Adult Programs for Individuals with Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte
Adulthood in the Down syndrome community is full of possibility. As interests, skills, and independence continue to grow and evolve, meaningful opportunities are often limited. The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte (DSAGC) is committed to changing that.
We support and empower adults with Down syndrome through inclusive, community-based programming that promotes independence, self-advocacy, vocational readiness, and confidence as contributing members of their communities.
Our Adult Programming Opportunities
UPside Club
Social Club for Teens & Adults with Down Syndrome
The UPside Club is a welcoming social club for teens and adults with Down syndrome and their friends. There is no membership required—just RSVP, show up and join in!
Participants gather for a wide variety of social, recreational, and skill-building activities, including:
Golf, bowling, and fitness outings
Brunches and social meetups
Workshops and life-skills activities
Volunteer opportunities and community engagement
The UPside Club creates inclusive social connections while encouraging independence and confidence in real-world settings.
Abilities Employment Symposium + Job Fair
Inclusive Employment & Vocational Readiness
The Abilities Employment Symposium & Job Fair is an annual event designed to connect individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to inclusive employers and workforce resources.
Participants have the opportunity to:
Network with employers committed to inclusive hiring
Participate in mock interviews with Bank of America professionals
Engage in interactive breakout sessions focused on job readiness
This event is collaboratively planned and hosted by:
DSAGC, Lifespan Services, KennedyStrong Foundation, AllAbility Solutions, Work Together NC, and Philips Academy.
DSAGC Adult Weekend Retreat
CAMP REGISTRATION HERE (opens March 1, 2026)
SPRING Retreat –May 15-17th, 2026(Lake Wylie area)
FALL Retreat–September 18-20th, 2026 (Lake Wylie area)
Overnight Camp Experience for Adults with Down Syndrome (Ages 18+)
DSAGC hosts two Adult Weekend Retreats each year at YMCA Camp Thunderbird near Lake Wylie, South Carolina. These retreats provide a 3-day, 2-night overnight camp experience for adults with Down syndrome ages 18 and older.
Key features include:
3:1 participant-to-counselor ratio
Vocational training and life-skills support
Peer connection, team and independence-building
- Engaging in new and exciting camp activities
Inclusion of collaborative groups to bring in variety of activities
Vocational & Life Skills Focus
Participants build confidence and independence through:
Soft Skills for Success
Appropriate communication
Teamwork and vocational readiness activities (volunteer activities)
Camp & Recreation Activities
In addition to skill-building, participants enjoy classic camp fun:
Canoeing & kayaking
Hiking & fishing
Ziplining & ropes courses
Team-building challenges
Slip ’N Slide, dance parties, and campfires with s’mores
Scholarships Available
Eligible families may apply for financial assistance through the Angel Guyeska Scholarship, which supports camp and retreat participation.
To apply:
Visit the camp/retreat registration site
Create an account
Complete the scholarship application in the “Camper/Participant Information” section
Learn More or Get Involved
For additional information about adult programming, please contact:
Victoria Coles
Program & Community Outreach Director
victoria.coles@dsa-gc.org
