Camp Shapes Lives
“I worked at Pine Tree Camp the summers of 1973, 1974 and 1975. It was a richer training ground than college for my first career as a teacher, and it continues to hold a special place in my heart. The patience, compassion, positivity, and appreciation for children with disabilities that I took away from those summer experiences helped shape me and continue to influence me today.”
That’s how Wayne Melanson described his experience as a summer counselor at Pine Tree Camp.
“I was 19 when I began working there. I’m 70 now. I occasionally look at photos from those long ago summers, and they quickly transport me back.”
Wayne remembers many things that touched his heart. A nine-year-old camper who was determined to put on his prosthetic arms, leg and clothes without assistance, no matter how long it took…. A young girl who dedicated a song to him after a meal in the dining hall on several occasions…. How hard the drama director, a couple of staff members, and he as the music director (in 1975) worked to make and paint the set for a theatrical production of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” featuring several campers.… How he taught a boy with one arm how to tie his shoes….
“I had to practice at night so I could help him the next day. It took me several attempts to learn how to do it!”
Together, they persisted, and, by the end of the summer, the camper was able to tie his own shoes.
Pine Tree Camp was Wayne’s first experience being around kids with disabilities, and he learned as much from the campers as they did from him.
“I fell in love with the kids. For me, their disabilities vanished quickly, and they were just another little boy or little girl. They taught me that some people’s disabilities are physical and visible; but that all people bear inner disabilities… idiosyncrasies… fears… and insecurities… to name a few. At Pine Tree Camp, I learned to be comfortable with all people and appreciate them for who they were. It was one of the greatest lessons I ever learned.”
For 80 years, Pine Tree Camp has been a place where lifelong friendships are made. As we reach this major milestone — 80 years of discovering abilities together — we’re celebrating our community all year long.
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