Ages 13+
Co-Hosed by DSASNJ & BUDS

Join us for a fun evening hayride out to the corn maze (bring your own flashlight) and then on to a private bonfire at Indian Acres Tree Farm!. We’ll roast marshmallows for s’mores and enjoy hot chocolate and apple cider donuts by the fire.

Ages 13 to 20 MUST attend with a parent chaperone. Parents are encouraged to stay to chaperone around the bonfire.

Place: Indian Acres, 111 Tuckerton Road, Medford, NJ 08055 http://indianacrestreefarm.com/

Time: 5:30pm-8:15pm (arrive no later than 5:45pm or the tractor will leave without you at 6pm)

RSVP: By 10/17 -  Please indicate if you require gluten-free.

What to Bring: Bring a camping chair and/or blanket if desired, flashlight, and water bottle.

CHOP Buddy Walk & Family Fun Day                                      

We made the difficult decision to not host our own BUDS Buddy Walk this year. Instead, we’ve registered as the “Bringing Up Down Syndrome” team at the CHOP Buddy Walk. For all of the families over the past almost 30 years who have loved our walk, the comradery, and the lasting friendships, we hope you’ll join our team at the CHOP Buddy Walk. The day will be filled with fun activities for the entire family including moon bounces, carnival games, face painting, an auction, sweepstakes and much more! (Note: 100% of funds raised from the CHOP Buddy Walk help support the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Trisomy 21 Program.)

Place: Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Way, Philadelphia, PA

Time: 
9:30am: Registration
10:30am: Event Program
11:30am: Ceremonial Lap Begins
1pm: Event Concludes

Pre-register by October 17 to join the BUDS Team

Miniature Golf - Ages 12 & Under

Join us for a fun round of miniature golf! Golf Land, which offers mini golf and a pitch-and-putt course has been around for more than 60 years. In March, it was slated to permanently close after the long-time manager passed away. A new management team is reopening it with the mini-golf course first and pitch-and-putt will be offered later once the course is in playable condition. The Golf Land website says “We strive to make golf fun and approachable, along with keeping this green space open and available to everyone.” The actual golfing is for your family member who has Down syndrome and one person to assist them, if needed. Depending on how many people sign up, we may possibly be able to include other family members..

Place: Voorhees Golf Land, 801 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043, https://www.voorheesgolfland.com/

Time: Tee times begin at 1pm

RSVP: By October 1

What to Bring: Families are invited to bring their own drinks and snacks.

Hayride & Pumpkin Picking - Ages 12 & Under
Co-Hosted by DSASNJ & BUDS

Hayride for the family includes kids picking a pumpkin. There’s no cost for the child with Down syndrome plus 3 immediate family members with 2 picking pumpkins. More family members are welcome and can purchase tickets at Indian Acres. Please arrive a few minutes early as the hayride will begin promptly at 10:30.

Place: Indian Acres, 111 Tuckerton Road, Medford, NJ 08055 http://indianacrestreefarm.com/

RSVP: By October 3

What to Bring: Families are invited to pack a picnic lunch and drinks. There will be a designated tent area where you’ll be able to sit down and enjoy fellowship with each other.

Vets in Training - Ages 8-12
Hosted by DSASNJ

DSASNJ is partnering with House Paws Veterinary Services to offer “Vets in Training” which is a 5-week program focusing on animal care and safety for children. It’s on Saturdays 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25 and 11/8. The class has a limit of 20 students, and the cost is $25 per student for all 5 sessions. DSASNJ is paying for the majority of the program but is asking families to pay a small portion of the total fee.

There are two different sessions (Ages 8 to 12 at 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and (Ages 13 to 17 at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) Be sure to register for the correct age group.

Place: The Rancocas School House, 201 Main Street, Rancocas, NJ 08073,
https://housepaws.us/vets-in-training/

RSVP: By September 25

Vets in Training - Ages 13-17
Hosted by DSASNJ

DSASNJ is partnering with House Paws Veterinary Services to offer “Vets in Training” which is a 5-week program focusing on animal care and safety for children. It’s on Saturdays 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25 and 11/8. The class has a limit of 20 students, and the cost is $25 per student for all 5 sessions. DSASNJ is paying for the majority of the program but is asking families to pay a small portion of the total fee.

There are two different sessions (Ages 8 to 12 at 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and (Ages 13 to 17 at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) Be sure to register for the correct age group.

Place: The Rancocas School House, 201 Main Street, Rancocas, NJ 08073,
https://housepaws.us/vets-in-training/

RSVP: By September 25

Dinner at Benihana (Pennsauken, NJ) - Age: 18+
Hosted by DSASNJ

Join us for a fun evening with good food and great friends at Benihana. The dinner is for the adults who have Down syndrome (maximum 20). There are 2 tables of 10 reserved for a hibachi style dinner. Parents or guardians are welcome to stay and enjoy dinner on their own or drop off but stay in the general area in case they are needed for anything.

Place: Benihana, 5255 Marlton Pike, Pennsauken, NJ 08109

RSVP: RSVP has closed for this event

Welcome Back Dinner at Kaminski’s (Cherry Hill, NJ)

If you’ve hosted any of our events in the past, please join us! If you’re new and willing to host at  least one of our social events, this is the dinner for you! It’s a great way to meet new friends. Come with your ideas for new activities. It’s actually pretty easy--you let us know your idea, you pick a date, we schedule it, pay for it, and you generally just need to be the “contact” person on the day of the event. We’d love to welcome at least two new hosts to our team in each age group (“Kids” 7 & Under; “Tweeners” 8 to 12; “Teens & Young Adults 13 to 17; and Adults 18+).

*We’re currently in need of hosts for the Santa Breakfast.

Place: Kaminski’s Restaurant, 1424 Brace Road, Cherry Hill, NJ

RSVP: RSVP directly to Nancy Hennefer at nhennefer@comcast.net

Be sure to include in your email any suggestions, activities you’d be willing to host, and any other ideas you may have regarding activities. Your adult over 18+ family member who has Down syndrome is welcome to attend with you.