Zebra Crossings COVID-19 Statement December 4, 2020

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

Zebra Crossings will not be running any in person programs through March 2021.

We will continue to offer virtual programs to keep our community connected.

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.

All Ages Zebra Zoom

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.

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 and dates.

This pilot program is free. We ask families commit to attending all four sessions. We will periodically be adding new sessions, contact [email protected] for further information.

Virtual Teen Leadership Series

Ages: 13-16

6 Sessions: First Tuesday of the month starting October 6 through March 2

Time: 6:30-7:30pm

As a Teen in Zebra Crossings programs you will have an opportunity to serve as a role model and mentor for younger participants, while learning and growing yourself. We are launching a Teen Leadership Program as a stepping stone towards our Skyhawk (Leader In Training) program.

Through 6 monthly Zoom sessions with peers, you will connect, share stories, and have fun while exploring your strengths, character and leadership skills. You will set goals for your personal growth in a supportive environment. You will have the opportunity to be a role model, and receive feedback so that you may be open to achieving your full potential. Every session we will dive into a different theme: Community Involvement, Empathy, Confidentiality, Leading By Example, Empowerment, and Positive Mindset.

Program fee: $35 – scholarships available upon request

Future Family Weekend Programs (TENTATIVE)

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

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 23-26, 2022

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 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 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.

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

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