Sarah Rogers
Rebuilding Belonging: How Partnerships Have ...

Like many organizations, PALS Programs faced its share of challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebuilding momentum after a global pause required resilience, creativity, and a strong community to lean on.

Rebuilding Belonging: How Partnerships Have Powered PALS’ Growth
Sarah Rogers
Reigniting PALS Magic: 2025 Leadership Summit ...

In late March, all of our incredible Program Leads came together in Baltimore, Maryland, for our annual Leadership Summit - a weekend full of connection, inspiration, and bold ideas.

Reigniting PALS Magic: 2025 Leadership Summit Recap
Sarah Rogers
We are Capable: What It Means to Pursue a ...

Having a successful career as an individual with Down syndrome is about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the incredible talent and unique perspectives that individuals with Down syndrome bring to the world. It's a powerful reminder that individuals with disabilities are just as capable, creative, and deserving of recognition as anyone else.

We are Capable: What It Means to Pursue a Career with Down Syndrome
Sarah Rogers
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three copies of the twenty first chromosome (3 x 21). This is why the 21st day of the third month of the year, 3/21, is celebrated as World Down Syndrome Day.

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
Sarah Rogers
PALS Magic

PALS Magic. This phrase circulates within the PALS community, but what exactly does it mean? It is the transformative work of the PALS community that brings together unique individuals with and without Down syndrome, from diverse backgrounds and experiences, where attitudes are changed, lives are transformed, and we inspire a world of belonging.

PALS Magic

Meet our Program Director: Matt Lafreniere

Matt Lafreniere

PALS Program Director

Hey PALS Programs family! My name is Matt, and I’m thrilled to have joined PALS as the new  Program Director. As someone who has worked at summer camps during my college years, run after-school programs, and overseen complex operations for a national non-profit, this role at PALS is an amazing opportunity to challenge myself and offer a new perspective to enhance the work we do.

My career has always been in the service of historically underserved communities. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, I got my professional start as an AmeriCorps volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua. There, I ran social recreation and community service programs before stepping into the Clubhouse Director role, where I oversaw all programming for our 8-12 year old age group. During my time at the Club, we were awarded grant funding for a program called Camp Mariposa, where I served as Camp Director. This program provided off-site camp activities and therapeutic services to youth affected by the opioid crisis. 

I relocated to Maryland in 2017, and after some time working in the grants administration space, I joined the operations team at Kids In Need of Defense (KIND). KIND supports youth who migrate to the U.S. in search of safety, and my role was to ensure my colleagues had all the necessary tools and guidance to conduct their work and find success. I was privileged to work with people from so many backgrounds in that role, which has pushed me to be a better leader and more collaborative partner. 

Joining PALS in this capacity feels like a full-circle moment for me. I’m a total believer in the power of camp programming and its ability to transform lives and change attitudes.. While I have not previously worked  with the Down Syndrome community, I feel particularly lucky and grateful to be able to use my experience to deliver an inclusive and empowering experience for our participants—and make new friends along the way! 

In my free time, you can usually find me with my partner and our dogs (and cat), going on hikes, working in the garden, or throwing axes with our friends! 

I’m so excited to be part of this community and look forward to meeting everyone who makes all of this happen. We can’t do it without you!

Meet our Intern: Kamille Burris

Kamille Burris

PALS Intern

Hi, my name is Kamille, she/her, and I am excited to be an intern for PALS Programs. I am completing this internship for my college program, Gwynedd Mercy University, where I am a senior in my academic year.  I am from Pennsylvania, where I grew up with my family and friends who support me and take care of me from birth until adulthood.

For my internship, I am working with PALS, where I help the staff on long term projects that make things run more smoothly. I also do outreach to people who are not yet part of the PALS community, with and without Down syndrome. My main role as an intern is to be a part of the process that ensures everyone has positive and inclusive experiences. 


I wanted to work for PALS for my internship because I have attended PALS since 2018, and I love being part of this community and this family, and making new memories with new people, and meeting my old friends. One thing I am excited about is new experiences and connecting with the people I support and believe that God had a plan for me to do well in my community.

PALS & LuMind IDSC Family Weekend

Shelby Jones

Executive Director

This season, PALS was thrilled to partner with LuMind IDSC to host Family Weekend at Great Wolf Lodge locations in Manteca, CA and Perryville, MD. This weekend brought together PALS families, volunteers, and alumni, while also introducing us to new families eager to learn about PALS.

Of course, both locations featured a highlight everyone loved—the water park!

In Perryville, the weekend captured the heart of camp with an afternoon of PALS Olympics. Attendees formed teams and competed in activities like quest, music trivia, Minute to Win It challenges, and relays. The energy and joy reminded us of being at a Camp PALS. We capped off the weekend with a 21+ afterparty, where attendees grabbed a drink and connected over shared stories and new friendships.

In Manteca, the fun flowed all day in the beautiful California weather and a private cabana at the outdoor pool. Saturday evening was a highlight as we joined the dance hosted by LuMind IDSC, complete with great music, awesome dance moves, and even a giant game of musical chairs. Later, attendees enjoyed an 18+ after party filled with games, friendship, and a surprise visit from one of the Great Wolf Lodge wolves. 

We are so grateful to LuMind IDSC for partnering with us to make this weekend possible. The laughter, connections, and joy we shared brought all the PALS magic. We can’t wait to host Family Weekend again next season!

If you’re interested in joining us, please contact support@palsprograms.org to learn more.

We are Capable: What It Means to Pursue a Career with Down Syndrome

We are Capable: What It Means to Pursue a Career with Down Syndrome

Having a successful career as an individual with Down syndrome is about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the incredible talent and unique perspectives that individuals with Down syndrome bring to the world. It's a powerful reminder that individuals with disabilities are just as capable, creative, and deserving of recognition as anyone else.

Breaking Barriers: Making PALS Accessible to All

Breaking Barriers: Making PALS Accessible to All

At PALS Programs, our mission is to create inclusive camp experiences for young people with and without Down syndrome. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to form meaningful connections, gain independence, and have fun in a supportive and joyful environment. To ensure our camps remain accessible, we are proud to offer a comprehensive financial aid program that makes these transformative experiences available to anyone, regardless of financial circumstances.