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+

Breakfast with Santa
Dec
14

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.

www.thepopshopusa.com

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.            

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New Year’s Eve Bowling
Dec
31

New Year’s Eve Bowling

  • Laurel Lanes Bowling & Entertainment Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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!

https://laurellanesnj.com/        

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Bill Scully Memorial Walk
Nov
17

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.

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Top Golf / Over 18 Night Out
Nov
11
to Nov 13

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.

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Over 18 Battle of the Axes
Nov
8
to Nov 13

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.

https://burythehatchet.com/axe-throwing-cherry-hill/

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Fundamental Hoops Basketball Clinic
Nov
2

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.

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Hayride & Cook Out
Oct
19

Hayride & Cook Out

Ages 13-20 / Co-Hosted by BUDS & DSASNJ

Join us at Indian Acres for a fun hayride to our private bonfire site where we’ll cook hot dogs and s’mores. Ages 13 to 20 MUST attend with a parent chaperone. Parents are encouraged to stay to chaperone around the bonfire.

http://indianacrestreefarm.com/

Wear sneakers, jeans or sweats, bring a water bottle and jacket. You may also bring a small collapsible chair or a blanket if you want to sit around the bonfire.

RSVP on Sign Up Genius and indicate of you require gluten free.

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Hayride & Pumpkin Picking
Oct
19

Hayride & Pumpkin Picking

Ages 12 and Under / Co-Hosted by BUDS & DSASNJ

BUDS has been hosting pumpkin picking event for over 25 years. Come on out for this group favorite that BUDS & DSASNJ are co-hosting, enjoy the bouncy house, playground, and the hayride out to the corn maze and pumpkin patch to pick that special pumpkin.

http://indianacrestreefarm.com/

Please note that no food or beverages will be provided. 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.

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BUDS Buddy Walk
Oct
6

BUDS Buddy Walk

Register now for the 2024 Bringing Up Down Syndrome (BUDS) Buddy Walk! The Walk will take place on Sunday, October 6 at Washington Lake Park from 10am-1pm.

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NDSC ANNUAL CONVENTION
Jul
25
to Jul 28

NDSC ANNUAL CONVENTION

  • JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

FAMILY - NDSC ANNUAL CONVENTION IN PHOENIX
Consider planning your summer vacation to attend the NDSC convention. It rotates through the U.S. at various North, South, East and West locations.
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World Down Syndrome Day
Mar
20
to Mar 21

World Down Syndrome Day

  • Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

FAMILY - WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY & ADVOCACY CONFERENCE
Spend “World Down Syndrome Day” on Capitol Hill advocating for the Down syndrome community.
.

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Winter Wonderland Dance
Feb
23

Winter Wonderland Dance

AGES HIGH SCHOOL & ADULT: HOSTED BY EASTERN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Get your dancing shoes ready and spend the night with friends old and new at Eastern’s Winter Wonderland Dance hosted by the “Success Club.”
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