BY LAUREN GIBEAULT
PALS Recruitment Coordinator
The PALS family is thrilled to return to week-long summer programming this year. After what felt like an eternity apart, being in person was sweeter than ever. As we returned to a “typical” PALS summer, rebuilding our Peer community had new challenges due to COVID-19. But true to the PALS family, many Peers stepped up in a number of ways: recruiting their friends, fundraising for PALS, and even attending multiple camps! Two such volunteers are Taylor and Tegan Wietrzykowski, who attended not one, not two, but three camps this summer! Read to learn more about their summer with PALS.
Q: Let’s start by hearing a bit more about you two and how you got involved with PALS Programs?
Taylor: Sure! My name is Taylor, and I just graduated from Heidelberg University, and I am currently working on my master’s. I heard about PALS from my softball coach during college, and she encouraged me to check out the program! Now, I am six camps in and am attending one more this summer.
Tegan: My sister and I are from Toledo, Ohio, and I am going into my sophomore year in college, where I am studying psychology and enjoy playing softball as well! In high school, I volunteered working with our Special Education Program, where I didn't meet anyone with Down syndrome but enjoyed working with this community of people with disabilities. Last year was my first summer with PALS, and this year is my first summer of week-long programming!
Q: Think back to your first experience with PALS- how were you feeling before you arrived at Camp?
Taylor: My first camp was at PALS Cleveland in 2018. Going in, I was super anxious because I didn't know anyone who would be at camp with me. I was super anxious- but the good kind of anxious where I was ready and eager to experience camp.
Tegan: I felt a lot of similar feelings to Taylor. Going into my first camp, I was nervous. I am not typically the type of person to get out of my shell very quickly, and the 8-hour drive didn't help! Even though I was nervous, I was ready to leave my comfort zone.
Q: How did those feelings before compare to how you felt after you spent a week at camp?
Taylor: I was ready to return to PALS as soon as my first camp ended. My knowledge was expanded, and I met so many incredible people. Every feeling I was left with post-camp was positive. I went in anxious, and I had a 180 in emotions from when I arrived at camp!
Tegan: Going in not knowing anyone was scary, but by the end of the week, I had a sense of relief! I put myself out of my comfort zone, and it paid off! We just left Cleveland 2022, and we are already counting down the hours until Taylor and I arrive in Chicago!
Q: What is the biggest lesson you learned through being involved with PALS Programs?
Taylor: It is okay to take off your ‘cool cap’! It is freeing and good to do so. Post PALS, I have learned that living in the moment is wonderful, and not worrying so much is freeing. You can have uncontrolled happiness when you step outside your comfort zone and take that cool cap off!
Tegan: The greatest lesson I learned while at PALS was that everybody is unique! It seems very simple, but everyone, including those in the Down syndrome community have different fears, joys, passions, and personalities. PALS is so much more enjoyable because it is made up of unique people.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being involved in the PALS community?
Taylor: The environment and the nature of PALS is unmatched. Every camp out there is a little bit different, but there is no camp like PALS. Everyone is so accepting and welcoming. I have always felt supported at PALS.
Tegan: The friendships at PALS are something that keep me wanting to come back. I have created some of my closest friends while at camp. Each summer I am excited about the new friends l will meet and eager to keep these friendships throughout the whole year.
Q: What encouragement would you give to someone who is on the fence about volunteering with PALS Programs?
Taylor: If you are on the fence about joining us at PALS, the best advice I can give you…just do it! I promise you will not regret it! PALS is the happiest place on earth. People say that about Disney World, but truthfully PALS is one of the most wonderful and beautiful places to be.
Tegan: Take a step out of your comfort zone and you won't be disappointed! Hope to see you all at PALS!