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 community– campers, counselors, parents, and friends who encourage each other and grow together.

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 (Peers Assisting Learning Support). 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 expanded to welcomed 41 campers, new Director Abby Kolker, and over 50 volunteer staff members.