Pine Tree Camp propels 20 year old runner with autism to inspire others
Shane Johnson has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and the Boston Marathon is no exception. This 20 year old Mainer has what it takes.
Johnson, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, has never been known to be shy. There’s one place that really helped him find his voice and, ultimately, this milestone marathon moment: Pine Tree Camp in the heart of Belgrade Lakes in Rome, Maine. This barrier-free camp for people with disabilities has been Johnson’s home away from home every summer since he was seven.
He’s now 20 and in his sophomore year in college.
“From the moment I arrived at camp at the age of seven, I became engaged in ways I had never experienced before,” Johnson said. “I was fascinated by learning about people with different abilities, much like my own, in an environment where everyone understood each other. This experience inspired me to encourage others, ultimately leading me to run in the Boston Marathon, where I could share that same spirit of encouragement with the world.”
Pine Tree Camp’s fully-accessible trail system is designed for people of all abilities and hosts the Flutie 5K every fall. It was during that race that this teenager with autism from Gardiner, Maine had his life forever changed when he was introduced to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation and became a Flutie Fellow.
He earned his spot in the Boston Marathon with a qualifying time of 04:03:18 at the Beantown Marathon and will represent The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism through its Adaptive Program for Runners.
Inspired by his Pine Tree Camp experience, Johnson is studying recreation management at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. He returns to Maine each summer to work as a counselor at camp, helping younger campers do more than they thought they could. He achieved that position through participating in camp’s innovative Leadership in Training program.
When asked what he loves most about being a camp counselor, he said “I take pride in developing valuable skills while leading engaging activities that motivate campers and help them form lasting friendships. I am particularly proud of my ability to create an atmosphere where campers feel joyful and encouraged to celebrate and express their unique talents, all while having the time of their lives.”
The Boston Marathon will take place Monday, April 21, 2025.
The Flutie 5K at Pine Tree Camp will take place Saturday, October 11, 2025.
