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.
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.
For a preview of what to expect, View Our 2020 Summer Camps Flyer
Camp Spinnaker – Youth with Asthma – August 16-21, 2020
For more information about Camp Spinnaker, please visit our Program Calendar.
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.
Camp Blue Sky Families – Down syndrome – April 4-5, 2020
Heart Family Camp – Congenital Heart Defect – August 7-9, 2020
Betsy’s Camp (CLOVES community) – June 25-28, 2020
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:
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.
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?
Subscribe to the Zebra Crossings Newsletter to stay up to date