Matthew – He’s not the odd man out
“When Ethan and Matthew go to Pine Tree Camp, it’s the only time I am not responsible for their care 24/7. At camp, there are more hands on deck than just Mom.”
Both of Alexandra’s sons have physical and developmental disabilities that require her to be with them full time.
“I can’t have a traditional job because, time-wise, the level of supervision and care they need is a challenge. We are extremely fortunate to have a scholarship for them both to attend Pine Tree Camp. Money is a huge issue for us and they could not go if we had to fund it ourselves. There’s no way we could do it. As much as I want my kids to have this experience, I have to prioritize things like medications, food and clothing first.”
In school, Matthew is the only one of 700 students to be in a wheelchair. That’s not so at Pine Tree Camp. At camp he has contact with true peers with similar physical needs.
“It gives you a different perspective when you are surrounded by people who are dealing with the same things you do. That has real emotional value. He’s not the odd man out. They are not modifying for him. Whatever it is he’s doing, it’s already modified.”
As a Pine Tree Camp 100 sponsor, The Burger-Roy Charitable Trust provides the financial support needed for Ethan and Matthew to attend this weeklong summer program. Pine Tree Camp never turns a camper away due to their ability to pay, and the Burger-Roy Charitable Trust’s contribution helps keep that open door policy firmly in place.
“This funding is so valuable and it all trickles down to the kids. Ethan talks about camp all year long. He feels comfortable there.”