ROME, Maine — For Olivia Hassell and other campers, the Pine Tree Camp has always been a place to make friends and try new experiences.
"It's fun. It gets me out in the world, and it gets me out of my comfort zone, and I like that," Olivia said.
The camp has been open for 79 years and focuses on giving children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities the opportunity to experience the outdoors together without barriers.
From handicap-accessible trails and ramps to swings specifically designed to fit wheelchairs, staff try to address everyone's needs.
"You can come and try new things and be accepted no matter what," Camp Director Dawn Willard-Robinson said.
Hassell and other young adults are also getting hands-on experience working at the camp through the Leadership in Training program was introduced just a few years ago.
"This program allows kids to experience a job in a safe environment, a fun environment, and have it be fun while having it still be structured," LIT supervisor and former camp counselor Tina Hall said.
During the two-year summer program, leaders in training help plan and guide campers through activities like fishing, kickball, kayaking, petting zoos, and more.
Through their work, they not only help the camp but also learn how to connect and interact with people of all abilities.
"I love being able to see just the different abilities of all the people and seeing that they just go through life and just hearing different people's experiences," leader-in-training Ruby Labonte said.
"It's very important to me to help people with different abilities because it's what makes them unique and different. It's not a disability, it's a different ability," Hassle added.
Hall said it has been amazing to watch the leaders grow with each interaction they have with campers.
"Just seeing these really young kids being able to take the skills they learn the first year and really apply them and be leaders and councilors and experts in working with all kinds of different people," Hall explained.
It's growth Hassell said she is noticing from when she first began the program last year.
"I'm doing a great job this year, and I'm very proud of myself, and I can see how I can make a difference," Hassell said.
The LIT program ends Aug. 9, but the Pine Tree Camp is open year-round.