“David loves to relax at camp.”

David and his guardian Cindy have been going camping together for 22 years.

“He loves to hike and bike so we pick places to go where he can do both,” she said.

They frequent Franconia Notch and Acadia National Park.  In July, they went to Patten Pond.

But this August, David tried something new.  At 49-years-old, he went to Pine Tree Camp for the very first time.

“I wanted him to experience being at camp without me so he could have more independence and meet new friends,” Cindy said.

At the end of the week, David called to tell her how well it went and that he’s very excited to go back to Pine Tree Camp next summer.

He said the highlight of his week was having a Cabin 5 name badge with his name and picture on it.  He also really liked bingo.

“I won a football helmet.  It was cool.  I met some new guys.  I would like to go back next year,” he said.

Cindy was happy to hear everything went smoothly.

“David has anxiety and when we go camping together, it brings his anxiety level down,” explained Cindy.  “I was hoping being at Pine Tree Camp would do the same — and it did.  Experiencing a different schedule can be hard for him, but he really liked it and did well.”