Downside Up Inc

06/19/2026

Camp Wakawalu family camp registration is OPEN for September 11-13 at Camp Lookout!!! Our very first (11 years ago) and our absolute favorite event is — Camp Wakawalu !!!! It is a weekend of fun for the whole family — dancing, outdoor play, movies, s’mores, fireside singing, yoga, nature crafts, scavenger hunts, art, fellowship, and so much more!!! Join us for the weekend or just Saturday.
- Jennifer Daniels Neal will be there for her amazing kid concert
- Noah Perales will be there to help campers create beautiful music.
- Jenny Peet will be there to explore nature & art
- Becky Byrns will be leading yoga for parents
- Robin Hyland & Phil Hyland will be there leading songs & fellowship
- Hearts and Hooves Corral will be there to share the joy of horse riding & hippo-therapy
- DJ Flint will be there getting Friday night hype
- Drew Eldridge will be there to capture all the special moments
- our fabulous counselors, kitchen staff, & volunteers will be there doing all the things to make it a weekend to remember🎉

We have a new addition called Sibling Circle that we are rolling out at camp - something super cool for the amazing siblings of children with disabilities💚💚 more info to come.
Please join us!!
Always a magical weekend 🦋
Link in bio

06/11/2026

🌿 An Update from Downside Up and Willow Primary 🌿

Over the past several months, we have been overwhelmed by the interest and excitement surrounding what many of you have come to know as The Willow School. We have spent many hours speaking with families throughout our community to better understand the ages, learning profiles, and support needs of the children who may benefit from a program like ours.

Those conversations confirmed two things: there is a tremendous need for additional educational options, and it is important that we grow thoughtfully so we can serve children and families well.

As our vision has continued to take shape, we have decided to update our name from The Willow School to Willow Primary. We believe this name better reflects our focus on supporting young learners while allowing us to grow intentionally over time.

We are also excited to share that we have recently secured a location in the North Shore area and anticipate beginning work in the space in mid-June. Over the coming months, we will be preparing the environment not only for Willow Primary, but also for expanded Downside Up programming and community events.

For Fall 2026, we will focus primarily on our preschool program while also welcoming a very small group of early elementary learners. Downside Up has successfully operated preschool programs for many years, and we have already secured the teachers needed for this program.

Rather than growing quickly, we are choosing to grow intentionally. Our community deserves a program that is built with excellence, not rushed into existence.

As we settle into our new space, we will continue evaluating community needs and exploring future growth opportunities for both Willow Primary and Downside Up.

Thank you for your encouragement, patience, and belief in this vision. We are excited for what lies ahead and look forward to sharing more updates soon.

💚The Downside Up Team

06/11/2026

What began with one woman's rejected vocation has grown into a unique contemplative community in rural France: the Little Sisters, Disciples of the Lamb, the world's only congregation that includes sisters with Down syndrome.
https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/meet-only-congregation-nuns-down-syndrome-little-sisters-disciples-lamb

06/08/2026

Way to go Lee🤍🤍🤍

We are proud to announce that we've received a grant to support the development of an inclusive postsecondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 💛

This one-year planning grant funded through the Tennessee Believes initiative is a meaningful step toward expanding access to academic growth, career readiness, independent living, and a true sense of belonging on campus for students transitioning from high school to college.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4uS78Rf

06/07/2026

💕💕
A heartfelt thank you to White Duck Taco for hosting such a generous Giveback Night and supporting the families we serve at Downside Up!!! We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and community spirit. What a perfect spot for families to enjoy music, movies, outdoor fun, food, & friends!! Thank you as well to everyone who came out to dine, donate, and show their support. Your kindness and generosity make a meaningful difference, and we truly appreciate each and every one of you!
🪿🪿🪿

06/07/2026

Just a little late on posting this, but wanted to make sure we gave a shoutout to Special Olympics & all involved🎉🥇🏆The Special Olympics is so much more than a competition—it is a celebration of courage, determination, and the incredible abilities of every athlete. For the athletes and their families, it brings joy, confidence, friendships, and unforgettable memories while showing that anything is possible with hard work and support. We are deeply grateful to the teachers, coaches, and volunteers whose dedication, encouragement, and patience help these athletes reach their full potential. Their commitment makes a lasting difference in countless lives and inspires all of us to believe in the power of inclusion, perseverance, and community. Thank you to our CCS Learning Center staff — we love you & appreciate your constant commitment to our athletes 💛

06/07/2026

Just a little late on posting this, but wanted to make sure we gave a shoutout to Special Olympics & all involved🎉🥇🏆The Special Olympics is so much more than a competition—it is a celebration of courage, determination, and the incredible abilities of every athlete. For the athletes and their families, it brings joy, confidence, friendships, and unforgettable memories while showing that anything is possible with hard work and support. We are deeply grateful to the teachers, coaches, and volunteers whose dedication, encouragement, and patience help these athletes reach their full potential. Their commitment makes a lasting difference in countless lives and inspires all of us to believe in the power of inclusion, perseverance, and community. Thank you to our CCS Learning Center staff — we love you & appreciate your constant commitment to our athletes 💛

06/07/2026

Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga 2026 🎉🎉🎉 was a HOT one, but our volunteers did an amazing job — as usual !!!! Cheering on the athletes & making sure they were fed & hydrated as they ran through Run Station 6 !!! was our energy filled Captain who led our group by her unstoppable example — thanks everyone for your hard work, excitement, & dedication!!! Your time & effort helped the athletes & DSU. Through the IM Foundation, we receive grant money for each volunteer, so everyone of you is important in the success💛💛💛 if you would like yo be a part of this wonderful event, the full Ironman will be here in September !!! Watch for details — we would love to have you at Run Station 6🏆