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!

In June of 2016, I stepped onto Cabrini University’s campus, flooded with nervous excitement, for my first week of camp at PALS Philadelphia. Little did I know that I was about to experience the greatest dance parties, participate in an unforgettable karaoke night, build life-long friendships, and change the course of my life.

At PALS Programs, our mission has always been to create inclusive camp experiences for young adults with Down syndrome and their peers. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to connect, grow, and have fun in an environment where differences are celebrated. This summer, we are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Brother Rice High School.

PALS is fortunate to have a Board of Directors that provides guidance and support for our operations and bolsters our mission of inclusion. We are excited to introduce three new members who joined the board in the past year.

PALS is thrilled to announce we have been accepted to be a certified organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. In the realm of non-profit organizations dedicated to making a positive impact, PALS Programs is eager to kick-off Summer 2024 and celebrate 20 years of impact and stories.

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.