During college, little did Dawn Willard-Robinson know that her first summer as a counselor at Pine Tree Camp would lead to a life-long career and a new family — both with Pine Tree Camp at the heart.
“Pine Tree Camp literally changed everything for me,”
From meeting her husband, to raising their son, to celebrating 21 years as Director of Pine Tree Camp; camp is a way of life for her whole family. At 23 years old, she met her husband, Peter, at camp when he came to Maine from England to work as a counselor for the summer.
“It was before the internet and his interview was from a ‘phone box’ in England,” she said.
The rest was fate.
“A year after we met, we were married. We just celebrated our 36th anniversary this spring.”
Their son, Gareth, was six when she took the job as Director of Pine Tree Camp.
“From kindergarten on, Gareth grew up at camp. Every summer we’d move here when school was out and then stay until fall.”
To this day, every summer, they return as a family. Gareth is now 28 and works full time for Pine Tree Society.
“You make that commitment that every summer you’re going to come back year after year,” Dawn continued. “Growing up at camp gave Gareth a different perspective. He is very accepting of everybody.”
Her husband, Peter, serves the Auburn community where he works in a school district as an educator, technology director and drama coach. His years at Pine Tree Camp helped him understand people in new ways.
“As Technology Director of his school system he uses technology to help kids of all abilities access what they need to succeed,” Dawn said. “And, as a middle school drama program director, he welcomes kids who have different needs and makes sure everyone can experience working on a theatre production no matter what.”
She has no doubt that’s because of his years at Pine Tree Camp.
From the beginning, Dawn and Peter shared a passion for education. After spending eight summers as a counselor and completing her degree in Early Childhood Special Education, Dawn worked in early intervention, Head Start and Child Development Services before returning to the place she calls home: Pine Tree Camp.
“I always said I wanted to come back. It was such an important part of my life. I met so many inspiring people who encouraged me to be an advocate for change. I made life-long friends, developed a strong work ethic and learned valuable leadership skills.”
After all, that’s what the life-changing magic of Pine Tree Camp is all about.
