all the steps in the routine and take part in making it work. Providers can also create social stories that break down each step of what the new back to school routines are going to be like. 
  1. Set a schedule and expectations for what the daily routine at school will be like. This will help kids feel secure at school; allowing them to be motivated to learn. Pine Tree Society’s Case Managers take the lead with schools to map out expectations with providers and families. It all boils down to good communication and making adjustments for what works best for the child along the way.  
  1. Remember to be patient.  It will take a little while to get used to being back at school and it’s important not to push too hard while everyone is acclimating.  
  1. Focus on your child’s strengths and interests.  This will help them to be engaged and motivated to connect and learn.  Sometimes it’s as simple as taking something a home provider discovers a child is doing really well at home then sharing that information with a teacher so they can carry that over during the school day. 
  1. Set reasonable expectations. Pine Tree Society’s Case Managers will work together with your child’s teachers to manage their individualized plan and keep it on track to meet the needs of your child. 
  1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; even when you don’t know which questions to ask.  Case Managers are your guide for services and support and can help you navigate the service delivery system. It all goes back to communication about accommodations for each child, regardless of their disability, and following up and ensuring all their needs are met.
  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Many parents don’t know what Case Managers can do.  They don’t even realize that help is out there for them or even what to ask for.  Case Managers are able to get concerns met, answer questions and put everything together so a child has what they need to be successful.  Supporting the family is a big part of that.
  1. Remember, you have needs too. Pine Tree Society’s Case Managers can help with that.  We’re here to make parents aware of services and supports that make everyone’s lives easier and we can often share information on services that directly support a parent’s needs.  Respite services are one such service that parents may not even know exists and can allow caregivers a much-needed break.

Contact Mike Bell, team leader of Pine Tree Society’s Children’s Case Management Program, to learn more about how we can help connect you with the services and resources you need for your child.   

Call Mike at (207) 386-5965 or via email mbell@pinetreesociety.org or complete this form and we will get back to you. 

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 on the Pine Tree Society website at this link.

Pine Tree Camp launches all-new Family Camping opportunity

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Pine Tree Camp is the premier place where Maine kids and adults with disabilities go to enjoy the freedom and fun of fully accessible outdoor recreation. For the first time ever, families can now share that experience together through Pine Tree Camp’s all new Family Camping.

In response to the pandemic, Pine Tree Camp has expanded its programming to provide safe, overnight access to the outdoors for Maine people with disabilities and their entire families.  Families can spend three days together on North Pond and experience everything from biking and swimming to kayaking and fishing, with no barriers.

“Out of this time of uncertainty has come innovation, creativity and strength. We are innovating to improve and expand upon what we do,” said Noel Sullivan, president and CEO of Pine Tree Society.

Family Camping includes a cabin, meals and specially developed day and evening programs.  Families can kayak, swim, go boating, hike accessible nature trails, 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.

“It’s hard for families to get outside with their loved one when there’s a disability involved,” said Pine Tree Camp director, Dawn Willard-Robinson. “Family Camping safely gets everyone outside together and gives parents the chance to relax and see their kids truly transform before their very eyes as they gain independence and confidence from trying new things and taking safe risks that camp makes possible for them.”

Pine Tree Camp is Maine’s only ACA-accredited camp exclusively serving people with disabilities and Pine Tree Society is committed to offering the Pine Tree Camp experience to all regardless of their ability to pay tuition.  Pine Tree Camp’s Open Door Policy has been in place since the camp opened in 1945.

For more information or to register this program or others through Pine Tree Camp visit our homepage!

Adaptive Water Sports at Pine Tree Camp!

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Join us on July 24th from 10am-4pm for a special edition of our Adventure Day Pass program! In addition to all of the recreational opportunities we have here at camp, we will also be offering adaptive waterskiing! To make this special day happen, we are partnering with Equip for Living Foundation and Leap of Faith Adaptive Skiers. Registration is required and space is limited! Click the link below to secure this spot for this fun day out on the water at Pine Tree Camp!

Returning Campers: CLICK HERE to sign up.

New Campers: CLICK HERE to sign up.

Pine Tree Camp is there – no matter what, thanks to you

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Donate today.

“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. 

Pine Tree Camp gives a leg up for learning

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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.

July 15th

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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!

Paddle for Pine Tree Camp Program Challenge: Team Barn!

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What’s your favorite thing to do at Pine Tree Camp?

Casey loves spending time at the barn.  This is his first year at Pine Tree Camp and the morning and afternoon routine of taking care of the farm animals makes him happy.  He can’t wait to share this experience with everyone.

Today, he’s asking you to help support the flock (and the goats!) by donating to his team.

This year, during Pine Tree Camp Adventure Day Pass campers and their families can visit the barn and learn how to feed and care for the goats, chickens and ducks that live there.  It’s a beautiful place to sit and enjoy lunch together as a family in a unique outdoor setting.  Later this year, the addition of a new greenhouse will expand the opportunities to learn about how food is grown.

Paddle for Pine Tree Camp Program Challenge: Team Boating!

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What’s your favorite thing to do at Pine Tree Camp?

Keith loves to fish.  He has boated and fished on North Pond for many years and knows the water well.  As Pine Tree Camp’s new Facilities Supervisor, he can’t wait to share his knowledge about North Pond with everyone.

Today, he’s asking you to hop on board his team by donating at this link.

Boating is a very popular activity at Pine Tree Camp and staff often hear how much people simply enjoy feeling the wind in their hair as they cruise along.

This year, during Pine Tree Camp Adventure Day Pass campers and their families will have the chance to boat, kayak or canoe.  Whether on a motor boat or paddling together, campers enjoy serving as tour guides and showing their family what it’s like out on the water.

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.

Why Linda Paddles

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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.