BY COLTON DAVIES
PALS Communications Coordinator
During a summer of social distancing, with traditional camp programs rendered impossible, PALS had to get creative when determining how best to connect our participants. As feelings of fear, confusion, and loss gripped many in our community and the world, PALS staff agreed that finding opportunities for virtual connection was of utmost importance, and we set to work on an alternative approach.
Our first step was to check in with our team of camp directors, who had been working hard throughout the off-season in program planning. Together, we brainstormed ideas for how to safely and meaningfully serve our community throughout the summer months. In the worst of circumstances, we were fortunate for the eagerness and availability of several volunteer leaders who chose to stay involved in what would be a brand new and completely unconventional approach to summer programming.
Haile King-Rubie, PALS participant, walks his dog “Sir Bently” during Pets Week.
Beginning in June and spanning through August, our summer engagement team composed a calendar of weekly themes reminiscent of camp. With incentives like Fashion Week, Olympics Week, and Pets Week, we were intent on constructing new and unconventional ways to bring the PALS magic to our community. In early June, we launched the first PALS virtual summer the only way we knew how: Arrival Week! The kickoff involved our team of staff and volunteers creating daily arrival-themed PALS Community posts, organizing a camper arrival Zoom activity, and releasing the first in a series of Camp PALS Best-Of video compilations.
This trend of daily camp-themed posts, weekly Zoom activities, and nostalgic media content would continue through the final week of August. Our team of passionate, dedicated volunteers created opportunities for connection where existing friendships could grow, where new connections could blossom, and where, if just for a moment, we could feel the PALS magic span the vast distances between us. We credit the success of our summer initiatives to all the volunteers, campers, and family members that planned and/or participated in these events; thank you for helping to bring back the feeling of camp.
Nicole Walter, volunteer leader, shows off her team gear during Sports Week.
As we transition to Fall, here are a couple of ways to connect with PALS:
PALS Community. We encourage new and old friends alike to join us on PALS Community for more opportunities to connect, engage, and get involved. Sign up or sign in today!
Social media. PALS posts about recent news and other updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Plus, find all of our PALS Best Of compilation videos (and so much more!) on our Youtube channel.
PALS Post. Have you heard about our revamped newsletter? Sign up to receive PALS Post to your inbox once a month to stay informed about our most important updates.
Become a PALS Ambassador. The 2020-2021 Ambassador Program is accepting applications from volunteers, campers, and family members alike. No previous PALS experience is required to join! Learn more.
As we enter Fall, we’re sending all our PALS love and hoping for your continued health and safety into the colder months. We’re all looking forward to the time when we can gather once again to experience the magic of Camp PALS. Until then, take care.