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 Dawn Willard-Robinson
Pine Tree Camp director Dawn Willard-Robinson joined Pine Tree Camp as a counselor when she was a college student in the 1980s. She accepted a full-time position in 2004 and is very glad she did, as are the thousands of campers she’s met over the decades. She loves everything about camp culture and her passion has been passed down to her son, Gareth, who has worked at Pine Tree Camp since he was 15.

Have you ridden a snowmobile before?
I grew up riding snowmobiles with my family but we stopped during the energy crisis in the 1970s and started skiing instead. When I became a celebrity rider in the Q106.5 Egg Ride for Pine Tree Camp, I hadn’t ridden in years and actually had to practice riding around camp for a while.

Do you like winter?
I love winter. It’s actually my favorite season. In Maine, you have to like winter or it can be hard. I love finding things to do outside in the winter.

Why is this snowmobile ride meaningful to you?
The thing I love best about the Egg Ride is how the whole community comes together to support Pine Tree Camp. I really enjoy seeing campers and their families who come to be part of the event. We serve campers year-round but February is when we do most of our winter programs so the Egg Ride really kicks off the start of the camp season and propels us forward. It’s something I look forward to every year.

What’s your favorite song right now?
Oh my goodness, that’s a hard one! I think my all-time ultimate favorite song is Ripple by the Grateful Dead. I don’t know why, but I love that song.