Jason Newbury has been a part of PALS since it was founded in 2004. He enjoys joining PALS each year and meeting new people. As a sibling of Jenni Newbury Ross, Co-founder and Executive Director of PALS, he is very involved in the PALS community! Jenni had a chat with Jason to hear why PALS is important to him and advice he has for someone joining this summer. You can also see part of this interview via PALS TikTok.

Jenni: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Jason: I have Down syndrome and I’ve been to Camp PALS since 2004. Being a participant wasn’t hard. I live in New Jersey and I’m at my apartment. I am 31 and I work at Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center.

Jenni: What is your favorite part about Camp PALS?

Jason: For me, it’s the Congratulations Project letters. I think it’s just merely because my mom once told me that they gave my mom [a letter] when I was born. It would’ve been more difficult. I’ve been writing letters since 2012 and I like describing the baby and the mother together. It makes you think you’re in a school where you’re writing essays because you say “Congrats” on your newborn baby.

Jenni: What have you missed the most about week-long, overnight PALS Programs?

Jason: What I really miss is me trying to catch up with things with Donny [Donny was Jason’s peer]. Donny was one hell of a counselor because every night and even now I call him my baby brother. We never stop chuckling. I think it's the face to face that I miss the most. When we did virtual before, it was okay, but face to face is better as long as we’re following the protocols.

Jenni: What would you say to a volunteer who was thinking about joining PALS?

Jason: I think people should be Peers because they should get to know me. I think PALS is always fun as a volunteer or a participant. Because if you volunteer, the only difference is that you’re helping out others and you have to stick with them like glue. Be yourself and just look at yourself thinking, “oh wow this is so much more fun maybe we should just keep doing it again and again.”

Jenni: Why should someone come to camp?

Jason: Because at the arrival, everyone seems so excited and sometimes a little nervous. I like arrival because when you get there, you get to be relaxing later on and just bonding with your pair.

Jenni: Why is PALS important to you?

Jason: Because I’m your brother. And I’m proud of that.