Pine Tree Camp opened its gates in 1945 as a summer camp for children with physical disabilities. Over the years, it has evolved into a place where children and adults with disabilities are able to participate in all the recreational activities for which Maine is known all year long. The barrier-free setting, along with an amazing staff, ensure that activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, boating and even camping in a tent under the stars are completely accessible to all. Participating in activities that take people beyond their disability has a tremendous impact. It builds self-esteem and self-confidence. That experience coupled with meeting friends who understand and experiencing the feeling of acceptance is transformational. Pine Tree Camp welcomes all who could benefit regardless of their ability to pay tuition. All proceeds from the Snowmobile Ride-in will go to Pine Tree Camp's fund to ensure this "Open-Door Policy" remains in effect.

Get to Know John Gibbs

John Gibbs lives and breathes the sport of snowmobiling.  He’s the founder of the popular New England Sled Talk and is well-known
nationwide as one of just a few dozen Ski-Doo Ambassadors in North America. He grew up in Benton and hopped on his first sled at age five and has been riding and spreading his passion for the sport with others ever since. Get to know more about John and what snowmobiling means to him in the Q&A below.

Have you ridden a snowmobile before?

I have been riding for 39 years. My dad got me started when I was five years old. It’s a family tradition that got passed down to me in our hometown of Benton. Today, the only place I ride is Maine and Canada. I snowmobile on- and off-trail and love all the different challenging terrain in that part of the country.   

Do you like winter?

Oh yeah!  It’s my favorite time of year. I own a construction company and winter is when I get to take time off and go riding. 

It’s a huge honor to be an ambassador for Ski-Doo and be a part of a small group of elite riders throughout the world. My website and
Facebook page, New England Sled Talk, is a place where everybody who rides can come get all the information they need about trail work and conditions. 

Why is this snowmobile ride meaningful to you?

Giving back to my community and helping others is very important to me. I’ve been working as a volunteer in the snowmobile industry for seven years.  Causes that help kids are near and dear to me and giving back is just something that I like to do. 

What’s your favorite song right now?

The braaap braaap of a snowmobile is music to his ears!