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Our Mission
Camp PALS aims to offer young adults with Down syndrome the best week of their summer while providing a variety of experiences, new opportunities, and a chance to become more independent.
We strive to create an impassioned camp community: campers, counselors, parents, and friends who encourage each other and grow together.
We also attempt to make a meaningful impact in the larger Down syndrome community. The program offers "reunion" events throughout the year to keep past camp participants involved and hosts counselor events to raise awareness of issues that affect those with Down syndrome.
History
Camp PALS was founded by Jason Toff and Josh Stein, two then-high school-aged students from Allentown, Pennsylvania. The program was conceived as an extension of a social integration program that Jason and Josh had started at their high school. Shortly thereafter, Jason and Josh met Jenni Newbury at the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual convention, and she joined as a third director and co-founder. A local business owner agreed to fund the first year, and, in 2004, Camp PALS began operating with 16 campers.
From its humble beginnings, Camp PALS has continued to grow. In summer 2007, Camp PALS welcomed Abby Kolker to the team of Directors. In summer 2008, Camp welcomed 64 campers and 64 counselors. In summer 2009, Camp PALS invited 80 campers and 80 counselors to its sylvan campsite in suburban Philadelphia for a week of fun and friends. Information about Camp PALS 2010 can be found by accessing on the campers and counselors pages.
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