Jaron loves history and geography and his favorite part of being at Pine Tree Camp is meeting the counselors from other countries and learning about where they’re from.  “One of the counselors last year was from France,” he continued.  “One was from Spain, one was from Ireland and one from England.”

Jaron just graduated from high school and is heading to the University of Maine where he plans to study history.

“I really like learning about how different nations have interacted over time,” he said.  He also wants to improve his French, learn more about language and travel abroad.

Jaron has epilepsy and been attending Pine Tree Camp since he was 14 years old.  His father, Mike, is proud of the transformation he’s seen in his son.  For him, Jaron’s growth has come from broadening his experiences. 

“Pine Tree Camp gave him a sense of belonging that had been lacking,” Mike said. “He always would say that he was going to live at home and be with us forever.  Until a couple years ago, I believed that.  Now he has the confidence to think he can survive in another country.”

Jaron’s mother, Stacy, recalled how before he went to Pine Tree Camp for the first time three years ago, the only time he had recently been away from them was when he was at his Nana’s house.

“I was nervous,” she said.  “He’s usually home and doesn’t go places much.”

“His independence has always been a struggle for us as parents,” his father continued. “It’s nice to know he can now ask other people for help.