The Importance of Play
Young people need to have opportunities to be engaged in interactive play, through which they learn to interact with others and feel a sense of belonging. They feel empowered in a safe and supportive community that allows them to learn new skills, and to explore their values and beliefs. These opportunities help shape their thinking and attitudes.
Positive experiences away from home will help them build confidence and self-esteem. Our participants will be able to apply their learning in their home communities with the belief that they are capable to influence their own future in a positive way.
Our youth and teen programs serve children with a variety of chronic medical conditions, and their families. Medical conditions include (but are not limited to): asthma, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, heart defects, hemophilia, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, severe allergies and skin conditions.
Family Weekend Programs
Betsy’s Camp – Cloves Syndrome – June 14 – 17, 2024 Registration is now open for this camp! Click here to register
- Betsy’s Camp is a family camp that focuses on community, connection, relaxation, and fun.
- Held annually at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in Greenfield, NH.
- Email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Camp Blue Sky – Down Syndrome – April 20 – 21, 2024 Registration is now open for this camp! Click here to register
- This weekend will bring together youth & young adults (ages 6-25) with Down syndrome and their families for an inspiring and relaxing family camp.
- This camp offers age appropriate activities for all campers.
- New in 2024 – Zebra Crossings invites young adults ages 18 – 25 with Down Syndrome and their families to camp. Activities for this group will focus on wellness, boosting confidence and motivation, encouraging social engagement, building friendships, and having FUN!
- Program partner: American Youth Foundation
- View our 2024 Camp Blue Sky Flyer
- Camp Scholarships available, email [email protected] for more information.
Camp Spinnaker – Asthma – August 15 – 18, 2024
- Camp Spinnaker is returning, this time as a family camp! This program is for children with asthma and their families, and it will be held at Camp Merrowvista in Tuftonboro, NH.
- This program is designed with your child’s medical needs in mind, while providing the whole family with a classic camp experience. Join us as we spend a few days swimming in the lake, climbing on the ropes course, and sitting around the campfire at night.
- In addition to the fun classic camp activities families will learn about asthma management in educational sessions provided by McGregor Memorial EMS.
- 2024 Flyer Coming soon
Heart Family Camp – Congenital Heart Defect – Stayed tuned for our 2024 dates.
- Launched in April 2016, this weekend retreat provides a supportive community for families of children (ages 2-12) with a Congenital Heart Defect
- Program partner: It’s My Heart New England Chapter
- 2024 Flyer coming soon
Marine Science Fun – April 24, 2024
2pm – 4pm @ The Seacoast Science Center, Rye, NH
Join us for a fun afternoon of marine science exploration.
- Open to families of children with chronic medical illness.
- Cost – FREE
- For more information or to register please email: [email protected] or call: (603) 312-2052, ext. 4
At The Farm – May 25, 2024
1pm – 2:30pm @ Three Sisters Farm, South Berwick, Maine
Join Zebra Crossings for an introduction to farming. We will learn a little about farming and plant some seeds to take home, we may even get to visit with some baby goats.
- Open to families of children with chronic medical illness.
- Cost – FREE
- For more information or to register please email: [email protected] or call: (603) 312-2052, ext. 4
Beachcomber’s Bento Box – June 29, 2024
9am – 11am @ Ogunquit, Maine
Join us for a relaxing morning at the beach, combing for “treasures”.
- Open to families of children with chronic medical illness.
- Cost – FREE
- For more information or to register please email: [email protected] or call: (603) 312-2052, ext. 4
Open Airways Virtual Asthma Program (ages 8-11)
We are excited to be working with the NH Asthma Control Program to run an “Open Airways for Schools” curriculum as developed by the American Lung Association.
This program, for youth ages 8-11 includes six skill building sessions on asthma education. Within these six sessions your camper will learn about asthma and how it affects them, how to recognize their triggers, know when to get help, set up an asthma action plan, and learn how to relax during an attack. At the end of the program they will receive a certificate to show that they are ready to carry their own quick relief inhaler at school, or at any of their programs, with confidence. An asthma action plan will be filled out, so everyone will be able to work together to better care for your child’s wellness.
2021 Open Airways Flyer for details.
This pilot program is free. We ask families commit to attending all four sessions. We will periodically be adding new sessions based on interest and enrollment, contact [email protected] for further information and to be added to the waiting list. New dates will be announced when we have enough campers interested to run the program.
General Admission Guidelines
Our goal is to empower as many participants as possible, help them to pursue their goals and to realize their full potential within our program objectives, staffing model and resources.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants, our general admission guidelines include that participants must be able to:
- Shower, toilet, dress and feed themselves independently and with minimal supervision
- Walk 150 yards unassisted and without extreme fatigue – the use of a wheelchair to aid in transitions may be considered
- Verbally communicate their needs with our staff
- Participate in group activities supervised at a 1:8 staff to camper ratio level
- Have a completed Medical Provider Form indicating the appropriate activity level for participation (not required for virtual programs)