Our volunteers support our mission of building a world of belonging by leading week-long programs, building communities in our regional locations, and welcoming new participants to PALS!
The most common role at PALS is our 1-1 match where a peer without Down syndrome is paired with an individual with Down syndrome. To be a Peer, you are required to be high school age (approximately 15) and older. Click here to learn about the Peer role.
Volunteer Leaders are required to be 18 and older.
Summer 2024 Volunteer Leadership & Peer applications are OPEN now!
Peer
Peers are full participants at PALS programs and are paired 1:1 with a participant with Down syndrome to experience a fun-filled week together. Peers can join us beginning at age 15 and do not need any prior training or experience to join!
Learn more here.
Program Lead
The Program Lead works with PALS staff to create and facilitate PALS’ signature week-long overnight programs. Program Leads work as a team of two people to build a fun and inclusive schedule, work with a provided budget, welcome participants to programs, and put our mission into action! Preference is given to those who live within the region of their assigned program.
Team Lead
The Team Lead leads a team at camp. Team Leads provide support, build camaraderie, and ensure the safety and well-being of a team of participants. Team Leads work closely with the Program Leads and the other Team Leads in the weeks leading up to the program to receive training and build trust as part of a Leadership team.
Medical Team
Our Medical Team supports and assesses all safety and health concerns at camp. Medical Teams vary across programs. The team is most often comprised of a Medical Lead (MD, DO, NP, PA, RN, LPN) and a Medical Volunteer (CNA, LPN, EMT, PA, OT, PT, or any other clinical qualifications, medical student, or MD, NP or RN with out-of-state licensure). Please review our Leadership FAQ to learn more about Medical Team qualifications.
Media Team
Our media volunteers must have specific skills in photo and/or video. Most media volunteers stay on-site during the week, although additional accommodations can be made for professionals who are interested in donating smaller chunks of time. Interested volunteers will be asked to submit a portfolio for review.
Support Lead
The Support Lead role plays an integral role in the inner workings of the week of camp. They work alongside the Program Leads to assist with executing the program schedule, to support Team Leads, and to play a vital role in carrying out the emergency and safety protocols of the program.
Can’t join us for a full week? Here’s other ways to get involved!
Welcome Lead
The Welcome Leads meet and welcome new participants into the PALS community in the months before camp. They work with PALS staff to host virtual calls with new participants to educate on PALS and to learn about the new participants. Welcome Leads will be trained on diverse and equitable hiring processes and review all participant applications. Welcome Leads are not assigned a specific location, and work across all PALS regions.
Activity Lead
The Activity Lead runs a particular event or activity during the week of camp. Activity Leads have a specialized skill and are comfortable facilitating a large group of people. They work with the Program Leads to ensure they have everything they need to plan and lead the activity. The Activity Lead role is available to all attending participants (with and without Down syndrome), previous PALS participants, donors, and outside organizations. Activity Leads may come for just a day or a portion of the day to facilitate their activities.
Local Lead
Local Leads work to develop partnerships and support our growth in a specific PALS region. PALS is currently focused on 10 regions for our 2025 strategic plan. Local Leads are long-term PALS community members with a passion for growing and expanding PALS’ mission beyond the week of camp
Please read more about our Commitment to Diversity.
Want more?
If you can’t find the right role, feel free to contact us at support@palsprograms.org to share more about your interest and experience. PALS is always looking for individuals, groups, and companies to share about our mission, enhance programming opportunities, and help raise funds to grow our impact. Learn more here.
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