BY KIRSTY MCDONALD
PALS Program Coordinator
PALS has a wide variety of program offerings, so you might be wondering, what program is right for me? This blog should help you make that decision!
Age (12-17, 18+, 25+)
Our programs are designed to serve specific age groups. Which age group is best for you?
12-17
All Partners are between the ages of 12 and 17 and all Peers are between the ages of 15 and 17.
All of these programs follow our traditional week-long model, with classic PALS events like the Arrival celebration, PALS Olympics, and Closing Ceremonies.
These programs have the highest staff to participant ratio (1:8) and there are four pairs per team.
The schedule is more structured, with additional time for transitions.
18+
All Partners and Peers must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, but most participants are between the ages of 18 and 30.
All of these programs follow our traditional week-long model, with classic PALS events like the Arrival celebration, PALS Olympics, and Closing Ceremonies.
These programs have a high staff to participant ratio (1:10) and there are five pairs per team.
There is more flexibility for participants to choose different activities within in the structure of the schedule.
25+
All Partners and Peers must be at least 25 years old.
All of these programs use a modified 5-day schedule, beginning on Wednesday and ending on Sunday. There are fewer camp-like activities and there is no arrival celebration, PALS Olympics, or Closing Ceremonies.
These programs have the lowest staff to participant ratio (~1:15) and participants are much more independent.
There is more choice in activities and autonomy in decision making than any of our other programs.
For all age ranges, Partners and Peers are paired one-to-one. Please note that the age limits published for each program are firm and we are unable to make exceptions.
Dates
We offer programs throughout the summer. What dates are you available to attend? Do you have any family events you plan to attend? Do you know when your school year finishes up? It is important for all participants to be present for the entire program, so make sure you select a week without any scheduling conflicts.
Location
Where do you live? When selecting your program preferences, we strongly encourage you to consider your local program. Part of building a world of belonging is fostering community not just for the week of camp, but throughout the year - we love it when participants can hang out outside of camp!
What are your interests? Our programs are designed to reflect the local area and so you can expect programs to make the most of the host city. Here are some examples:
Do you love the ocean? PALS New Jersey, PALS Atlantic City, and PALS Philadelphia usually spend a day at the beach! If the beach isn’t your scene, try PALS Pittsburgh.
Do you love the outdoors? Maybe PALS Seattle is right for you - the Pacific Northwest is an outdoor-lover’s paradise!
Do you love city life? PALS New York, PALS Chicago, and PALS Los Angeles highlight what makes those cities so unique and exciting!
No activity can be guaranteed at any program, but our Program Leads work hard to make their program unique and local to their area.
Program Size
PALS has different sized programs. What’s right for you?
Small (20 pairs)
Medium (40 pairs)
Large (60 pairs)
Each size has its benefits: more friends; bigger end of week celebrations; and more Olympic competition for bigger camps, and closer relationships; more flexibility; and more time for karaoke at smaller camps. Everyone has their own preferences, so we encourage you to consider this as you make your decision.
Medical support
Each program’s website provides details on the level of medical support for that site by following state laws and ACA guidelines.
Every program will have an onsite, certified first aid provider.
All medications will be stored with the Medical Team or PALS Staff and accessible only by the individual taking the medication at the appropriate time, in keeping with ACA guidelines.
Some programs will also have an MD or RN on call, and some programs will have an MD or RN on-site for the full week. We encourage you to review this information as you make your decision.
If you require prompting with personal hygiene, have trouble transitioning, or have needs that require support greater than medication, please choose a program that is listed as having support available on-site. For more information about eligibility requirements for Partners, click here.
If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, or uncontrolled heart condition, please reach out to support@palsprograms.org and a member of PALS Staff will work with you to determine which program would best suit your needs based on the support available.
We are thrilled to offer a variety of accommodations and modifications within all 19 programs for Summer 2023. If you would like support in determining the program for you, please email support@palsprograms.org and we’d be happy to assist. We can’t wait for you to apply January 1, 2023.