Pine Tree Society is competing in Town and Country Federal Credit Union’s Better Neighbor Fund. For the month of October, you can go to Town and Country Federal Credit Union’s Facebook page and vote each day for Pine Tree Society. 

There are eight grants being given out, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. What does winning one of these grants mean for Pine Tree Society, you may ask? 

Being able to communicate is an essential part of life. Not being able to communicate and fully participate at home, school, work, and recreational settings can be frustrating and isolating. Pine Tree Society has programming to help alleviate those feelings.

Interpreting Services offers Maine’s only statewide emergency sign language interpreting service during non-business hours, a service that is widely used by hospitals, mental health and legal agencies throughout the state.

Communication Pathways  works with children, their families and their educators to discover the best method that will create a pathway to clear and effective communication. The Communication Pathways team are expert in the most innovative tools and excel at empowering the children, family and educators with whom they’re working. 

Living barrier-free is another important aspect of helping Maine people with disabilities lead a richer, more connected life. The Kids’ Project provides affordable, high-quality adaptive equipment made with care by talented volunteer woodworkers and upholsterers. Recently, The Kids’ Project built a lobster boat for the playground at Old Town Elementary School. The lobster boat is fully accessible, benefiting all children and promoting social interaction. 

Pine Tree Camp is the epitome of a barrier-free experience. From boating to kayaking, fishing to baseball, children and adults come to Pine Tree Camp year after year for the experiences and friendships. Kelly Handy has been coming to Pine Tree Camp for 5 years and describes how she feels about camp:
  

What does winning one of the grants from Town and Country Federal Credit Union  mean to Pine Tree Society? It means continuing the tradition of being an innovator and impacting in the lives of Maine children and adults with disabilities. We invite you to be a part of the tradition, too – vote today.

Each night of the session, one cabin enjoys a more rustic experience at Pine Tree Camp’s overnight site. While this alone may be a wish come true for some, there are more wishes yet to come.

You see, each camper also gets a chance to create a wish boat during their time at the overnight site. Wooden boats are given to each camper, along with materials for decorating their boat. Campers are asked to write or draw their wish on their boat.

“For some, their wish is very private and they choose to keep their wish in their heart,” explains Greg King, Program Director. “We want each camper to participate how they’re comfortable with wish boats.”

Once everyone is done decorating, campers head to a small beach nearby. With the assistance of the counselors, a candle is placed in the boat, lit, and the boat is set a sail on North Pond. When the candle blows out, legend has it that the campers wish will come true.

“All eyes are on those boats as they float away,” King smiles.

Kings says he’s seen some amazing wishes over the years – wishes for money, ponies, family reunifications, or to live at Pine Tree Camp forever.

“The ones that get me are the wishes to be able to see again or not have seizures anymore,” King says. “It just puts things into such perspective I think.”

Though it is not known who started the tradition or when it began exactly, it is estimated that the legend of the wish boats has been part of Pine Tree Camp for over 30 years. As each summer ends at Pine Tree Camp, it is thought that the wishes linger in the air of North Pond, keeping the magic alive for the next summer.

Now in its seventh year, Camp Communicate is an innovative weekend designed specifically for non-verbal children who use computerized devices, known as augmentative communication, to communicate. Camp Communicate offers these children a unique opportunity to spend a weekend with other augmentative communicators in an accessible summer camp environment.

“We rely very heavily on our volunteers to engage campers in the activities,” says Shannon McFarland, Speech-Language Pathologist.

The 45 volunteers have varying tasks, but the main goal is promoting the use of the augmentative communication devices during the activities planned throughout the weekend.  Volunteers first seek to understand each individual camper’s comfort using their device to communicate and then work closely to support increased use of the powerful tool.

 “Volunteers must be very patient,” said McFarland. “They’re just amazing to watch.”

The energy and enthusiasm the volunteers provide is palpable, and greatly encourages campers to use their communication device.

The weekend isn’t just about the camper – workshops and networking times are scheduled for the parents, as well as Sibshops for camper siblings.

“It’s important that the parents have the ability to connect with others within the augmentative device community,” McFarland says. “Sometimes these kids have a rare disability on top of being nonverbal, so giving families a chance to find comfort and camaraderie with others is very important.”

This camaraderie is what keeps parents Liz and Mark Patterson coming back each year with their daughter, Kaitlyn.

“The friendships made here are incredible for Kaitlyn, and Mark and I,” Liz said. “They don’t just end when the weekend ends – we talk to other parents and volunteers all year. Camp Communicate has allowed our family to grow.”

Liz admits the first year she was very skeptical of coming to Camp Communicate.

“I came up with every excuse not to come. I was so nervous about how Kaitlyn would do, who we’d meet,” Liz said. “But at the end of that first weekend, Kaitlyn was so visibly happy.” 

Liz says it was incredible for the entire family to learn how to program the augmentative devices. “We learned they could do things we didn’t know they could do,” Liz smiles. “It’s so great to meet these people and be in a situation where everyone’s in the same boat as you, learning just like you are.”

Liz says the best part of the first year was when they got home. “Mark and I asked Kaitlyn if she liked camp and she told us that it was the most wonderful experience. She said, ‘at camp, I’m not different.’ Mark and I knew right then and there we’d be going back each year.”

Camp Communicate falls on Mark and Liz’s wedding anniversary and they couldn’t think of a better way to spend it – together as a family at camp. “We start counting down the days the moment we get home. It’s a fun thing for us to do all year as a family and a wonderful way to spend our anniversary,” Liz says.

First time campers Wayne and Kathy Parker were encouraged to attend Camp Communicate this year with their daughter Kaylie by hearing stories like Kaitlyn’s from Kaylie’s speech pathologist Linda Bonnar-Ivery, Director of Communication Pathways.

“In the Spring, Linda sent home an application with Kaylie for Camp Communicate because she’d turned 8 and was now eligible to attend. Kathy and I chatted with Linda about it, and she relayed some wonderful success stories,” Wayne Parker says. “We didn’t need a lot of convincing though.  Linda is amazing with Kaylie, so we trusted her suggestion.”

Wayne says he and Kathy weren’t anxious going to camp at all – the entire family was very excited to learn a lot about the speech devices and seeing Kaylie interact with other kids using the speech devices.

“This is new to us – we’re still learning. We’re looking forward to seeing how other families use the devices and meeting other families in similar situations,” Mark smiles. “Kathy and I see this as a way to expand our network and Kaylie’s. She’s just started using the speech device, so this can only be positive.”

Pine Tree Society’s Communication Pathways works with children, their families and educators to discover the method, or methods, that will create a pathway to clear and effective communication and strategies for full inclusion in all environments. In addition, the Communication Pathways staff can work with educational teams to adapt curriculum to meet the individual needs of children with various disabilities. When the right tools and strategies are in place, a whole new world of communication and learning is opened to a child with disabilities.

On Saturday, August 13th the Southern Maine community was hit with 1st annual Paddle for Pine Tree Camp Challenge sponsored by Whole Foods Market. In celebration of the event’s inaugural year, over 50 energized paddlers, along with friends and family, took on Casco Bay in support of Pine Tree Camp, an extraordinary summer camp for Maine children and adults with disabilities.

The morning of the event brought absolutely gorgeous weather. Paddlers arrived at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, located on Freeport’s coast, in high spirits as they enjoyed breakfast before getting in the water. Two paddle routes were established to meet the needs of all skill levels. To kick off the morning, paddlers met at the farmhouse to decide which route was best for them. Afterwards, the group headed to the water to paddle with a purpose! Some enjoyed a scenic route along the coastal edge, commenting on Maine’s beauty, sea-life and stunning architecture. Others adventured out to Bustin’s Island taking on the open water. Offering a more challenge experience, paddlers made way to the famous octagon shaped house on the island. The group even enjoyed a brief break from paddling as the home’s owner chatted with the group about the island’s rich history. After a two hour route, paddlers arrived back to shore with smiles painted across their faces. A hay-wagon was on site to take all kayaks back up to the cars. To end the day, everyone feasted on a Whole Foods Market barbecue followed by a lobster and steamer bake.

“People enjoy helping a worthy cause, and today we helped send kids with disabilities to summer camp,” commented Mike Duffy, water safety team leader. “All while exposing people to the Maine coast, ocean and its beauty.”

The Paddle for Pine Tree Camp Challenge raised almost $26,000 with donations continuing to come in daily. It is because of the generous support of both paddlers and sponsors that Pine Tree Camp will once again welcome all Maine children and adults with disabilities regardless of their family’s ability to pay the now $1,600 tuition. In fact, over 99% of campers will receive tuition assistance. This Open Door Policy has been in place since 1945, and because of our supporters, it remains firm more than 65 years later.

The Paddle for Pine Tree Camp Challenge stems from Pine Tree Camp’s original paddling event, the Paddle for Pine Tree Camp Classic taking place on the Kennebec River each June. Established in 1997, Maine guide Darrell Buzzell from Skowhegan came to Pine Tree Camp to teach adaptive kayaking to campers. After spending a day at Pine Tree Camp, Buzzell was moved and felt he needed to do something more. He started the original event with a handful of friends paddling down the Kennebec River. Today, the Classic has transformed into one of Maine’s premiere paddling events, attracting hundreds of paddlers every year.

“It started out with the idea that this would be a great sport for people with disabilities,” commented Darrell Buzzell, founder of the Paddle for Pine Tree Camp. “Now 15 years later, we continue to help make sure everyone can go to Pine Tree Camp. It’s really phenomenal.”

The Paddle for Pine Tree Camp Challenge has also supported Pine Tree Society in establishing an even stronger presence within the Southern Maine community. With three programs based in Scarborough, Pine Tree Society strives to provide all Maine children and adults with disabilities with services to create better lives for themselves and their families. In addition, nearly 25% of Pine Tree campers live in the Greater Portland area. The Challenge created the perfect platform for their neighbors to help give back in a fun and healthy way. 

In addition, Pine Tree Camp received incredible support from the event’s title sponsor, Whole Foods Market. On June 7th, the Whole Foods Market Portland store hosted a 5% day, where 5% of the day’s net sales benefited Pine Tree Camp. Whole Foods Market Portland donates 5% of the day’s net sales to a Maine nonprofit that works to improve the lives to Maine residents. The day alone raised $6,466.76 for Pine Tree Camp. In July, Whole Foods Market presented Pine Tree campers presented Pine Tree campers with the check, who directly benefited from the day’s fundraiser.

Between the scenic ocean kayaking, local barbecue, lobster bake and supporting an amazing summer camp for Mainer’s with disabilities, the event offered the perfect Maine day.

See photos of all the action from the day on Flickr.

“Our staff has a real sense of ownership and pride this summer,” Williams said. “They want to keep everything brand new looking, so they’re really going to town on cleaning and taking care of everything.”

With 13 staff members in the kitchen, most of them new, there is an instant camaraderie among the team this season. Everyone is pitching in, working together to switch gears after each meal. In between each meal the floor, tables, and grill are cleaned. Dishes are cleaned, dried and readied for the next meal. The salad bar is prepared. All the preparation is done with care and consideration.

Issues including food allergies and challenges chewing and swallowing are common among campers. Williams and her team are tireless in their preparation planning to ensure no cross-contamination and prepare specialty meals to meet the needs of each individual camper. The process involves a lot of time because staff members wear latex-free gloves and change them every time they change task, while also washing their hands in between. Countertops and cutting boards must be cleaned after working on them.

“At the end of one meal, we have to immediately start preparing for the next meal because there’s a lot to do – a lot of different meals to make,” Williams says.

Williams and her staff review the allergy list for each camper prior to them beginning camp. Special orders are made if it’s needed to fulfill a camper’s needs. Special notes regarding any serious food issues or allergies are plastered throughout the kitchen.

At the first meal, Williams will personally approach a camper with special dietary needs and their counselor to make sure they feel comfortable and review her menu options for the week.

“If a camper is only comfortable with scrambled eggs, then I will personally make him or her scrambled eggs for all three meals,” Williams smiles. “It’s about the camper feeling comfortable and enjoying camp. I don’t want them to worry about what they’re eating.”

The dining hall goes one step further to make campers feel comfortable – adaptive eating tools. The new dining hall has lots of space, so Williams is able to keep more adaptive eating tools around for the campers.

“We have anti-slip mats, plate guards, adaptive utensils, straws of varying lengths, and adaptive drinking cups available for all campers. If the camper needs it – we have it. If we don’t have it, I’ll get it ASAP,” Williams smiles.

Williams notes that the keys to being able to provide great service to the campers in the dining hall are communication and training. Williams is ServSafe certified and is committed to learning in order to better serve the campers.

“Sharing what I learn throughout the year with the staff at the beginning of the season is so important. We have to communicate well as a team and with campers,” Williams added.

With the new space comes a new sense of pride, which can be seen in the smiles on not only the campers but the kitchen staff too. As songs are sung and laughter fills the air, Williams knows the meal was a success.

Paddlers enjoyed a goodie bag from Whole Foods Market Portland when they checked in.

The weather and tide cooperated perfectly for a great launch and paddle. Paddlers had an option of two courses – a scenic route along the coastline or a paddle out to Bustin’s Island.

Afterwards, paddlers enjoyed a great barbecue provided by Whole Foods Market Portland and a lobster bake.

Volunteer Mike Duffy shares how he felt about the event:

Stay tuned for more about how the 1st Annual Paddle for Pine Tree Camp Challenge and a final total for fundraising totals.

Steve and Peggy LaVerdiere of Belgrade are familiar with the magic that happens at Pine Tree Camp.  It was their first thought when they decided to donate their 2010 Sun Tracker Party Hut boat.

“The boat brings our fleet up to four boats now, allowing us to increase the number of trips we can offer,” said Dawn Willard-Robinson, Director of Pine Tree Camp.  “Boating is definitely one activity that most of our campers only experience during their stay at Pine Tree Camp.”

Pine Tree Camp got right to work to adapt the boat to meet the special needs of campers.  The front two forward-facing seats were removed to ensure that there would be plenty of room for campers who use wheelchairs.

“This boat will provide many, many hours of enjoyment for our campers,” remarked Anne Marsh, Executive Director.

In celebration of the boat’s arrival, Pine Tree Camp held a lunchtime boat naming contest in which each cabin submitted a name for consideration.  Counselors read each name aloud following mealtime and campers cheered for their favorite.  In the end Cabin 5 won with the name “S.S. Wicked Big.”

“Pine Tree Camp is grateful to the LaVerdiere’s,” said Willard-Robinson.  “We look forward to seeing the joy on our campers faces every time we use the S.S. Wicked Big.”

The Andre R. Hemond Aphasia Retreat Weekend is scheduled for September 9 – 11, 2011. Designed specifically for adults with stroke-related aphasia and their caregiver(s), this weekend will offer an opportunity to build communication skills and connect with others in a beautiful, relaxed barrier-free setting. The weekend will feature a variety of workshops and individualized learning opportunities designed to introduce and practice new communication strategies in a natural setting. Explore a range of assistive technology tools and augmentative communications devices. Participate in a wide range of adaptive recreation activities like adaptive fishing, kayaking and hiking or unwind with a massage, painting, or simply relaxing on the dock. Enjoy delicious, heart healthy meals. Caregivers will enjoy time to relax or network with other to build supportive relationships that will last well beyond the weekend.

The Andre R. Hemond Aphasia Retreat Weekend is made possible with support from Annemarie and Bruce Albiston and a partnership with New England Rehabilitation Hospital and MaineCITE.

For more information or to download and application, check out Pine Tree Society’s website.