Peer Buddies

The Peer Buddies Program at Courageous Community Services brings people together to build meaningful friendships and inclusive experiences. By pairing individuals with developmental disabilities with community peers and volunteers, this program fosters connection, confidence, and a true sense of belonging.

At its core, Peer Buddies is about creating opportunities for individuals to engage socially, participate in the community, and form lasting relationships.

Peer Buddies are neurotypical children ages 7 through 17. These individuals join us for the day camp sessions and work cooperatively with their assigned Courageous Acres Counselor to provide a meaningful camping experience for one peer with disabilities within the same age range. The Peer Buddy must be positive, enthusiastic role models and friends to our campers and have a caring, compassionate heart.
A Peer Buddy is a volunteer that is a typically developing, same-aged student that is paired up with a camper with a disability at Courageous Acres. Being a peer buddy encourages positive social interactions and social relationships to develop between students with and without disabilities.

The Peer Buddies Program in Northwest Ohio is designed to support both participants and volunteers through enriching, shared experiences.

Participants gain:

-Increased confidence and independence

-Improved social and communication skills

-Greater community involvement

-Strong, supportive friendships

Peer buddies gain:

-Leadership and mentoring experience

-A deeper understanding of inclusion and disability awareness

-Opportunities to make a meaningful impact