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.
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.
This Spring Zebra Crossings is excited to be able to offer socially distant, outdoor day programs. The health of our community members is our top priority. To ensure safety, we are implementing standard safety measures per state guidelines that include frequent hand washing/sanitizing, mask use, and social distancing. We are planning to run our programs with small groups of up to 8 campers, 1 program facilitator, and 1 nurse in a cohort to further minimize large group exposure.
Our first outing will be at Stratham Hill Park on April 17th, and the second will be on Pierce Island on May 15th. Both programs will be weather permitting and run from 9:30am to noon. We are excited to reconnect and play!
Our monthly Zebra Zoom time for all ages (6-17) continues to connect our community and support our youth, even while we can’t gather in person! Join us the 3rd Thursday of each month for fun and games for all ages. We are always adding new activities and are eager to see more faces!
Please email [email protected] if you are interested in attending.
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 (disregard dates).
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.
Zebra Crossings will not run any in person programs through at least March 2021. All in person program dates are tentative and programs will only run if they are safe for our community. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Heart Family Camp – Congenital Heart Defect – TBD
Betsy’s Camp (CLOVES community) – June 23-26, 2022
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:
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 complete the form below to set up a phone conversation with our Program Coordinator. 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.
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.
The efforts of Zebra Crossings are supported by our generous sponsors, both individual and business. Want to join the ranks?
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