BY KYLIE BEDWELL
PALS Volunteer + Guest Blogger
When thinking of PALS Spring Programming, there is no single word to describe the experience. The virtual programming was amazing, fun filled, sentimental, and just a wonderful experience. The activities gave the participants all the PALS Magic from safely in their own homes. Going virtual did not take away from the fun, the memories made, nor the bonds created.
Virtual programming was achieved via Zoom. Each day, we logged on as a group, and throughout the night, we split into breakout rooms with our teams. This allowed for group interaction as well as more close bonding with our partners and our team! Throughout the week, we did activities such as Karaoke, which was a fan favorite; my partner, Glenn, was especially a fan! Steve Harvey also joined us this week with some Family Feud fun. It was a week full of arts, crafts, and dancing, all leading up to PALS Olympics at the end of the week.
Staff was amazing by making all of the activities inclusive, the Zoom calls smooth, and most importantly, fun! Although we weren’t in person and were unable to meet everyone face to face, it did not stop special bonds from forming. The breakout rooms made it easy to get to know the group and come together throughout the week. I learned about my team’s favorite hobbies and foods, or goofy facts like if they would rather have huge feet or really small hands. My team was full of great singers, dancers, and athletes. We all learned a lot about each other, and I can’t wait until it’s safe to meet my team in person!
These Zoom gatherings felt like more than just communication through a computer screen; they allowed for more connections and a true feeling of being at PALS. Virtual programming was a reminder that, even in these difficult times, we still have our PALS family. The distance between us couldn’t stop the amazing memories we were able to make together. Thank you PALS staff!
