BY GRACE WAHLE
PALS Advancement Coordinator
At PALS, our mission is to create inclusive camp experiences for individuals with Down syndrome and their peers. We know the impact and power behind one-to-one friendships that are created in the week-long experience during the summer. As a sibling of someone with Down syndrome, this is why I initially gravitated towards PALS. The first time my sister, Gretchen, at the age of 14, came home from Camp, I knew there was something special about the friendship she formed with her Peer, Adrianna. While I wasn’t at the camp, I witnessed Gretchen becoming her true self and form a genuine, real friendship with another young adult.
This summer, Peers and Volunteer Leaders have the opportunity to experience the sort of transformative friendship that Gretchen and Adrianna found. Many first time volunteers at PALS have never met someone with Down syndrome and wonder what the experience will be like. First, let’s learn some facts about Down syndrome.
What is Down syndrome?
A genetic disorder where a person has three copies of the 21st chromosome rather than two.
What does this mean?
Having an extra chromosome can cause some physical and intellectual delays, but there is a spectrum of ability like for all people. Some people with Down syndrome live independently while others benefit from substantial support.
What is the occurrence of Down syndrome?
About 1 in every 700 babies in the US are born with Down syndrome - about 6,000 a year.
Down syndrome occurs equally in people of all races, ethnicities, and economic levels.
What does this mean?
Having a baby with Down syndrome can occur in any family.
What are common traits of people with Down syndrome?
Common physical traits include low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the palm. There are also some common medical conditions of people with Down syndrome such as heart defects, disrupted sleep patterns, or hearing loss.
Many people with Down syndrome might take a bit more time to transition or communicate how they are feeling.
What does this mean?
Although there are common traits among people with Down syndrome, each person is different and unique in their own way!
Just like me, Gretchen experiences the full spectrum of emotions. Some people with Down syndrome are quiet. Some are extroverted. Each person with Down syndrome is unique and has their own personality. You have the opportunity at PALS to learn about who you are paired with and allow them to learn about you. Hearing from individuals with Down syndrome is a great way to learn about the diverse perspectives and experiences of another person. Here are a few resources to learn more about the experiences within the Down syndrome community:
TikTok:
Blogs:
You’ll also learn about Down syndrome and PALS when you arrive at your program this summer. This is just a glimpse into the best week of summer! If you have questions about Down syndrome or what your experience may look like, feel free to email PALS Staff at support@palsprograms.org. We can’t wait to see you!