On March 21st every year, the Down syndrome community gathers around the world to celebrate inclusion. This year, we had to get creative. PALS is an organization that believes fundamentally in the value of forging friendships between individuals and groups alike, so we couldn’t let social distancing get in our way!
That’s why today, in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day 2020, PALS hosted our first ever open video conference via Zoom. Amid the uncertainty faced by our community and the entire world surrounding the spread of COVID-19, our goal for this event was to give PALS campers, families, and volunteers the opportunity to join together in celebration.
In true Camp PALS fashion, we kicked things off by sorting the over 200 attendees into volunteer-led teams for introductions and collaborating on team names like The 3-2-1’s, Team Awesome Superhero Dolphins, and Team Nice People. After a lightning round of PALS Trivia, teams set off on an at-home scavenger hunt. Over two rounds, participants attempted to find interesting blue and yellow items - the colors representing Down syndrome advocacy. A few of the more memorable finds included a cat brush that can be worn as a glove (complete with a live cat demonstration), various limited-edition PALS swag, and a literal baby chick in a yellow shoe. Then, teams huddled together again to organize a karaoke classic to perform via small ensemble! The audience was treated to several PALS classics, including Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, Justin Timerlake’s Can’t Stop The Feelin’, and Circle of Life from The Lion King.
No PALS event would be complete without a little friendly competition! Teams earned points throughout the 2-hour event, and after their outstanding performance of Into the Unknown from Frozen II, the 3-2-1’s took home the gold. After crowning the victors, a virtual dance party ensued, and screens across the country overflowed with PALS campers, volunteers, and staff getting their groove on to even more PALS classic hits!
PALS exists because of the genuine, transformative, and lifelong friendships we’re passionate about fostering at our programs. We never could have imagined that remote technology would hold a candle to the magic of camp, but our open call on Zoom managed to achieve something truly special. The energy and enthusiasm of all participants was palpable! The flow between team break-out sessions and the large group had a camp-like vibe, giving each and every individual the opportunity not only to contribute and to be heard, but also to feel that they belong to something bigger: a genuine, welcoming, passionate, supportive, and FUN community.
We never thought we’d celebrate World Down Syndrome Day where “distance” was of utmost importance, but we have never felt more connected to our community and our mission. By using a platform like Zoom, we sang. We danced. We forged new friendships, while rekindling the old. We came together to celebrate inclusion, friendship, and mutual understanding - and if you ask us, that’s what World Down Syndrome Day is all about.
Thank you to all those who joined our conference, to all those who wished to, but were unable to attend, and to our entire community and beyond. We are all celebrating World Down Syndrome Day differently this year, but PALS is hopeful that by banding together and supporting one another through this tumultuous time, we will find even deeper strength within our community.
Happy World Down Syndrome Day, and much PALS love,
– PALS Programs