It's the second time I come to you with this column and it's the First Day of Summer!

And what does summer mean to us here in Maine? I can't speak for you, but summer usually means more tourists, more visitors (and guests), more time outdoors, and fun!

And maybe, travel? I'm off to the Washington DC area next week — wondering what sort of bizarre experience I’ll have as a person with a disability. Bizarre you ask?

Well, yes! Disabilities seem to bring out the oddest behavior. Very recently, I was grabbed by the legs and forced into a chair at an airport security check. A couple of years ago, I was pushed into the "ADA seat" on a bus. Folks try to lead me by the cane, make me go places I'm not going, and, if I'm not careful, book me into the accessible room in a hotel (which I don't need and somebody else might.) As a blind person, I've had some real doozies of experiences travelling.

Travelling ain't always easy, but its fun! New and exciting experiences always just around the corner.

Make sure you know your rights as you travel, then you can tell when they've been respected or violated! Visit
http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=181

On a subject closer to home, I was speaking recently with Mike Reynolds, disability advocate from the Lewiston–Auburn area, and he mentioned an upcoming trip to the Pine Tree Camp. That got me thinking about my camp experiences, those times when I actually went off to a place and stayed with a bunch of folks my own age and, folks with my disability – blindness.

Mike had spoken about the value of spending "camp" time with his peers, those with similar disabilities, so we have that in common. Mike said it was refreshing and a "real break" to be in this world – folks knew your situation because they lived it too! And, Mike said he hadn't been back for a few years, and was looking forward to it again this year.

I had similar experience at a camp for blind children. This particular camp was a place for learning, sharing, and mingling with other blind children and youths. We built relationships playing sports, games, crafting, swimming, etc… All the usual camping activities with (pardon the pun) an eye toward blindness. I realize now that it gave me the opportunity to learn how other blind children managed their lives and it really opened my mind about blindness issues.

A couple of summers ago, I had an opportunity to visit a camp weekend put together by some folks in Bangor where blind persons and their families were invited to participate. And, alas! It was back to camp all over again with a group mingling, sharing, and generally having a good time. I'm not sure the "spitting trials and contest" some of us had late that night were either legendary or record setting, but they were foolish and fun!

So, with a summer ahead, do you have a camp experience to look forward to? Or, do you have a camp experience you'd like to share? Send it to us with "camp" in the subject line
abilitymaine@gmail.com

It is, after all, Vacation Land, and there are camps available for children, teens, and adults right here! Just think, folks from away have to pay travel costs to get here! These summer days in Maine are prized by tourists, I'm afraid we who live here take them for granted!

So, even if it isn't camp, open the door, and pass through into a great outdoor place! Use the land and outdoor resources here in Maine and get on The Other Side of the door!

Here's info about Pine Tree Camp,
http://www.pinetreesociety.org/camp.asp

An extraordinary summer camp for children and adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities

Established in 1945, Pine Tree Camp offers Maine children and adults with disabilities an extraordinary summer camp experience. The 280–acre camp is located on North Pond in Rome, Maine. The facility is fully adapted to meet the special needs of campers. The barrier–free setting and commitment of our staff allow campers to fully participate in activities that normally aren't available to them including swimming, fishing, boating, outdoor games, kayaking, arts and crafts and even camping in a tent under the stars.

For campers, Pine Tree Camp is a highlight of their year. It gives them the opportunity to spend time with their friends in a setting that meets their unique needs. For families, Pine Tree Camp offers an extended period of greatly needed respite from caregiving.

Since it began in 1945, Pine Tree Camp has never turned anyone away because they could not afford to pay tuition. This tradition is kept alive by thousands of generous friends, supporters and volunteers.