Asthma Programs

Camp Spinnaker - August 11-16, 2013

Camp Spinnaker is a six-day residential camp for children ages 8-12 with asthma. Priority will be given to children who require daily medication and/or who have not previously been to an asthma camp. The camp is operated by Zebra Crossings in partnership with the Pediatric Pulmonary Department at New Hampshire’s Hospital for Children.

How did we choose the camp name?

A spinnaker is a special type of sail that is designed specifically for sailing downwind. When the spinnaker fills with wind (like our lungs fill with air) and balloons out in front of the boat, it is called flying. Our camp aims just to do that…. Be a place that lets kids soar and reach their full potential.

Within a fun and engaging environment, the camp is designed to promote self-confidence and help campers learn to manage their own asthma.

Join the Fun

Overnight camp is a wonderful way to help your child connect with friends who have a common understanding of their needs. Together they can support each other in reaching their goals. With the guidance of our staff team, kids learn valuable social skills and work together in their cabins, activities, and daily interactions.

Campers will be part of cabin groups based on age and will participate in a few cabin group activities every day.

A broad range of co-ed activity choices are offered each day,including archery, arts/crafts, swimming, performing arts, sports, nature activities, and canoeing. Meals and evenings activities will be spent with the entire camp community and will be full of exciting group games, events, talent shows, and more.

In addition to all the camp activities, an extensive asthma education component is integrated in the program. All educational sessions are conducted by professional asthma educators. The curriculum is age appropriate, experiential and fun in nature.

Program Outcomes

We believe that our participants will leave our program with:

• Increased self-confidence and sense of independence.
• Inspiration to live life to the fullest.
• Desire to seek opportunities and to achieve goals.
• Awareness to take responsibility for their own health.
• A better understanding of asthma, triggers and medications.
• Ability to recognize asthma symptoms and take appropriate action.

Camp Location

Camp Spinnaker is hosted by Camp Winaukee in Moultonborough, NH. This camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. Cabins have electricity and are located close together along the beach overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. Campers are housed by gender and age group. At least one counselor will be in the cabin with additional adults in nearby cabins. For more details visit www.winaukee.com.

Program Staff & Volunteers

Zebra Crossings’ program staff are well-trained youth development leaders that are dedicated to providing a positive camp experience. We are also supported by a team of volunteers who enjoy being part of our community and want to make a difference in the lives of children with asthma.

Astrid Wielens, Executive Director, has a long history working with youth and families for the American Youth Foundation (AYF). She served AYF for 14 years and held many positions including Program and Site Director.

Medical Oversight

Camp Spinnaker is staffed by a team of health professionals with experience in the care of children with asthma. Terry Spencer, M.D., Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine at New Hampshire’s Hospital for Children is the camp Medical Director. Lisa Waller, PA-C, will serve as an on-site medical provider. The 24-hour volunteer medical team will also include respiratory therapists and nurses to attend to routine and emergency health needs of campers.

Camp Fee: $400

Asthma Camp Registration

To register online click on this link and submit the registration form by May 1, 2013. Anyone willing to travel to Camp Spinnaker may join us...so we welcome campers from the New England region!

Excited for camp? Here are the next steps:

1. Please complete the program application form online.
2. Your family will be sent a camp application packet which includes a camper profile and health form. Closely review the admission guidelines included in this packet prior to submitting your full application.
3. Please return the completed application, along with the $25 registration fee (checks can be payable to “Zebra Crossings” or you may use this online Paypal link).
4. Once we have received the packet, you will be notified within 4 weeks regarding your child’s placement in camp. If Camp Spinnaker is not a good match for your child, your registration fee will be returned.
5. If you join us for camp, the remaining $375 will be due by July 1, 2013.

Camperships

If you need assistance with the camp fee, camperships are available. Please contact Astrid at Zebra Crossings for more information or any questions. We ask each family to pay what they can towards the camp fee to enable us to help as many children as possible to attend.

Program Sponsors

This program is supported through gifts from donors and sponsors. Because of their support, we are able to reduce the cost of camp for families and in addition we can provide some camperships. We are grateful for their generosity!