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 Jared “Jedi” Baker 

Jared is well-known as the one and only “Jedi” on Maine Cabin Masters, which is now in its 7th season on the DiY Network. This series follows a crew of skilled Mainers as they save and preserve family camps and cabins across the Pine Tree State. He particularly enjoys seeing how families react when they see their restored cabin. For him, bringing an old place back to life not only keeps family memories alive, but helps ensure families will make new memories together for years to come. Jared grew up on a cattle farm in Pittston where he learned to hunt, fish, play hockey and ride a sled.  He absolutely loves being outdoors and has coached hockey, football and tried a stint as a ski bum in Colorado before returning home to Maine. 

Have you ridden a snowmobile before? 

I have.  I’ve ridden snowmobiles since I was five years old and still ride pretty heavy today.  I chase the snow around and ride anywhere I can.  When the snow is good, you can get a lot of places.   

 Do you like winter? 

I’m a polar bear.  I absolutely love winter.  I grew up playing hockey, starting when I was three years old.  I was pretty much born on a hockey rink.  My family also owned Baker’s Smelt Camps on the Kennebec so I was always outdoors in the winter.   

Why is this snowmobile ride meaningful to you? 

Love of camps is what I’ve made a career out of.  Camps, cabins and anything to get kids to enjoy the outdoors is well worth it to me. It’s really important to be able to get outdoors and experience camp.   

What is your favorite song right now? 

My goodness.  I’d have to say Loser by the Grateful Dead.  I like to spend some time at a poker table and this song relates to those times around the table.  It’s a good tune.