Empower. Connect. Care
When a child is diagnosed with asthma, a heart condition, diabetes or epilepsy, it can strike fear in the heart of a parent and their world changes. Distinguished by something that makes them different, possibly stigmatizes them, and often limits them in some ways, the child’s self-image is fundamentally altered.
Keeping a child safe and managing their health condition is an incredibly difficult and demanding daily task. Parents, and sometimes siblings, fear for the child’s safety and feel a greater responsibility to protect and control their lives. Because of the isolation often created by the need for parental or medical supervision, children with a chronic medical condition have fewer opportunities for traditional social and recreational activities.
In 2009, Zebra Crossings set out to change the lives of these children by becoming the first organization in the region to provide year-round, medically supervised programs.
Zebra Crossings’ programs are intentionally designed to further develop each child’s skills, boost their independence, and reduce anxiety based on their condition. Programs are small and intimate in size with an average of 20-25 participants.
Supporting Parents & Siblings
Parents of children with chronic health conditions benefit from the respite opportunities that our programs provide. Due to our small numbers and our low camper to staff ratios, children with conditions that need close monitoring are safe and welcome. Parents can drop off their child and feel comfortable that their child’s needs are supported.
We welcome siblings to attend our programs, as it helps some children adapt and feel safe. In addition, we recognize that siblings often feel a high level of responsibility. They also can benefit from our programs by receiving support from other campers, so they can be worry free for a while.