Down Syndrome Programs
Current programming for individuals with Down syndrome and their families
includes Camp Blue Sky and monthly day programs.
Click here for more information about our monthly day programs.
Camp Blue Sky
April 25 – 27, 2025
At Camp Merrowvista
Center Tuftonboro, NH
An overnight camp for youth ages 5 – 18 with Down syndrome and their families (siblings of all ages welcome).
2025 Registration is $25 per person!
Thank you to the Pattony Foundation, The Gibney Family Foundation, and the Maya’s Spark Fund for making this possible.
Come make new friends, build community, and play!
Email [email protected] for more information.
A little bit about Camp Blue Sky:
Started in 2011 in partnership with the American Youth Foundation, Camp Blue Sky is an overnight camp for youth and families with Down syndrome. Held at Camp Merrowvista in Center Tuftonboro, NH, Camp Blue Sky is a place where individuals and families can relax, connect and explore.
By creating a “haven of inclusion,” kids can feel they are in the majority. Parents don’t need to explain, excuse or justify their children’s needs. This, in turn, creates a beautiful, safe environment where everyone can learn and grow.
What to expect:
- Campers and families will be greeted by staff upon arrival. Departure is Sunday after lunch.
- Each family will have their own private accommodations.
- Memorable weekend rain or shine
Activities:
On the grounds of Camp Merrowvista there is a field house/gym type of space that houses the ropes course and rock climbing wall. This space is also great for games of all sorts and ensures that no matter what weather is encountered during Camp Blue Sky, everyone will be able to be active and have fun!
Sample activities:
- Arts & Crafts
- Archery
- Rock Climbing
- Ropes Course
- Campfire
- Hike to Waterfall
- Kickball
Parents are part of the equation, too, and we want to carve out time for parents to connect with each other. A relaxed and regulated parent is a parent who is able to face their child’s needs without fear or judgment. In turn, this means that the child does not worry about being “different” and is able to be centered and fully present. This allows them to learn and grow, because they feel safe and “ok.”
“What others would consider ’fun’ weekends are so hard for my kids. They can’t participate with their typical peers…this weekend gave us amazing activities with an instant, supportive community that really gets it. I’m a single mom so traveling alone is not feasible. But this weekend I felt like I was with family.” ~Camp Blue Sky Parent
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). The rooms have beds that are typical of a college dorm, some are single beds, but most are bunk beds. There are shared bathrooms, again, very much like the bathrooms in a dormitory, with multiple sinks, toilets and showers. The lodge has its own kitchen and dining area where everyone will eat meals together that are served “family” style. There is also a fairly large recreation space in the daylit basement of the lodge, which is very useful if the weather isn’t cooperating.
“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
- Boots (most likely we will still be in mud season with continued snow melt).
Linens And Bedding:
- 1 fitted sheet, pillow & pillowcase
- 1 sleeping bag
- 1 towel and washcloth
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
- 1 shirt
- Sweatshirt
- Warm jacket
- Raincoat or poncho with a hood
- Pajamas
- 2 pairs of socks
- 2 pairs of underwear
- Hat and gloves/Mittens – evenings can still be chilly
What to leave at home:
- Jewelry, money or other valuables
- Pocket knives or weapons of any kind
- Gum, candy
Email [email protected] for more information or use the button below to register.