Event Calendar
SOCIAL GROUP AGE GUIDELINES
They are guidelines only, and we combine age groups for some events.
KIDS: Ages 7 & under
TWEENERS: Ages 8-12
TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS Ages 13-17
ADULTS: Ages 18+
Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge
All Ages
Nancy Scully will have a team again (Scully’s Pink Nightmares) in memory of her husband and Erin’s Dad, Bill Scully (our SONJ soccer and bocce coach) and his uncle who both passed away in 2023. The Scully’s have plunged for many years, and we continue to honor Bill by joining the Scully family’s team at the plunge. We hope to see even more of our BUDS and DSASJ families and friends at this annual fundraiser, and you don’t have to be a SONJ athlete to participate.
The Polar Bear Plunge in Wildwood is so much more than an icy dip into the Atlantic Ocean. SONJ provides year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health screenings to thousands of athletes. All of these programs and services are completely FREE thanks to fundraising events like the Polar Bear Plunge at Wildwood.
Registration: The registration link is not yet available. If you’re not up for plunging, you can also donate to the team and share the link with your friends, family and anyone else who may be interested.
Reimbursement: The donation to SONJ to participate in the plunge is $120 ($25 registration plus $95 donation). BUDS will provide reimbursement for your family member who has Down syndrome. Email a copy of your SONJ online registration receipt to Nancy Hennefer to request reimbursement at nhennefer@comcast.net.
Place: Wildwood Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference
Join the NDSS for the annual Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. This transformative three-day event brings together advocates, families, professionals, and individuals with Down syndrome to learn, connect, and inspire change on Capitol Hill. Immerse yourself in learning sessions, our community’s legislative priorities, and gain valuable resources to empower the Down syndrome community.
Location: The training portion of the conference will take place at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, Washington, D.C. There is a room block available at the hotel, and all participants are strongly encouraged to book their hotel room in advance. The third day of the conference will take place in the House and Senate office buildings on Capitol Hill in downtown Washington, D.C.
Reimbursement: We will reimburse your immediate family (parents/guardians) on behalf of your family member who has Down syndrome for the “registration” costs paid directly through the NDSS website (and not also reimbursed by any other organization). Travel and hotel are not included. Email a copy of your online registration receipt to Nancy Hennefer to request reimbursement at nhennefer@comcast.net.
National Down Syndrome Congress 54th Annual Convention
Consider planning your summer vacation to attend the NDSC convention. It rotates through the U.S. at various North, South, East and West locations. IT’S IN ORLANDO! There is a general convention for parents as well as a “Kids Camp,” “Brothers & Sisters Conference” and “Youth & Adults with DS Conference.”
Place: The hotel link isn’t available yet.
Registration: Registration opens on March 10, 2026 and be sure to register early if you plan to attend the “Youth & Adults with DS Conference” since it fills up to capacity early. Online registration is at www.ndsccenter.org
Reimbursement: We will reimburse your immediate family (parents/guardians) on behalf of your family member who has Down syndrome for the “registration” costs paid directly through the NDSC website (and not also reimbursed by any other organization). This can include any combination of individual or family registration fees, teen & young adult conference fee, sibling conference fee, kid’s camp, etc. We do not reimburse travel costs or meals. Email a copy of your online registration receipt to Nancy Hennefer to request reimbursement at nhennefer@comcast.net
13th Annual New Year’s Eve Bowling
Ages: 13 + Up
Join us for our 13th annual New Year's Eve bowling party! There will be a DJ, dance contests, door prizes, hats & noise makers, decorations, pizza, snacks, dessert and a New Year's "count down" at 7:30. This is one of our most popular events. BUDS / DSASNJ Teens & Adults (ages 13 and over) are invited to bowl. Parents should plan on staying to assist with supervision and enjoy each other's fellowship. We can accommodate a maximum of 36 bowlers, and the sign up period ends 12/01/25. If we reach 36 prior to 12/01/25, sign ups will be closed early. Bowling is only for our members who have Down syndrome. When you RSVP, register the bowler ONLY and leave a comment how many others will be attending. Hope you can join us! https://laurellanesnj.com/
Place: Laurel Lanes Bowling & Entertainment Center, 2825 Route 73 South, Maple Shade, NJ 08052 https://laurellanesnj.com/
“Wicked: For Good” Movie
Ages: 13 + Up
Wicked Part 2 “Wicked: For Good” Movie at AMC Voorhees 16
Join your hostesses Laura and Rachel Williams for a movie at AMC Voorhees. We'll be seeing "Wicked Part 2 Wicked: For Good." If you enjoyed "Wicked: Part 1" then you're probably excited to see Part 2. It's more fun to see it with friends! For ages 13 to 21, one parent or guardian should plan to stay as a chaperone. For ages 21 and older, parents are welcome to drop off or stay. BUDS will pay for 2 tickets. If other family members would like to attend, you're welcome to purchase additional tickets on your own. The movie starts at 4:00 p.m. so be sure to arrive no later than 3:30.
Place: AMC Voorhees 16, 900 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043
Time: 3:30-6PM
Visit Santa at McNaughton's Walk Through Christmas Display
All Ages
McNaughton's is once again transforming into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, animatronic displays that will delight kids and adults. Stroll through the holiday scenes at your own pace and don't forget your camera. Santa will be there and you can snap your own photos with him. Meet us between 1:00 an 1:30 inside McNaughton's to pick up your family's ticket (near the cash register area). Feel free to shop for your Christmas tree or decorations while you're there! All ages are welcome!
Location: McNaughton's Garden Center 351 Kresson Rd, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08034
Time: 1-2:30pm
Holiday Fun in Philly
Ages: 18+
It's been a while since Toni Slowinski has hosted this favorite! We'll board the PATCO train to Philly and walk to the fun holiday attractions. The iconic "Wanamaker Light Show" is back with "Dickin's Village." This will be the last chance to experience these two attractions for a couple of years as they are set to go on hiatus for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. We'll also visit the "Comcast Holiday Spectacular" and "Christmas Village." Parent chaperones are required, and be sure to dress warmly since we'll be walking outside in Center City. For questions, please email Toni Slowinski at tonislowinski@yahoo.com. If needed on the day of the event, Toni's cell number is (609) 828-0783.
Location: Meet at the Woodcrest PATCO Station
Time: 10:30am-3pm
Bill Scully Memorial Walk
All Ages
Join Nancy, Erin, Jake and Ryan Scully and their families as they honor Bill Scully and raise funds for the Scully Family Foundation. Bill was killed in a tragic accident on the night of November 15, 2022. He worked as a guidance counselor at Sterling High School and was the head volleyball coach. Bill also coached the BUDS Special Olympics soccer and bocce ball teams. The Scully Family has provided scholarships to deserving students at Sterling and provided donations to other groups and causes in memory of Bill. Let’s help them continue to carry on Bill’s legacy.
Cost: $20 registration, Venmo @NancyScully
Place: Haddon Lake Park, Audubon, NJ
Dine & Donate: to follow at the Old Rail Tavern, 11am-1pm (no flyer needed)
All proceeds go to the Scully Family Foundation 5013c
Hayride & Bonfire
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dinner + Social Activity Planning Meeting
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.
Mother’s Day Tea
Co-Hosted by DSASNJ & BUDS
Moms you deserve a break! Join us for a delicious tea with friends old and new.
NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference
Join the NDSS for the annual Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference.
Bowling
Ages: 13+ | Hosted by DSASNJ
Come out and enjoy a fun afternoon of bowling and pizza with friends.
Bowling
Ages: 12 & Under | Hosted by DSASNJ
Come out and enjoy a fun afternoon of bowling and pizza with friends.
Guest Bartender
Spend “World Down Syndrome Day” on Capitol Hill advocating for the Down syndrome community.
Pool Party at Riverwinds
All Ages | Hosted by DSASNJ
Come swim with your family and DSASNJ friends and enjoy pizza and snacks afterwards.
Winter Wonderland Dance
Age: High School & Adult
We're so excited that Eastern Regional High School is hosting this popular dance again. It was historically hosted by the "Interact Club" and is now being coordinated by Eastern's "Success Club."
New Year’s Eve Bowling
Ages 13+
12th Annual New Year’s Eve Bowling Party Join us for our 11th annual New Year’s Eve bowling party! There will be a DJ, dance contests, door prizes, hats & noisemakers, decorations, pizza, snacks, dessert and a New Year’s “count down” at 7pm.
This is one of our most popular events. BUDS / DSASNJ Teens & Adults (ages 13 and older) are invited to bowl.
Parents should plan on staying to assist with supervision and enjoy each other’s fellowship. We can accommodate a maximum of 36 bowlers. Sign-ups will be closed once we reach 36. Hope you can join us!
Zumba Holiday Dance Class
All Ages
Art in Motion is once again offering a dance program for individuals with special needs of all ages.
Wear your favorite holiday outfits for this last class before the holidays.
Breakfast with Santa
Ages 12 and Under / Co-Hosted by BUDS & DSASNJ
Back by popular demand is our annual breakfast with Santa. BUDS been hosting an event with Santa for over 30 years, and this year we’re co-hosting with DSASNJ. This event quickly reaches capacity (90) so please be sure to RSVP early! Please limit your RSVP to only your immediate family so there is space for all of our children who have Down syndrome to attend. When you RSVP, provide the names of all attendees, the number of adults, number of children and their ages. Santa will provide a gift for each child.
Please be there by 8:30 to be seated and in time for Santa.
Breakfast will include scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, home fries, danish and muffins.
Zumba Dance Class
All Ages
Art in Motion is once again offering a dance program for individuals with special needs of all ages.
Zumba Dance Class
All Ages
Art in Motion is once again offering a dance program for individuals with special needs of all ages.
Bill Scully Memorial Walk
Scully Family Foundation Fundraiser
Join Nancy, Erin, Jake and Ryan Scully and their families as they honor Bill Scully and raise funds for the Scully Family Foundation. Bill was killed in a tragic accident on the night of November 15, 2022. He worked as a guidance counselor at Sterling High School and was the head volleyball coach. Bill also coached the BUDS Special Olympics soccer and bocce ball teams. The Scully Family has provided scholarships to deserving students at Sterling and provided donations to other groups and causes in memory of Bill. Let’s help them continue to carry on Bill’s legacy.
Top Golf / Over 18 Night Out
Ages 18+
Come join your friends at Top Golf for “Half Price Monday!” No experience is required, and golf clubs are provided for everyone. The actual golfing is only for the adults who have Down syndrome. Parents are encouraged to stay, help chaperone, facilitate the golfing, and enjoy fellowship with other parents. There will be light appetizers (boneless wings, cheese & charcuterie, tortilla chips, queso, cheese dip, and mini corn dogs).
https://topgolf.com/us/mount-laurel/
Capacity has been met for this event.
Over 18 Battle of the Axes
Ages 18+ / Co-Hosed DSASNJ & BUDS
Join us for a fun evening of ax throwing and pizza at Bury the Hatchet! Note all attendees must wear close-toe shoes. Parents will not participate, and coaches will be available to assist. It will be noisy, so please bring ear protection for anyone with sensitive ears. There is a 30-person limit for the ax throwers!
Please indicate any food allergies in your RSVP.
Zumba Dance Class
All Ages
Art in Motion is once again offering a dance program for individuals with special needs of all ages.
Fundamental Hoops Basketball Clinic
Ages 16+ / Co-Ed / Taught by “Fundamental Hoops” Coaches, Including BUDS Dad Tony DiCaro
Join us for an inclusive basketball clinic at Fundamental Hoops designed for athletes ages 16 and older with diverse abilities. This clinic will focus on skill development, teamwork, and fun in a supportive environment. Participants will engage in tailored drills and games led by experienced coaches, fostering confidence and camaraderie on the court. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, everyone is welcome! Come be part of an empowering experience that celebrates the joy of basketball.
Place: Marlton Field House, 785 E. Main Street, Marlton, NJ 08053, https://www.marltonfieldhouse.com/
You MUST register in advance and sign the waiver for participation.