Pine Tree Camp’s Dirigo Experience

In collaboration with our partners at the Governor Baxter School, Pine Tree Camp created a new program for Deaf youth ages 11 through 14 called the Dirigo Experience. Taking place at Pine Tree Camp August 24-28, this program is designed to combat isolation and build confidence, leadership, and social skills. Campers will explore ropes courses, kayaking, and outdoor adventures during their week in August, then receive ongoing opportunities to stay connected to their new-found friends both remotely and in-person, year-round.

Interested in applying? The Percival P. Baxter Foundation is offering grants to cover up to the full Dirigo Experience tuition! In the event a grant from the Baxter Foundation does not cover the full cost of tuition, Pine Tree Camp offers our Open Door policy to ensure no camper is ever turned away due to inability to pay tuition. Our application will ask if you’d like to be considered for tuition assistance.

View the Dirigo Experience virtual info session recording here.

Apply for tuition assistance via the Baxter Foundation here.

Then apply for the Dirigo Experience here.

Sign Tree Camp

Sign Tree Camp 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. Sign Tree Camp 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 Sign Tree Camp  has ended.

Volunteer at Sign Tree Camp

Sign Tree Camp at Pine Tree Camp is looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at ptcamp@pinetreesociety.org.