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.

Thanks to generous grants from the Percival P. Baxter Foundation and Pine Tree Society’s Open Door policy, the Dirigo Experience is open to all regardless of ability to pay tuition!

Interested in applying?

View the Dirigo Experience virtual info session recording here.

Apply for a tuition assistance grant via the Baxter Foundation here.

Then apply for the Dirigo Experience here.

Camp Communicate

Most kids love to chat with other kids. And that’s certainly no different for children who talk through touchscreens!

Camp Communicate is an innovative retreat designed specifically for non-verbal children who use computerized devices, known as augmentative communication, to communicate. Camp Communicate offers kids a unique opportunity to spend time with other augmentative communicators in an accessible summer camp environment. During their stay they will learn new skills, meet friends and become more comfortable and confident in their communication abilities.

Each camper attends Camp Communicate along with a parent or caregiver. Parents will have the opportunity to attend workshops and share information and strategies in a supportive environment. Learning opportunities for parents will support more effective augmentative communication device use at home and will foster more proficient use in school.

Campers participate in:

• Small and large group activities led by communication experts and trained volunteers
• Active outdoor games
• Swimming and boating
• Nature walks
• Team-building exercises
• Festive social gatherings including a dance
• Music and art therapy

Program curriculum and activities are developed and led by Communication Pathways staff, all highly qualified Speech Language Pathologists with an expertise in augmentative communication and assistive technology.

For more information, call Pine Tree Camp at 207-386-5993.

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.