BIDDEFORD — The University of New England recently hosted PALS Programs Maine for its annual week-long camp, which brought together 20 young people with Down syndrome and their peers on the Biddeford Campus from July 24 to July 30.

PALS Programs creates inclusive camp experiences for people with and without Down syndrome. Founded in Philadelphia in 2004, PALS designs programs for participants to experience radical inclusion while forming lifelong friendships.

Throughout the week, partners with Down syndrome were paired with peers without Down syndrome for a series of events, including a carnival, a field trip to SailMaine, and the PALS Olympics held on the Biddeford Campus.

UNE students Hannah LoVerdi (Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies, Class of 2025) and Leigh Rohe (Social Work, Class of 2025) volunteered to be peers for the week. They said the experience was rewarding and valuable as health professions students.

“My goal is to become a guidance counselor, so this is great experience,” Rohe said. “Being here and learning about the Down syndrome community and interacting with people has taught me about working with people of all abilities.”

LoVerdi, president of Best Buddies at UNE — a similar program that pairs UNE students with area students with intellectual disabilities — said the week prepared her for her future work as an occupational therapist.

“Many people with intellectual disabilities also see occupational therapists,” LoVerdi explained. “Volunteering with PALS is a great opportunity to broaden my horizons and just make sure everyone has a friend and has someone to hang out with.”

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