The PALS Program is a nonprofit organization who creates immersive
experiences where young adults with Down syndrome and their peers have fun,
grow as individuals, and build transformative friendships. They do this through
camps around the country with a one-to-one camper to volunteer/counselor model.
PALS Fast
Facts:
- They welcome volunteers aged 16 and up to be paired with campers age 12-30.
- Volunteers commit one week of their summer to be part of PALS.
- Accepted volunteers encompass the PALS values - welcoming, genuine, passionate, supportive, and fun.
- 17 different programs are hosted across the country from Maine through the Mid-Atlantic, down to North Carolina and West as far as San Francisco!
- Volunteers do not need to have prior experience with Down syndrome or the disability community, and training is provided at the beginning of each program.
- This is a great opportunity for students interested in health professions to gain experience with a new population.
- There are year-round leadership opportunities for volunteers, including Ambassadors and Program Directors.
- Their mission focuses on diversity and inclusion for all people, with and without Down syndrome.
- There are no costs associated with volunteering at PALS - they also offer travel scholarships for eligible individuals.
Visit their website to learn more and apply: https://www.palsprograms.org/volunteers.