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.

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.

Virtual Programs (All Ages)

Mid-April, Zebra Crossings launched “Zebra Zoom,” providing a teen only option as well as a time for all ages. While it was great to see friendly faces and make connections beyond our households, we had a lot to discover about engaging through a computer screen. In true Zebra Crossings fashion, we opened up our arms, held our head high, and announced, “What a fantastic opportunity to learn!” Then we set to the task of evaluating what was working and researching ways to improve. On Monday, we launched “Zebra Zoom 2.0” with a raucous rendition of Zebra Jeopardy! All who attended gave rave reviews.

See the upcoming ALL NEW programs below. If you tried Zebra Zoom in the beginning, consider giving it a second try. New faces are welcome! Pick and choose or join them all!

View our Virtual Program Schedule

Youth Programs (Ages 6- 13)

Monthly Programs –Program Flyer

Nearly every month of the school year we offer diverse program days to unite our community and provide opportunities for play, discovery and bonding. Program days may be a Friday Night Out or a Sunday afternoon located at different venues throughout the NH Seacoast region.

Overnight Retreats

In the Spring and Fall, we offer an overnight extension of our monthly programs for our oldest youth campers (ages 10-13). These experiences give campers a chance to further bond as a group, gain a sense of independence and give parents additional respite time.

Summer Day Camps

Currently we offer two weeks of day camp in the NH Seacoast region.

Explorers Camp (ages 7-13): July 6-10, 2020;
- Camp runs daily from 8:45 am – 4:15 pm at various state parks in the NH Seacoast area
Summer Day Camp (ages 6-13): July 27-31, 2020;
- Camp runs daily from 8:45 am – 4:15 pm at YMCA Camp Lincoln in Kingston, NH

For a preview of what to expect, View Our 2020 Summer Camps Flyer

Camp Spinnaker – Youth with Asthma – August 16-21, 2020

A one week overnight camp program for youth ages 8-12
Onsite support and oversight by our medical staff team
Location: AYF’s Camp Merrowvista in Center Tuftonboro, NH

For more information about Camp Spinnaker, please visit our Program Calendar.

Teen Programs

Quarterly Teen Programs (Ages 13-15) – Day and weekend programs provide an opportunity for teens to extend their connections in our supportive peer community. We alternate Teen nights and day programs with weekend getaways throughout the year. Contact us if you are interested and we will add you to the Teen mailing list for updates.

Leader In Training (Ages 16-18) – Our “Skyhawk” Leader In Training (LIT) Program is in its inaugural year! For participants who have been involved in our program for multiple years, this is an amazing opportunity to give and add value to the Zebra Crossings community. As a Skyhawk, teens will serve and support the community, while exploring their strengths, character and leadership skills and setting personal goals for growth. As teens graduate the Skyhawk Program, they will feel confident moving into the next chapter of their life, ready to be a leader in any community and an advocate for those who have a chronic medical condition.

Family Weekend Programs

Camp Blue Sky Families – Down syndrome – April 4-5, 2020 (Postponed and New Date TBD)

A weekend retreat launched in 2011 to provide families who have a child with Down syndrome a supportive community
Location: AYF’s Camp Merrowvista (our program partner)
For a preview of what to expect, view our 2020 Camp Blue Sky Flyer

Heart Family Camp – Congenital Heart Defect – August 7-9, 2020

Launched in April 2016, this weekend retreat provides a supportive community for families of children (ages 2-12) with a Congenital Heart Defect
Program partner: It’s My Heart New England Chapter
For a preview of what to expect, view our 2020 Heart Family Camp Flyer

Betsy’s Camp (CLOVES community) – June 24-27, 2021

A long weekend retreat for people with CLOVES syndrome and their families to provide a supportive community and networking opportunities with peers
Program partner: CLOVES Syndrome Community
For a preview of what to expect, view our 2020 Betsy’s Camp Flyer

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 well being 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

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 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 simply email us 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 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

“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

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

Donate Today

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