CLOVES syndrome

Our current programming for our CLOVES syndrome families includes Betsy’s Camp (held every other year) and our monthly day programs open to all youth with chronic health conditions.

Click here for more information about our monthly day programs.

Betsy’s Camp

June 19 – 22, 2026

At Camp Merrowvista

Center Tuftonboro, NH

An overnight camp for children with CLOVES syndrome

and their families.

Email [email protected] to learn more about Betsy’s Camp.

Zebra Crossings’ Betsy’s Camp is held in collaboration with The CLOVES Syndrome Community.

Betsy’s Camp is an opportunity to connect with other CLOVES syndrome families, relax, and have fun.

What to expect:

Our staff and the Camp staff with greet you upon arrival.
There will be planned activities and meals, as well as downtime for families to rest and relax.
We will host this camp rain or shine, but don’t worry our host camp has both indoor and outdoor activity areas.

Sample Activities:

Arts & Crafts
Water Activities
Lawn Games
Archery
Ropes Course
Campfire

Parents are an important part of the equation, too, and we want to create meaningful opportunities for them to connect with one another. When parents feel relaxed and supported, they’re better able to meet their child’s needs without fear or judgment. As this happens, children feel less worried about being “different” and more able to stay centered and fully present. Ultimately, this sense of safety and acceptance helps them learn, grow, and feel truly “ok.”

Info about our host campground:

Location: Camp Merrowvista, 147 Canaan Road, Center Tuftonboro, NH 03816

We will be staying in a large lodge with individual dormitory-style rooms. Each family will have their own room(s), and the setup is similar to a college dorm. Some rooms have single beds, while most include bunk beds.

In addition, the lodge features shared bathrooms, much like those in a dormitory, with multiple sinks, toilets, and showers for everyone to use.

The lodge also includes its own kitchen and dining area, where meals will be served “family-style” and enjoyed together.

Finally, there is a spacious recreation area in the daylit basement, which is especially helpful if the weather isn’t cooperating and indoor activities are needed.

“Set on over 600 acres in the pristine Ossipee Mountains of New Hampshire, Merrowvista draws you into a life that is rustic, uncomplicated, and filled with excitement. Trails lead through the forest to mountain peaks just waiting to be explored. Dan Hole Pond, a crystal clear lake, is the hub of waterfront activities. This beautiful setting provides the perfect backdrop to discover what it means to be my own self, at my very best, all the time!” Visit https://ayf.com/camps/merrowvista/ to learn more about Merrowvista.

We’re coming! What should we bring?

We will find a balance between indoor and outdoor activity options. The weather has been varying widely lately so please dress in layers to accommodate for all temperature and weather conditions. In addition, if it is raining, the ground will be muddy in areas. We recommend bringing comfortable clothing that allows you to play!

Essentials:

Any medications you might need
Water bottle
A book or a favorite game to play with friends during downtime
Daypack to carry all belongings
Flashlight and batteries

Linens And Bedding:

1 fitted sheet, pillow & pillowcase
1 sleeping bag
2 towels and washcloths

Toiletry Items:

Shower shoes (flip flops, plastic shoes)
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Soap, Shampoo and Conditioner
Sunscreen: SPF 40 or higher, waterproof recommended
Insect repellant
Lip balm

Clothing:

- - At least 1 pair of sneakers required for outdoor activities
  - An extra pair of indoor shoes or slippers
  - 1 Pair of long pants
  - 4 Pairs of shorts
  - 4 Shirts
  - Swimsuit
  - 1 – 2 Sweatshirts or light weight jackets
  - Raincoat or poncho with a hood
  - Pajamas
  - 4 – 5 Pairs of socks (include warm ones)
  - 4 – 5 Pairs of underwear
  What to leave at home:
  - Jewelry, money or other valuables
  - Pocket knives or weapons of any kind
  - Gum, candy, snacks. If you bring items to supplement dietary needs, please avoid all nuts.

Email [email protected] for more information.

“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

“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

“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

The efforts of Zebra Crossings are supported by our generous sponsors, both individual and business. Want to join the ranks?

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