Milena and her mother share a name. They also share a newfound love for Pine Tree Camp. Milena is 35 years old and this was her first time attending camp.

“One of the key things for any parent is to have their child – no matter their age — accepted into a community and know that they’re safe and very happy there,” said Milena’s mother. “At Pine Tree Camp, my daughter was not only in a place where she was accepted and secure but also where she could have fun.”

Milena enjoys having a sense of independence from her own family and being in a group of people her own age. At camp she loved going swimming and taking art classes with her new friends. She also loves animals and enjoyed spending time at the barn taking care of the goats.

“She was particularly fond of the counselors,” her mother continued. “Some were from abroad and that was very exciting to her. We have travelled to the Czech Republic and, to her, people from another part of the world are very interesting.”

At home, Milena is very active in Special Olympics which has instilled a sense of achievement and independence in her. Outside of Special Olympics, she and her family have not found many opportunities for her to be a part of an overnight summer camp experience.

“What Pine Tree Camp offers is very, very special and provides so many opportunities for independence. Milena wishes it lasted more than a week and has already told me she wants to come back next year.”