BY LAUREN GIBEAULT

PALS Recruitment Coordinator

At PALS Programs, our mission has always been to create inclusive camp experiences for young adults with Down syndrome and their peers. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to connect, grow, and have fun in an environment where differences are celebrated. This summer, we are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Brother Rice High School.

Located in the suburbs of Chicago, Brother Rice High School is a private all-boys school known for its commitment to excellence in education and character development. Ten of their students have chosen to embark on a journey with us at PALS this upcoming summer, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome them into our PALS family!

But, their involvement doesn't stop there. Brother Rice High School has embraced our mission wholeheartedly, going above and beyond to support us. Recently, they hosted a fundraising initiative at one of their basketball games as a way to raise both excitement for camp and funds to support our mission.

Through their hard work, the boys of Brother Rice rallied their friends, families, and community members to participate in the “Coin Crusade”. When the final buzzer sounded, and the last coin was counted, the boys of Brother Rice had raised an incredible $1,210!

One of the most exciting aspects of our partnership with Brother Rice High School is the passion and dedication of their students. the boys of Brother Rice are already planning for the impact they can make back at their school during the 2024-2025 school year!

They're planning to launch a new school club called "Crusaders for Inclusion," with a similar inclusive model they'll experience at PALS Programs. This mentorship club will follow a 1-to-1 pairing model, like PALS, fostering meaningful relationships between students with and without disabilities. Through this club, they aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment within their school community.

The boys of Brother Rice are eager to bring back all they learn this summer and apply it to their efforts at home. They understand that inclusion doesn't end when camp is over—it's a mindset and a commitment that can be carried forward into every aspect of life.

Thank you, Brother Rice High School, for your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to creating a more inclusive world. We can't wait to see the impact we will make together this summer in Chicago!