Like many organizations, PALS Programs faced its share of challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebuilding momentum after a global pause required resilience, creativity, and a strong community to lean on.
In late March, all of our incredible Program Leads came together in Baltimore, Maryland, for our annual Leadership Summit - a weekend full of connection, inspiration, and bold ideas.
Having a successful career as an individual with Down syndrome is about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the incredible talent and unique perspectives that individuals with Down syndrome bring to the world. It's a powerful reminder that individuals with disabilities are just as capable, creative, and deserving of recognition as anyone else.
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three copies of the twenty first chromosome (3 x 21). This is why the 21st day of the third month of the year, 3/21, is celebrated as World Down Syndrome Day.
PALS Magic. This phrase circulates within the PALS community, but what exactly does it mean? It is the transformative work of the PALS community that brings together unique individuals with and without Down syndrome, from diverse backgrounds and experiences, where attitudes are changed, lives are transformed, and we inspire a world of belonging.
At the heart of every PALS summer camp experience lies the spirit of inclusivity, transformed lives, and real authentic relationships. As we gear up for our 20th anniversary, PALS faces a perennial challenge – the need for more male volunteers. One-to-one pairings are one of the hallmarks of PALS Programs, and we believe that the PALS family can support our efforts in recruiting dedicated male volunteers.
As we are gearing up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of PALS, we are excited for the slate of programs to take place in 2024! Check out the dates & locations on our summer page! How did you select the locations for this season?
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the PALS Network, a dedicated space designed to connect, recruit, and combine resources that champion the growth of our PALS community. The PALS Network comprises members and local leads, bringing together everyone who's experienced the magic of PALS – whether you've been a partner, peer, leader, or family to someone who has.
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.
It is always a treat for PALS to welcome a new Partner. This Summer, PALS Cleveland was excited to welcome Henry Snow to his first PALS Program. Not only did Henry bring his unique energy and enthusiasm to our week-long program at John Carroll University, but he also shared the legacy of his family's transformative work in the developmental disabilities community. Henry is the son of Ellen and Rob Snow, the founders of The Improvaneer Method Way.
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.
