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 Al Swett
Celebrity rider Al Swett is president of the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA) which represents nearly 300 clubs and 14,000 miles of trails. He has been riding sleds since he was a young boy in central Maine. He’s been involved with the MSA since 1995 when he started taking photographs of the trails. His favorite part of the job is traveling the state to visit clubs, meeting new people and advocating for the sport.

Have you ridden a snowmobile before?
There are a lot of miles on this old heart of mine. When I was a boy in the 1960s, Dad bought us an old Alouette snowmobile and I’ve been riding ever since.

Do you like winter?
Oh yes, it’s my favorite. Snowmobiling is my sport. Back in the 1960s, snowmobile clubs were just staring up and we’d ride 50 miles and feel like we’d gone a long way. Those were the days! Today, 100 miles seems like a short ride.

Why is this snowmobile ride meaningful to you?
It’s the 50th year for the Ride-in and that means a lot to the Maine Snowmobile Association. We’re proud to be involved and support this long-standing snowmobile event. I’ve been many times in the past and the 50th year is really significant.

What is your favorite song right now?
I grew up listening to the Rolling Stones, The J. Giles Band and Three Dog Night. I love all of them but I’d say my favorite is Three Dog Night’s Joy to the World. It was a number one hit in the 1970s.