Summer camps are more than just a break from the daily grind; they're an opportunity for growth, adventure, and connection. PALS Programs, a unique and inclusive camp, has been making waves by bringing individuals with and without Down syndrome together for memorable summers filled with laughter, learning, and friendship. What started as a small initiative has blossomed into a thriving community where diversity is celebrated and differences are cherished and our PALS Family is eager to share that! 

We often ask members of our PALS Community "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. We closed out PALS Summer 2023 with a virtual Season Finale Party, where we announced the recipients of the inaugural Spirit of PALS Award, in recognition of one Partner and one Volunteer who embody the PALS mission. Melodie Corcoran was nominated by her Peer. The Corcoran family shares what PALS means to them. 

We are kicking off PALS Summer 2023 in Baltimore in just a couple of days! We can’t wait to share the mission of PALS across the country this summer as we create communities of belonging for participants and volunteers. As we get ready to welcome everyone to Camp, we’re asking Partners, Peers, and Volunteer Leaders  to spread the mission of PALS through their personal fundraising pages! Personal fundraising (or “peer to peer”) pages allow our friends and family members to get involved with PALS this summer.

We often ask members of our PALS Community "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. We can't wait to start off PALS Summer 2023 THIS MONTH in Baltimore! Hear from PALS Program Lead, Taco, about what he is excited for, plus how he is supporting PALS. 

We often ask members of our PALS Community "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. We are eager to kick off PALS Summer 2023 next month! PALS Participants are looking forward to seeing new and old friends. Learn about Amira & Leandra's friendship formed last summer at PALS DC!

With 8 weeks until the start of summer, PALS Program Leads are currently planning and preparing the BEST week for Participants and Volunteers. Since January, Program Leads have been working with PALS Staff to receive training, plan, and facilitate a week-long, overnight program this summer.

Happy National Volunteer Month from PALS! As a volunteer-led organization, PALS has a variety of volunteer roles, each offering experiences & opportunities to inspire a world of belonging. Learn more about these roles and the people that will be joining us this summer!

April is National Volunteer Month and we are sharing stories from PALS volunteers to thank and celebrate our community! PALS volunteers have continued to show their dedication to PALS by sharing their time and talents, not only during a week at  camp, but throughout the entire year. Recently, Julie Carrier did just that by hosting a walk at her school, Endicott College, in Massachusetts. 

As Summer approaches, PALS Staff and Volunteer Leaders are busily planning some excellent PALS programs. Each program will incorporate some core programming, components that are led at every program across the country. This framework keeps our mission central to our programs,  especially as we continue to widen our reach. One of the core components of PALS is The Congratulations Project. 

Let’s give a warm welcome to Camille on the PALS Staff Team! Camille joined the team as the Volunteer Coordinator. She will work to support the recruitment and retention of all Volunteer Leaders.

PALS launched 21+ Modified Programs for the first time in 2019 at PALS Wildwood. It was an opportunity to offer participants increased independence, more flexibility with the schedule, and a shorter program for those in the workforce.

We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the PALS Staff Team! Michelle joined the team as the Family Resource Coordinator. She will work with families and participants to support them from the application to arrival at Camp.

We often ask members of our PALS Family "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. April is National Volunteer Month where we have the opportunity to thank our volunteers that make PALS possible. Yu-Ann, PALS Program Lead at Seattle, describes the impact of volunteerism. 

During National Volunteer Month, PALS is celebrating and honoring each volunteer that contributes to our mission. As a volunteer-led organization, PALS relies on the dedication of volunteers to make our programs happen. Sharaf was a volunteer at PALS Spring Break, a pilot program in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University. Here, he shares about his experience of being in community with people with Down syndrome and what he learned.

I joined PALS during a transition period in my life. I had just moved five hours away from home and entered a new graduate program, unsure how to find my place. I was looking for ways to engage with my community and remembered a friend posting about PALS and decided to check it out. Stepping onto Cabrini’s campus for my first program, I felt at home.

We are excited to welcome Andrew to the PALS Staff Team! Andrew joined the team as the Business Administrator. He is responsible for ensuring successful business processes at PALS.