“Change is very difficult for her,” said Sarah’s mother, Karen. “Whenever she’s presented with change, she says ‘No, no, no.’ Anything out of her usual routine makes her off-kilter.”

Sarah is 17 and in her senior year of high school. Last year was her first time at Pine Tree Camp and, when her mom dropped her off, she wondered how she’d do. This year when she left, Sarah was already talking with a counselor.

“And I thought good, she’s going to be all set! Everyone on staff gives 110% to be sure campers are having a good time. The ratio of counselors to kids is outstanding.”

Sarah says her favorite part of Pine Tree Camp is the food.

“When I asked her what she liked the best she said ‘The food! It’s great!’”

Which is no surprise because food is a passion of hers and, at school, she takes part in the Culinary Arts Program.

“When I first suggested the culinary program to her she said ‘No, no, no.’”

Now it’s one of her favorite things.

“She takes it very seriously.”

The culinary teacher has provided Sarah everything she needs to succeed, from set ups so mixing bowls don’t slide or ways for her to easily peel vegetables. The restaurant is open to the public and the family has fun ordering take out to enjoy at home.

When Sarah struggles to break out of her usual routine and try something new, Karen reminds her to think of something she was afraid of before, but turned out to be a positive change in her life, like the Culinary Arts Program during the school year and Pine Tree Camp in the summer.

For many people, the fondest memories are made when gathered around the table. As Julia Child liked to say, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” Pine Tree Camp is proud to have Sarah at our table and, who knows, maybe she’ll cook for us one day!