Devan: A sense of independence
For Devan, Pine Tree Camp is place where “I get to lose track of my every day routine and take my mind off things. I look forward to that break.”
Devan is 30 years old and has been going to Pine Tree Camp every summer since he was 10. He loves everything about being there, particularly telling stories around the campfire and making new friends.
“Devan loves to write and act and tell stories, so that’s always a highlight,” said his mother, Amanda. “He always comes home with the Best Actor Award.”
The experience of travelling and discovery is something that’s very important to him.
“Going to Pine Tree Camp has given him a sense of independence that he can do this away from family,” Amanda continued. “He’s a very easy going, happy, loving, caring, kind person and it’s helped his confidence and social skills to have the chance to make friends outside of his everyday circle. It’s a great experience.”
Amanda finds that Devan’s time away from home is very important for her as well.
“I’m the full time caregiver for Devan and it’s my only break. It’s a necessity for me. I enjoy going up and dropping him off and meeting the counselors. When I pick him up at the end of the week, he’s always happy to see me and I’m always happy to see him. Everything about it is a really happy experience for us both.”