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.

Zebra Crossings

Creating programs for children with chronic health conditions since 2009.

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 19 – 22, 2026

Betsy’s Camp is a family camp that focuses on community, connection, relaxation, and fun.
Camp will be held at Camp Merrowvista in Center Tuftonboro, NH in 2026.
Email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Click here for more information about Betsy’s Camp.

Camp Blue Sky – Down Syndrome – April 24 – 26, 2026

This weekend will bring together youth (ages 5-18) with Down syndrome and their families for an inspiring and relaxing family camp.
This camp offers age appropriate activities for all campers.
Program partner: American Youth Foundation
Camp Scholarships available, email [email protected] for more information.

Click here for more information about Camp Blue Sky.

Camp Spinnaker – Asthma – August 20 – 23, 2026

This program is for children with asthma and their families, and it will be held at Camp Merrowvista in Tuftonboro, NH.
Camp Spinnaker 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.

Click here for more information about Camp Spinnaker.

Purple Camp – Kids Camp – Epilepsy – July 10 – 12, 2026

New in 2026, this weekend retreat provides a supportive community for children (ages 8 – 13) with Epilepsy
Program partner: Epilepsy Foundation New England
Purple Camp Flyer

Click here for more information about Purple Camp – Kids Camp.

Camp Dazzle – All Chronic Medical Conditions – November 6 – 8, 2026

New in 2026, this weekend camp is open to children ages 5 – 16 with (any) chronic medical condition and their families.
This camp will give children with chronic medical conditions the opportunity to have the traditional “summer camp” experiences in a safe, supportive, inclusive environment.
2026 Flyer

For more information about Camp Dazzle email [email protected]

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

Touch-A-Truck – June 7, 2026

2pm – 4pm @ Nottingham, NH

Children with chronic medical conditions and their families are invited to join Zebra Crossings in Nottingham, NH for Touch-A-Truck, a fun-filled day where kids can check out some police and fire vehicles, meet local first responders, and get up close with some seriously cool trucks.

Big trucks, big fun, big hearts!

Open to families of children with chronic medical illness.
Cost – FREE
For more information: [email protected] or call: (603) 312-2052, ext. 2

Set Sail – July 18, 2026

***This event is currently full; we are adding interested families to a waitlist and will reach out if we have any cancellations.

9:30am – 1pm @ Portsmouth, NH

Zebra Crossings invites children with chronic medical conditions and their families to Set Sail July 2026! Climb aboard for a joyful morning adventure on the water as we cruise through beautiful Portsmouth Harbor with our friends at The Gundalow Company. After soaking up the sea breeze and stunning harbor views, families will head to the park to unwind, connect, and enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch together—because the best memories are made when we sail and share them side by side.

Open to families of children with chronic medical illness.
Cost – FREE
For more information: [email protected] or call: (603) 312-2052, ext. 2

Sunflowers & Sunshine – August 12, 2026

1pm – 3pm @ Concord, NH

Zebra Crossings invites children with chronic medical conditions and their families to the Sunflower Bloom Festival 2026 at Sunfox Farm in Concord, NH. Wander with us through 20 acres of breathtaking sunflowers—the largest sunflower field in New Hampshire—perfect for photos, strolling, and soaking in the beauty. The festival is designed with families in mind, with fun activities for kids, plus food trucks and music onsite for a joyful summer afternoon.

Open to families of children with chronic medical illness.
Cost – FREE
For more information: [email protected] or call: (603) 312-2052, ext. 2

Mushroom Hunt – September 19, 2026

2pm – 4pm @ Greenfield, NH

Zebra Crossings invites children with chronic medical conditions and their families to step into the enchanting world of fungi with naturalist Linden Rayton of Living Water Nature Programs! Wander the scenic Crotched Mountain Accessible Trails in Greenfield, NH, for a hands-on mushroom hunt. Learn how to spot, identify, and safely admire these forest treasures, from the tiniest caps to the most colorful blooms. Keep your eyes peeled for salamanders, pillbugs, birds, and other curious forest critters along the way!

Dress for adventure: long pants and closed-toed shoes are strongly recommended for all explorers, no matter the weather. Perfect for curious minds and nature lovers of all ages—come ready to discover the hidden life of the forest floor!

Open to families of children with chronic medical illness.
Cost – FREE
For more information: [email protected] or call: (603) 312-2052, ext. 2

River Walk & Fish Release – October 18, 2026

2pm – 4pm @ Portsmouth, NH

Zebra Crossings and Creek & Current invite children with chronic medical conditions and their families to join us for a fun, interactive river adventure! Starting one hour before the fish stocking, enjoy a guided trail walk where you’ll explore local wildlife, learn how the river ecosystem works, and discover cool facts about trout. Then jump into the action with a hands-on fish stocking experience—helping release fish into their new home!

Open to families of children with chronic medical illness.
Cost – FREE
For more information: [email protected] or call: (603) 312-2052, ext. 2

Holiday Parade – November 2026

* Float Build – November 14, 2026

3pm – 5pm @ Dover, NH

* Holiday Parade – November 29, 2026

2:30pm – 5pm @ Dover, NH

Zebra Crossings invites children with chronic medical conditions and their families to join us for a fun holiday parade experience. Help us create our float and then come be a part of the fun and ride on the Zebra Crossings float in the parade!

Open to families of children with chronic medical illness.
Cost – FREE
For more information: [email protected] or call: (603) 312-2052, ext. 2

Thank you to The Saab Family Foundation, Laars Heating Systems, The Rotary Club of Dover, and Holy Rosary Credit Union for sponsoring our day programs!

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

“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

“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

“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