Down Syndrome Association of Delaware

06/04/2026

DSADE Executive Director Lauren Camp Gates and Outreach Coordinator Susan Blessington toured Camphill Soltane, a day program for adults with ID/DDs that also offers residential options. We loved getting a glimpse of the many offerings of this inclusive community, including horticulture, pottery, archery, a cafe, and more. Expect us back in the fall: they even have an apple orchard onsite!

We’re excited to partner with their Chester County, PA location for future DSADE events! Thanks to COO Kellie Smith and Executive Director Krysta Knaster for showing us around.

06/03/2026

A night at Woodside celebrating DSADE dads 🍦 Join us on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30 PM for a family meet-up at Woodside Farm Creamery. This coincides with Woodside’s Telescope Night—they’ll have telescopes throughout the grassy areas around Woodside Farms for everyone to check out the stars. Bring the whole crew, as all DSADE families are welcome. Plus, we’ll cover ice cream for the first ten DSADE dads who RSVP! Everyone else will cover their own ice cream. Let us know you’re coming by RSVPing here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/4pyYV_Qs9toaP5Y0JlKlBA?t=1780497198

06/02/2026

“Put these glasses on and pose” Friday Friends edition 😎 A few spots are left for Friday Friends karaoke night in Georgetown this Friday for teens and adults with Down syndrome and their invite friends. Sign up here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/I-zhnjod_VL_e0jcbOE7yw?t=1780422879

06/01/2026

We whipped up some omelettes at our last Youth Cooking class 🍳 Sign up for our next class on Wednesday, June 17 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington from 6:15 to 7:15 PM. Budding chefs learn basic cooking skills, while also having the opportunity to try new foods. Open to individuals with Down syndrome ages 8-17! Register here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/1ewQG4FZ5lkPRk2xFu9VEA?t=1780323821

05/31/2026

Next stop: Summer 2026! This is your last chance to apply for Days of Summer Camp—JUNE 1 is your FINAL day to register your loved one with Down syndrome (ages 3-13) and their siblings (ages 3-10)! iCan Swim Camp priority registration for individuals with Down syndrome ages 3+ also ends on June 1. After, we’ll open up spots to individuals with other ID/DDs. Don’t let this bus leave without you… save your seat today! Share this post or tag someone you want to see at camp this summer in the comments 💬

Info & applications here: https://dsadelaware.org/camps/

05/28/2026

It’s only four days until June 1, our application deadline for Days of Summer Camp and iCan Swim Camp! 🚨 If you need a reason to join us, hear from a few of our returning counselors—Aidan, Laurel, and Owen—about the impact volunteering at summer camp has had on them. Let this be your sign to apply for camp today either as a camper or volunteer here: https://dsadelaware.org/camps/

05/27/2026

Come with us to a night of Down to Box 💪 Tuesdays at Knockout Boxing in Newark are the best place to be! Did you know that Down to Box is open to not only individuals with Down syndrome ages 13+, but also to people with other intellectual and developmental disabilities (13+) too? If you want to try out Down to Box before you commit to a session, we’ve got you covered—we’ll pay for your first class. Please contact [email protected] for pricing and scholarship information. Improve coordination, build confidence, and get stronger by signing up for Down to Box here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/Uz0VwWOwHA-b3XfN8ifHlw?t=1717600697

05/26/2026

The beginnings of Down to Box, why an open mind is our only prerequisite for volunteers, and how disabilities are a part of ALL of our lives—DSADE Executive Director Lauren Camp Gates covers it all on the latest episode of the Delaware Community Foundation podcast, “How to (Not) Kill Your Community.” In this 15-minute episode, Lauren gives a crash course on the DSADE basics, including advocacy, outreach to Spanish-speaking families, engaging volunteers for a lifetime, and much more. Thank you, Delaware Community Foundation, for this opportunity to share what we do and for your continued support of our programs! Check out the episode here:

In this episode, Stuart Comstock-Gay speaks with the Executive Dire...

05/24/2026

A “just-because-we-love-them” shoutout to our favorite DJs at Sightline Events. Anyone who has been to a DSADE event like the DE Down Syndrome Walk & 5K or our annual gala knows how special this team is. They’re always playing the perfect song, capturing the best memories in their photo booth, and making sure the behind-the-scenes of our events runs smoothly. We just wanted to say THANK YOU for all you do for our community!

P.S. Did you know that Sightline will be DJing our Friday Friends Karaoke Night for teens and adults with Down syndrome on June 5?! Sign up to attend here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/I-zhnjod_VL_e0jcbOE7yw?t=1779385852

05/23/2026

Together We Are Strong 💙💛 This past week, DSADE Spanish Outreach Coordinator Ari Avila, along with DSADE Board President Brian Ray, attended the 2026 Latino Summit hosted by the Delaware Hispanic Commission. Joined by 600 event attendees, including Wilmington Mayor John Carney and Governor Matt Meyer, our team networked, shared resources, and celebrated the event’s theme, “Together We Are Strong.”

Ari remains a resource for all of our Spanish-speaking families of individuals with Down syndrome who are seeking support, connection, and guidance. Reach out to [email protected] or (302) 455-8705 to get in touch with her!