A few years ago, a current Junior at Seattle Prep, Lauren Fridgen ‘26, decided to hold a neighborhood summer camp unaware it would become something larger. In her backyard, she taught and introduced cheerleading to many aspiring kids in her community. During this camp, she met 2 little girls with down syndrome and she was immediately inspired by their commitment and enthusiasm to learning about the sport.
“I wrote a research paper about how exercise impacts those with down syndrome and their cognitive abilities. It’s very beneficial for them to exercise for incremented periods everyday” mentioned Fridgen. Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome 21, leading to physical, intellectual, and developmental differences. Regular exercise is important for children with Down syndrome, helping them build strength and improve motor skills. However, many children with Down syndrome are often left out of sports and exercise programs because people may misunderstand their abilities or there may not be enough inclusive options available.
“Seeing their passion for cheerleading grow and how they grew themselves was inspiring. So that’s why I decided to start this,” said Fridgen. After researching Down Syndrome, Fridgen began her journey to create a summer camp solely for children with Downs.
She started to reach out and now partners with a handful of organizations such as Connect Cheer, the Local Down Syndrome Center, and the National Down Syndrome Society. She is also currently working on expanding her camps to new markets, and even possibly Los Angeles.
“There is a large population of people with Down Syndrome in Washington and globally. They’re recognized within schools with aids and other resources but in terms of programs, especially exercise programs, it’s very limited.” She pointed out.
Creating specialized camps for kids with Downs is an example of how service projects can help foster inclusion and social change. This kind of service project is a powerful way to contribute to the lives of children with disabilities while also raising awareness about Downs.
“My goal and my mission are to spread awareness for this and make it known that exercise is needed for everyone,” Fridgen said. Fridgen’s cheerleading camp is more than learning to cheer; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, improving physical and emotional health, and creating lasting friendships. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, her cheer camps are breaking down barriers and showing the world that every child, no matter their abilities, can shine.
Outlets like Fridgen’s cheerleading camp serve as an important aspect of social justice, advocating for equal access to opportunities and challenging societal norms that often marginalize individuals with disabilities. Her camp embodies the core principles of social justice—equity, inclusion, and fairness—by offering children with Downs the same opportunities as any other.
“They deserve awareness just as much as everyone else.”
