The mission of this project is to create an opportunity for high school students with intellectual disabilities to perform on stage with leaders who will adapt to their needs. It increases confidence, helps to manage anxiety, helps teach a positive group dynamic, and creates a supportive environment. For families of participants, it is a joyful and prideful memory that will last forever. Volunteers learn the special gifts of working with and befriending people with intellectual disabilities. This program was started as a Girl Scout Gold Award project, and it proved to be rewarding for everyone involved from participants to volunteers. The most important aspect of leading this program is a desire to befriend others and to have fun!

• Be flexible, not everything will go to plan!

• The overall goal is for everyone to have fun and gain confidence.

• Anything can be performed on stage, find your talents and get creative!

• Keep parents updated, they want to hear about their kids and anything they need to do at home to help.

I do want you know how much we cherish and appreciate the opportunity and experience you offered ____, ____, and the entire Best Buddies NA team through the planning of the Best Buddies Talent show.  The joy and pride we saw as the team rehearsed and performed the show is something we will never forget.  It is activities like these that deliver extraordinary memories for us all but also result in building confidence that the team will carry with them forever.

The generosity shown through the effort and time you all made to prepare the showcase not only shows how special you all are personally but also your commitment to creating a truly special environment at North Allegheny.