PALS creates inclusive camp experiences for people with and without Down syndrome. We hope you will join us as we seek to create a world of belonging!

Our model is based on one-to-one pairings between similarly-aged individuals with and without Down syndrome. These pairs are placed together on a team with 4-5 other pairs led by a highly-trained volunteer leader. Teams spend the week together living together in dorms, participating in on-campus activities, taking on new adventures with our off-campus trips, and learning more about themselves and others as they build transformative friendships.

Summer 2025 applications will open on January 1, 2025!

Peers: participants without down syndrome

At PALS, all of our participants with Down syndrome are paired one-to-one with a peer who does not have Down syndrome. Peers can apply to join PALS starting at high school age (approximately 15). Peers are full participants at PALS programs and serve as peer models for their partner and team. Peers participate in all activities and help model the PALS values by being welcoming, fun, genuine, supportive, and passionate.

All participants, including Peers, are encouraged to fundraise for PALS to support our mission of creating a world of belonging. Fundraising helps us offer financial support to participants who could not otherwise afford to come to PALS.

“PALS works to achieve something that we all want for ourselves: a feeling of belonging and community.”
- PALS Peer

Partners: participants with down syndrome

PALS refers to our participants with Down syndrome as Partners. Partners can apply to join PALS starting at age 12. Individuals should be able to independently care for their hygiene, work well with others, and be ready for a fun and exciting week away from home.

The cost of camp for participants with Down syndrome is $2,200. PALS works with every participant to ensure that cost is never a barrier in joining the PALS community. PALS offers reduced tuition, modified payment structures (including waiver funding support), travel fund, and full financial aid. Please feel free to contact us directly with any questions on these options.

“The friendships I made were so incredibly valuable and I cherished every single memory made.”
- PALS Partner

 

Please read more about our Commitment to Diversity.