This summer, Kristine and her son, Shane, were among the very first campers to stay overnight at Pine Tree Camp as part of camp’s new Family Recreation Weekends.   

“I’ll never forget it,” Kristine said. “We had our own cabin right next to the waterfront and because it was a small group of people staying overnight, we got to spend time together and also hang out with other families.” 

Shane is 16 years old and has been coming to Pine Tree Camp since he was seven.   

“Because Pine Tree Camp is a normal part of his life, that connection is really important,” she said.  “I don’t ever want it to stop because it’s a place that makes him feel so good. I see him going until he’s an old man.”   

Pine Tree Camp’s Family Recreation Weekends are designed to help families connect with each other and nature in a barrier free environment.   

“Each family is assigned their own cabin,” said Pine Tree Camp Director, Dawn Willard-Robinson. “Programming really reflects our traditional Pine Tree Camp program while giving our guests the ability to choose their own adventure.” 

“As a parent it was good to see what he experiences at camp,” Kristine continued. “The first night at the campfire they sang songs and Shane wanted to lead the group. He was comfortable enough to just get up there and do it.  I didn’t even realize he knew all those songs. It was nice to see him take a leadership role.” 

As a mom, Kristine was impacted by support and care the counseling staff gave campers and their guests.   

“Shane was having a great time and they just let him,” she said.  “The counselors were like ‘Yes! You do you!’ The whole weekend, he wasn’t shy or quiet or watching his step like he normally does. I was able to see that. It was such a gift.  He’s so comfortable at Pine Tree Camp.” 

Kristine also had the chance to unwind. 

“For me, it was very rejuvenating to be by the lake,” she said.  “As soon as I go down the hill at Pine Tree Camp, something just settles in me. I know that I’m in the most loving and special place in the world.”   

Pine Tree Camp is offering a variety of opportunities throughout the summer including Family Recreation Weekends, Adventure Day Pass and Pine Tree Camp to You.  To learn more, please visit www.pinetreesociety.org.