2026 Buddy Camp Registration OPEN
Buddy Camp sponsored by the Western North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance (WNCDSA) is a well-established day camp designed specifically for children with Down syndrome.
What’s the Buddy Camp? A free summer day camp for kids ages 6–14 with Down syndrome. Held in partnership with Lutheridge/Lutherock Ministries in Western North Carolina (Arden, NC)
Date: July 6–10, 2026, 9am–3pm
Buddy Camp focuses on fun, social development, and independence. Activities often include:
Swimming, hiking, and outdoor play
Arts & crafts and music
Group games and field activities
Social bonding with “buddies” (paired counselors/volunteers)
Cost: Free — the program is funded and supported by WNCDSA
Purpose: The Buddy Camp is part of WNCDSA’s broader mission to create an inclusive, supportive community and provide meaningful experiences for individuals with Down syndrome and their families .
Online Registration: Click HERE for Registration form
Request form to download: Email us wncdsa@gmail.com
Family Picnic 2026
2026 WNC Down Syndrome Alliance Family Picnic Saturday, June 6th, 2026 from 3-5pm 85 Howard Gap Road Fletcher, NC 29732 Join us at Bill Moore Community Park (formerly Fletcher Park), this Sunday for fun, food, and family!
Buddy Camp 2026
WNC Down Syndrome Alliance, in a partnership with Lutheridge-Lutherock Ministries, Inc., provides a free summer day camp (the Buddy Camp) for children diagnosed with Down Syndrome between the ages of 6 and 14. July 6-10, 2026
Buddy Walk 2026
WNC Down Syndrome Alliance 2025 BUDDY WALK® was held on Saturday, October 10th, 2026 (11am – 2pm).
How can you help?
** Volunteer opportunities available
** Board Member and Advisory Roles
** Camp staff for Buddy Camp (Paid)
—> Please email us if interested!!! (wncdsa@gmail.org)
and of course…
Our Mission & Values
The mission of the Western North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance is to help create a community that will be educated, supportive and inclusive of individuals with Down Syndrome.
Western North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance covers Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey.
- We respect the rights, abilities and potential of people with Down syndrome
- We believe that people with Down syndrome should have the opportunity to make choices affecting their lives. * We respect and support the role of families in meeting the needs of people with Down syndrome.
- We value the efforts of our affiliates in the support they provide to people with Down syndrome and their families
- We value excellence in the quality of education, research and advocacy provided to our constituents
- We value diversity in our board, staff, volunteers and membership
- We value the excellence and commitment of our board, volunteers and staff in their roles supporting the rights and abilities of people with Down syndrome
