FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Bannon, Managing Director – Advancement
abannon@maineadaptive.org | (207) 385-9057 (cell)
Maine Adaptive Hosts Classic Maine Summer Camp Experience for Disabled Veterans and Their Families
Veterans No Boundaries Summer Camp returns with new location at Fernwood Cove in Harrison, Maine.
Newry, Maine – July 21, 2025 – August 15-18th, more than 20 disabled veterans and their families will gather in Harrison, Maine, for a long weekend of connection, community, and adventure at Maine Adaptive’s Veterans No Boundaries (VNB) Summer Camp—now hosted at a new location, the scenic Fernwood Cove on Island Pond. This summer camp is free to disabled veterans and their families.
The camp offers a classic Maine summer camp experience with modifications for disabled vets, including adaptive paddling, cycling, fishing, intuitive horsemanship, climbing, laser rifles, and campfires—all designed to foster healing and joy for veterans and their loved ones. For some vets, it’s the first time they’ve been able to reconnect with the sports they loved prior to their injuries, and share that experience with their families and other veterans.
“Our goal is to give veterans and their families a chance to reconnect, recharge, and experience the outdoors together,” said Amy Bannon, Maine Adaptive’s Executive Director. “For many, this is the first time they’re able to try an activity together since a life-changing injury or illness.”
For retired Air Force Captain David Coombs, the impact of the program has been deeply personal.
“The Veterans No Boundaries program through Maine Adaptive has provided me with so many opportunities to experience adaptive sports—skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, pickleball, and adaptive cycling—all within my capabilities, yet I didn’t know until I got the chance to try,” said Coombs. “I may not have accomplished these things without the amazing support of the staff. The Veterans No Boundaries camps have been vital to improving my mental and physical health and have helped me grow as a person. I’ve learned new skills and most importantly tested my own limits while enjoying the company of fellow veterans and, in many cases, with the support of my spouse and son.”
The Veterans No Boundaries program, first established in 2004 by Maine Adaptive and its dedicated community members, was created to bring wounded veterans together and provide the tools and confidence to be active once again. What began with just three participants has grown into a highly regarded program, now reaching more than 20 veterans and their families each season. The summer camp in Harrison serves as one of two signature veterans gatherings hosted annually by Maine Adaptive.
The program is offered at no cost to participants, thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, and volunteers who believe in the power of recreation to heal and inspire.
For more information or to arrange a visit during the camp, contact Mary Scanlon at 207-418-4787 or mscanlon@maineadaptive.org.
About Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Founded in 1982, Maine Adaptive is the largest year-round adaptive recreation program in the state, providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in sports. With the help of over 400 dedicated volunteers, Maine Adaptive delivers more than 3,500 lessons annually. The program thrives on the generous support of individuals, businesses, corporations, and foundations.