Trey: At camp, anything is possible
This winter, nine-year-old, Trey, and his mom, Megan, had the chance to see Pine Tree Camp like they’d never seen it before: under a blanket of snow.
“Trey loves to be outside and with Covid it’s been very difficult for us to get out,” Megan shared.
Covid-19 has amplified the barriers people with disabilities face in their everyday lives, including access to the outdoors.
“From day one, we have approached this challenge as an opportunity to expand our programming and offer fully accessible, four season recreation for families,” said Noel Sullivan, president and CEO of Pine Tree Society.
This winter, Pine Tree Camp Adventure Day Pass featured safe, physically distanced adaptive snowshoeing, ice fishing and sledding.
“When you go to Pine Tree Camp, anything is possible,” continued Megan. “I get that feeling every time we go. It gets us away from reality and gives us time to be free and have fun. We feel like we fit in and Trey gets to participate in everything he wants to do.”
And what did Trey want to do? Go ice fishing and sledding with his mom. Spending time together outside gave them the break they needed.
“We went at our own pace and that was really nice,” Megan said. “It was so good to get fresh air all day.
This spring, Pine Tree Camp will add a fleet of adaptive bikes; making it possible for Trey to experience the freedom of riding a bike for the first time. From hand cycles to recumbents, kids of all ages and abilities will be able to ride the trail system through the woods.
“Pine Tree Camp is always so well organized. Everyone is so accommodating,” concluded Megan. “It will be an adventure!”