Introducing our newest member of the PALS team, Molly McCue!
Molly recently joined the PALS staff as the Operations Manager. In this role, she will oversee all aspects of camp operations, ensuring each program runs smoothly and efficiently!
At PALS Programs, our mission is to create inclusive camp experiences for young people with and without Down syndrome. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to form meaningful connections, gain independence, and have fun in a supportive and joyful environment. To ensure our camps remain accessible, we are proud to offer a comprehensive financial aid program that makes these transformative experiences available to anyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
We’re thrilled to announce the newest additions to the PALS staff team—our very first Residents! This new residency is a one year opportunity for emerging professionals to work closely with our team and gain firsthand experience in nonprofit management, diversity & inclusion, and career development.
I’ve never been good at juggling… Or so I thought? After being a Program Lead, I learned that juggling several commitments is manageable with a little bit of planning and all of your heart. If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, take that chance! It may turn into magic!
Energy, joy, and passion - PALS Summer 2023 brought the mission of our organization across 18 programs with 1,200 Participants. As we jammed out to karaoke, visited the beach, and had the funniest moments in the residence hall together, the life changing experience of PALS is transformative. Participants and Volunteers across the country shared about their experiences, specifically by supporting and bringing energy to their personal fundraising pages. Peer-to-Peer fundraising during Summer 2023 spread the PALS Magic to thousands of individuals who weren’t attending a program.
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 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!
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.
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.
