Zebra Crossings COVID-19 Statement January 2024

Programs That Empower

We offer a diverse range of programs throughout the year that allow children with

chronic health conditions to renew their spirits in a positive peer community.

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.

Click here for more information about Camp Blue Sky.

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

Day Programs – Check out our new day programs page here.

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)

HOW TO APPLY

Our goal is to set every child up for success in our programs and to ensure we can accommodate their needs. New families are welcome to visit us at a program. It is a great opportunity to see our community in action, meet our staff and ask questions. If you would like to speak with a family or medical volunteer, we will gladly connect you.

If you would like to learn more about our programs, please email [email protected] or fill out the form below. Please include your child’s name, age, and medical condition, as well as your contact information. We will be happy to discuss your child’s medical condition, other support needed, and your goals for your child’s participation.

Step 1: Register online to start the basic application. Our staff will contact you if we have any questions. Once we know that Zebra Crossings will be a positive, fun experience for your child and that we can accommodate their needs, we will go to step 2.

Step 2: Submit the medical forms. Complete applications will be reviewed by our committee for eligibility. Families will be notified within two weeks.

Once approved for our programs, parents can either use the online registration portal or email [email protected] to register their child for our programs.

GET TO KNOW US

Each child is unique but they also have a lot in common and can relate to each other because of their conditions. On their own, they often stand out in their communities because of their perceived limitations or needs. However, in our community, we find strength in numbers and feel empowered. The Zebra Crossings team is devoted to furthering this mission.

Learn More About Us

“Before camp my son was embarrassed to go to the nurse. He wouldn’t take meds before gym, and then tried to hide his asthma symptoms and chest/lung pain.” Since camp, my son has been willing to take albuterol before gym class, has been more confident and willing to participate in groups with active outdoor activities.”

- Asthma Camp Parent

“Zebra Crossings has given my children a power they never would have learned to unleash. Here, they feel accepted, encouraged and understood. They are taught that what they believe to be their inadequacies, can really be the fire that burns inside of them and makes them a stronger, more courageous, and joyous person. Truly, Zebra Crossings has changed our lives for the better.”

- Thaia Katsos

“It is an amazing experience to not feel alone in the world. To meet and share some wonderful kid stories has given me and my family so much hope for the future”

- Family Camp Parent

“Zebra Crossings is a fun place where you can go and feel safe because they understand how you feel. You get to express yourself and experience all kinds of things and nothing holds you back.”

- Luke, age 10

“I am not sure there are many places where there are such kind, caring people. It is also a place where others have chronic illnesses, some the same as yours. It makes it a lot of fun to just talk and relate to someone that you can’t necessarily do at school.”

- Teen participant