PALS Magic.

This phrase circulates within the PALS community, but what exactly does it mean? It is the transformative work of the PALS community that brings together unique individuals with and without Down syndrome, from diverse backgrounds and experiences, where attitudes are changed, lives are transformed, and we inspire a world of belonging. From endless hugs and high fives to contagious, infectious laughter, and the occasional karaoke night singing your favorite tunes, this type of relationship simply can’t be explained any other way than:

It’s magic.

For some of our volunteers, forming friendships and connecting with individuals with Down syndrome is a part of their everyday lives. They have family members with Down syndrome, childhood friends in this community, or have been coming to PALS for years. Whether it’s their ninth time, like Lo from PALS Chicago, or their second time, like Jonny from PALS Los Angeles, you can feel the impact of their experience at PALS.

“My life is better with my friends with Down syndrome. It’s brighter, fuller, more fun, and so refreshing. PALS has shown me a world I never knew could exist. A world of inclusion, a world that isn’t perfect, but feels pretty close. PALS is love, and it is beautiful.”

—Lo from PALS Chicago

“I decided to join this family last year to help a friend and see what kind of mentorship I could offer, since this was something very new to me. As you can see, I came back because they got me. They took my heart and gave me a whole new meaning to this wonderful and joyful community. I know I am a changed person because of PALS, and it’s for the better.”

—Jonny from PALS Los Angeles

For other volunteers, this may be their first time, and understandably, feel a little nervous. Take heart and hear what Corbin from PALS Chicago had to say about his first experience:

“This was my first PALS experience, and I can say with certainty I will be back again. The individuals at this camp have shown me and opened my eyes to the true meaning of love — love of others, love of yourself, and love of life.”

— Corbin from PALS Chicago

And, we have volunteers whose lives are completely altered by the transformational experience. James from PALS New York’s life will forever be changed:

“I started volunteering with PALS when I was 17 years old. I had zero experience with individuals with Down syndrome. I was 17 and scared out of my mind. There were times when I didn’t know what to do — times when I needed guidance. Our participants with Down syndrome helped me through it all. Surrounded by them, as well as our other peers, I felt (and still feel) as if I can do anything. Six years later, here I am programming a camp. My life has changed drastically. I had plans to be a math major in college. That changed in large part due to my experience with PALS. Now, I work at my university for a program where students with disabilities live on a college campus. The Down syndrome community is the most beautiful, thoughtful, compassionate community in the world.”

—James from PALS New York

So, whether this is your first time considering camp or your ninth time anxiously awaiting the release of the application to join us again, know that you are about to embark on the greatest adventure of your life. As so many of our volunteers have said, you will leave changed for the better. You will experience the joy and fulfillment that the PALS Magic can bring. JOIN US to see what the PALS Magic is all about.

“If the world knew the magic those with Down syndrome hold, it would be a much better place.”

—MiKayla from PALS Boston

That is our hope and this is our dream: to spread just a little more PALS Magic to others and inspire a world of belonging.