BELGRADE LAKES — On Saturday, October 5, people of all abilities can come run, walk or wheel at the Flutie 5K at Pine Tree Camp in the heart of Belgrade Lakes. Pine Tree Camp’s entire 285-acre campus on North Pond is fully accessible and designed for children and adults with disabilities to experience barrier-free access to the outdoors in every season.

“It’s the perfect setting for people of all abilities to come together and enjoy a picturesque 5K to raise money for Maine people with Disabilities,” said Pine Tree Camp, in a news release.

This 5K route takes runners, walkers and wheelchair rollers on fully accessible nature trails through the woods, along the waterfront and around many special places where overnight summer camp memories have been made since 1945.

“This woods and waterfront trail is wide, well packed and has very few rocks and roots so you can keep your eye on the scenery instead of your feet,” said Pine Tree Society Community Engagement Manager Michaela Collins. 

Teams are welcome and last year’s teams included: KBH Wellness, Maine Eye Doctors, Colby College, Prime Financial and Hometown Heat Pumps.

“We are deeply grateful to Pine Tree Camp for partnering with the Flutie Foundation by hosting a Flutie 5k for Autism in Maine,” said Doug Flutie. “Pine Tree Camp’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility is leading the way for others to model. We are proud to join forces in Maine and to support this incredible organization by bringing more funds into the Maine community to support autism and inclusion.” 

What:

Flutie 5K at Pine Tree Camp

When:

Saturday, October 5, 9:30am

Where:

Pine Tree Camp

114 Pine Tree Camp Road

Rome, Maine

Who:

This race is open to adults and youth. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, race bib and finisher medal. There will be a fun run for kids and prizes for top finishers. Teams are encouraged.

Why:

One hundred percent of proceeds support Maine people with disabilities through Pine Tree Camp’s open door policy tuition fund. No camper has ever been turned away due to their ability to pay.  

How:

Registration is $35. Additional fundraising is optional and, for those who raise $150 or more, the registration fee will be waived. Register at this link: https://pinetreesociety.org/pts-events/flutie-5k/

For More Information:

Michaela Collins

Community Engagement Manager

207-386-6033

mcollins@pinetreesociety.org

More about Pine Tree Camp: Established in 1945, Pine Tree Camp, a program of Pine Tree Society, is an American Camp Association-accredited camp for people with disabilities. Every year, hundreds of Maine children and adults with disabilities arrive at Pine Tree Camp in Rome and their lives are transformed. Year-round, campers experience freedom and independence by actively participating in outdoor activities like kayaking, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, archery, snowshoeing and even ice-fishing thanks to Pine Tree Camp’s 285-acre, fully-accessible campus on North Pond. Full tuition assistance is available. No camper has ever been turned away due to their ability to pay. https://pinetreesociety.org/camp-home/

More about the Flutie Foundation: For the past 25 years, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism has helped people and families affected by autism live life to the fullest. Through our programs and initiatives, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism improves the quality of everyday life for people and families affected by autism. We provided a path for education and/or employment during the day, opportunities for physical and social activity outside of work/school, and the tools to be safe, supported and informed at all times. The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism was established in 1998 by former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife, Laurie, in honor of their son, Doug, Jr., who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Over the years, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism has become a trusted partner to individuals and organizations – ensuring those affected by autism are receiving the care they need to prosper and grow. The Flutie Foundation has impacted tens of thousands of people and families affected by autism through several programs and initiatives and by the distribution of over $18 million to address the critical needs in the autism community. https://www.flutiefoundation.org/

Sponsors for the 2024 Flutie 5K at Pine Tree Camp, include: Prime Financial, Hometown Heat Pumps, Franklin Savings Bank and Town Fair Tire.