Camp PALS is a 1-week summer camp held at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pennsylvania, USA, for teenagers with Down Syndrome. It is partially sponsored by Julian Krinsky Camps and Programs.

History

Camp PALS was founded by Jason Toff and Josh Stein, two then-high school-aged students from Allentown, Pennsylvania. Jason was attending a summer program operated by Julian Krinsky Camps and Programs when he approached camp owner Julian Krinsky with his idea for a scholarship camp for students with disabilities, stemming from the program he started in his high school -- PALS . Mr. Krinsky loved the idea and agreed to sponsor the program – which would start as a program for high school-aged students with Down Syndrome the following summer.

Jason and Josh met Jenni Newbury shortly thereafter at the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual convention and she joined as a third director and co-founder. Since opening in 2004 with 16 campers, Camp continues to grow. In summer 2007, its fourth, Camp has expanded to welcomed 41 campers, new Director Abby Kolker, and over 50 volunteer staff members. A 5th Camp PALS is scheduled for next June, thanks to the continued generosity of sponsors Julian Krinsky, Adrian Castelli, and Jay Snider.

Mission Statement

Camp PALS aims to offer young adults with Down syndrome the best week of their year while providing a variety of experiences, new opportunities, and a chance to become more independent. We strive to create an impassioned community– campers, counselors, parents, and friends who encourage each other and grow together.

Staff

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Last Name
! First Name
! City
! State
! Years At Camp
|-
| Castelli
| Peter
| Gladwyne
| PA
| 4
|-
| Drown
| Tyler
| Philadelphia
| PA
| 4
|-
| Heller
| Ali
| Orefield
| PA
| 4
|-
| Ho
| Finny
| Arcadia
| CA
| 4
|-
| Meltzer
| Alex
| Allentown
| PA
| 4
|-
| Atlas
| Michael
| West Friendship
| MD
| 3
|-
| Fitzgerald
| Evan
| Hillsborough
| NJ
| 3
|-
| Kolker
| Abby
| Baltimore
| MD
| 3
|-
| MacConnell
| Ross
| Orefield
| PA
| 3
|-
| Staplin
| Max
| State College
| PA
| 3
|-
| Aidikoff
| Jenna
| Syosset
| NY
| 2
|-
| Atlas
| Brian
| West Friendship
| MD
| 2
|-
| Braverman
| Sarah
| Bala Cynwyd
| PA
| 2
|-
| Casiero
| Dan
| Cedar Knolls
| NJ
| 2
|-
| Craft
| Richard
| Newtown Square
| PA
| 2
|-
| Cunningham
| Katharine
| Bryn Athyn
| PA
| 2
|-
| Dunnette
| Robbie
| Allentown
| PA
| 2
|-
| Factor
| Matt
| Long Valley
| NJ
| 2
|-
| Hall
| Zachary
| Schnecksville
| PA
| 2
|-
| Hardisky
| Lauren
| Bronx
| NY
| 2
|-
| Hintz
| Katrina
| Califon
| NJ
| 2
|-
| Ho
| Missy
| Fort Lee
| NJ
| 2
|-
| Kaufman
| Ben
| Wynnewood
| PA
| 2
|-
| Roat
| Regan
| Sioux City
| IA
| 2
|-
| Sanders
| Emily
| Allentown
| PA
| 2
|-
| Stephens
| Carly
| Birmingham
| AL
| 2
|-
| Weiss
| Michael
| Haverford
| PA
| 2
|-
| Wernert
| David
| Sylvania
| OH
| 2
|}

Notability

Camp PALS has received publicity from Meredith Vieira (host of the Today show), as she blogged about the program in June 2007. Camp PALS has also been frequently mentioned on the EmmaSage blog, popular among parents of children with Down syndrome. Camp PALS was the recipient of the National Down Syndrome Congress's President's Award of Distinction in 2004. Finally, several articles have been written about Camp PALS' unique position in that it is entirely run by volunteer students.

External links

Camp PALS Official Site

Pictures from Camp PALS

Camp PALS Official Blog

PALS USA Official Site