“I want people to know that there is hope that this world could be different. That we could live in a world that loves openly and deeply and fiercely. That we could be a people who is capable of loving all people despite all differences.
I know that it is possible - because for a week, it was my reality.”
– PALS Volunteer
The PALS Model
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 a full week together (7 days, 6 nights) 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. Click here to view a sample schedule.
PALS also offers a modified 5-day and 4-night program for participants during the off-season and for adults 21+ during the summer. These programs offer increased opportunities for independence, choice, and age-specific activities.
Our Mission
PALS creates inclusive camp experiences for people with and without Down syndrome. Our volunteer-led programs change attitudes, transform lives, and inspire a world of belonging.
We are: welcoming, genuine, passionate, supportive and fun.
Click to view our annual reports:
2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013
Click here for our most recent 990.
Our IMPACT
The outcome of our programs results in the transformed perspectives of both Partners and Peers, and PALS is proud of our ability to inspire change and a sense of belonging amongst those who otherwise would never have had the opportunity to experience a fully inclusive community.
PALS has participated in two formal evaluations to better understand our impact on participants with and without Down syndrome. Click here to view the findings.
The PALS Promise
We are committed to inspiring a world of belonging. We promise to be welcoming, to include everyone, and to stand up for one another. We promise to work together, to learn from our mistakes, and to treat each other like family. We promise to have open hearts and minds, to act with kindness, and to respect the value of every person. Together, we will change our own attitudes, the perceptions of others, and the world.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We appreciate that achieving our mission means embracing everyone with a welcoming culture that strives to combat and eradicate bias rooted in racial, gender, sexual orientation, ability status, or socioeconomic differences. PALS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We recognize that this takes consistent work and are committed to continual improvement. We believe that diverse ideas, cultures, and traditions reflect the broad diversity of the U.S. and are essential to building our vision of a community of belonging.
For more details on some of the origins of this work within PALS, read this letter from Executive Director Jenni Newbury Ross. For updates on our ongoing work to build a more diverse and more inclusive PALS, follow along with our blog.
Want to join us?
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