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
Celebrity rider John Gibbs lives and breathes the sport of snowmobiling. He was the top fundraiser for the Ride-in last year and has set a personal goal to double that amount this year! John is founder of New England Sled Talk and is one of just a few dozen Ski-Doo Ambassadors in North America. He hopped on his first sled at age five and has been riding and spreading his passion for the sport with others ever since.

Have you ridden a snowmobile before?
I’ve been riding for 40 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. I snowmobile on- and off-trail and love all the different challenging terrain in Maine and Canada.

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. 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!