PALS Programs

Ain't no party like a PALS dance party, are we right!? 💃🏾🕺🏻

Shout-out to .baltimore

Our year-round staff wear many hats, but being onsite at camp is easily their favorite! Swipe to see some of our favorite PALS Staff snaps from Summer 2026 ➡️

Pack your bags! PALS Programs is hosting four Adventure Weekends this fall!

Join us for a fun-filled weekend of waterpark action, special group activities, and community connection for individuals with Down syndrome, families, volunteers, and new friends. Come solo, with friends, or with family—everyone is welcome!

📍 4 Great Wolf Lodge locations nationwide
⏰ Register by September 15th

Head to www.palsprograms.org/adventure-weekend for more info.

"I have many friends with Down syndrome as well as an older brother... and although life gives them challenges, they persevere and are constantly surrounded by love."

Through 1,300+ handwritten letters across 13 camps this summer, our Participants took time to welcome new parents to the Down syndrome community with open arms and real-life encouragement.

From getting an education and securing a job to building lifelong friendships, our sibling participants know firsthand that the future holds so much to look forward to.

We wrapped up our 2026 Peer to Peer fundraising campaign last month, and we are so excited to share that raised $75,101! ⁠🙌⁠
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Thank you to the 192 incredible fundraisers who helped make our inclusive camp experiences possible!
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We're so grateful to the entire PALS community and beyond for believing in our mission, and we can’t wait to keep expanding our impact in Summer 2027!

Hands down the best group to share a summer with. Who else is missing camp right about now?

Tag your camp PALS below and send them some love ⬇️

🏆Meet our Spirit of PALS Award Winners! 🏆

Every season, we celebrate two incredible individuals—one Partner and one Volunteer—who embody the mission, spirit, and values of PALS.

Please join us in giving a HUGE round of applause to this season’s winners!

PARTNER WINNER: Liam Ginnell
As one Participant shared, “Liam is genuinely one of the kindest people you will ever meet! He brought endless joy, bright energy, non-stop jokes, and the best hugs (always asking first! 🤗) to PALS San Francisco.” Thank you, Liam, for making sure everyone around you was always having fun and feeling cared for!

VOLUNTEER WINNER: Rachel Pyszora

“Rachel leads with both excellence and deep sincerity. Whether it’s bringing high energy to camp, making campers feel like the most important people in the world, or staying in touch throughout the year, her impact lasts far beyond camp week,” shared one PALS parent. Thank you, Rachel, for setting the bar high for inclusion and love!

To Liam, Rachel, and everyone who makes our PALS community so special—thank you for spreading the PALS values everywhere you go!

PALS Programs is excited to host Adventure Weekends this fall, and your family is invited!

Whether you’re a long-time member of the PALS family or joining us for the first time, come connect with a fun, inclusive community. Attend solo, invite friends, or bring the whole family to enjoy waterpark thrills, social meetups, and special PALS-led activities designed to build lasting connections for individuals with Down syndrome, Volunteers, and supporters alike.

🔗Head to the link in our bio to read more about specific dates and locations!