Accessible Recreation in Maine
Here are some resources on accessible outdoor recreation in Maine:
General Information
Maine’s Accessible Outdoors! – Department of Conservation.- Acadia National Park – Accessibility.
- Accessible Nature – Maine.
- Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation.
- Northeast Passage.
- Veterans Adaptive Sports and Training (VAST).
- The Adaptive Outdoor Education Center.
- Therapeutic Recreation Services – Portland.
- Maine law supporting improved recreational opportunities for persons with disabilities.
- Disabled Hikers website – Building Disability Community and Justice in the Outdoors
Hiking/Walks in Maine
- Maine Trail Finder – free, interactive mapping site designed to help Maine residents and visitors find hiking, walking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and paddling trails across the state. Use this link for more information on searching for accessible trails in Maine
- Wheelchair Accessible Trails in Maine.
- Biking and Walking in Maine.
- Portland Wheelers.
- Accessible Hiking Trails – Maine Public article.
Fishing/Hunting
Maine Camps for Children with Disabilities
The following list was developed by the Autism Society of Maine and published on the University of Maine website. Please also check with the Maine Parent Federation for the latest list of summer camps in Maine
Camp CaPella: Camp CaPella is a summer camp located on Phillips Lake in Dedham, Maine, offering camp programs for children and adults with disabilities and their families, designed to foster personal growth and exploration. Activities include swimming, hiking, boating, camp crafts, and nature study.
Camp CARDNE (Center for Autism and Related Disorders New England): Camp CARDNE is a summer camp for children with high functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, located in York, Maine. The program focuses on developing social skills and positive peer relations. Limited scholarship assistance may be available.
Camp STRIVE: Camp STRIVE is a summer day camp for people in the South Portland area for ages 11–24 with developmental disabilities. The focus is on making friends, playing games and learning valuable skills in a safe, inclusive environment. The camp includes sports and games, cooking, arts and crafts, and field trips
Camp Summit: Camp Summit is the Autism Society of Maine’s summer day camp for children ages 8-13 with ASD. Camp is held in Farmington, Maine during July and August for two separate two-week sessions. Attendees focus on the development of communication skills and peer relationships in a social setting. Call for information or to request an application.
Camp Waban: Camp Waban is a fully accessible summer camp located on Bauneg Beg Lake in Sanford, Maine. Available for rental by individuals, families, group homes, schools and organizations serving children and adults with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Campers must be accompanied by family or staff who are expected to be responsible for them. Activities include swimming, boating, basketball, music, arts and crafts, accessible nature trails and more.
Maine Special Olympics: Maine Special Olympics is an organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type events for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It provides opportunities for participants to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Pine Tree Camp: Pine Tree Camp is a summer camp located in Rome, Maine, for children and adults with physical and/ or developmental disabilities. It offers both overnight and day camp opportunities as well as Camp Communicate, a camp experience for children who use high-tech devices to communicate.
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Photo by Terry Ross licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License
Reviewed and revised: 9/28/2021 jeb
Update: 12/10/2021 jeb