The Junior Zebras Program, delivered by Camp Joy, provides a fun, inclusive, and supportive experience for children and teens attending the 2026 Global Learning Conference. Running across all three days of the conference, Junior Zebras creates opportunities for young people from across the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) community to connect, build friendships, and enjoy shared experiences with peers who understand their journey.
Led by the experienced Camp Joy team, the program is designed to foster confidence, social connection, creativity, and personal growth through a variety of engaging activities. Throughout the three-day program, participants will enjoy team challenges, arts and crafts, STEM exploration, games, talent showcases, and camp-inspired traditions such as Campfire Circles. Activities are tailored for different age groups and thoughtfully planned to ensure a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all.
By taking part, children and teens will have the opportunity to develop new skills, build self-confidence, strengthen communication and teamwork skills, and form meaningful friendships with peers from around the world. Through laughter, creativity, collaboration, and shared experiences, participants will gain a greater sense of connection, belonging, and confidence while creating lasting memories as part of the global EDS and HSD community.
Agenda
Junior Zebras Program |
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| Friday, July 24 | ||
| Kids | Teens | |
| 8:35-9:00am | Welcome – Check in, and ice breakers | |
| 9:00-11:00 am | “Opening “”Campfire”” Circle: – Songs, Skits, Expectations . Small Group Scavenger Hunt” |
“Opening “”Campfire”” Circle: – Songs, Skits, Expectations Collaborative Collage” |
| 11:00 – 11:30 am | Break | |
| 11:30 -1:00pm | “Mini Game Rotations: – Hand Cup Game, Paper Airplanes, Four Corners, Beachball Volleyball, Poison Dart Frog |
Creativity Corner Rotations: – Bead Animals, Bandana Designing, Oragami, Felt Art, Lego’s |
| 1:00-2:00pm | Lunch | |
| 2:00-3:30 pm | R&R Time: – Card games, Art, Nail Painting, Music, Connection | R&R Time:- Card games, DIY Face Mask, Music, Connection |
| 3:30-4:00pm | Break | |
| 4:00-5:20pm | Counselor Pageant! | Undercover Boss! |
| End | ||
| Saturday 25 July | ||
| Kids | Teens | |
| 8:35-9:00am | Arrival – check-in and morning energizers | |
| 9:00-10:15 am | Morning Circle | Morning Circle |
| 10:15 – 10:45 am | Break | |
| 10:45 -12:15 pm | Creativity Corner Rotations: – Bead Animals, Bandana Designing, Charades, Felt Art | Amazing Race! |
| 12:15-1:15pm | Lunch | |
| 1:30 – 2:45 pm | Amazing Race! | R&R: – Art, Card Games, Nail Painting, Music, Connection |
| 2:45 – 3:15 pm | Break | |
| 3:15 – 3:45 pm | Closing: High, Low, Buffalo | Closing: High, Low, Buffalo |
| End | ||
| Sunday 26 July | ||
| Kids | Teens | |
| 8:35-9:00am | Arrival – check-in and morning energizers | |
| 9:00-11:00 am | Morning Circle & Talent Show Prep | Morning Circle & Talent Show Prep |
| 11:00 – 11:30 am | Break | |
| 11:30 – 1:00 pm | STEM Exploration: Oobleck, Popsicle Stick Catapult, Tallest Tower Contest | “Mini Game Rotations: – Beachball Volleyball, Mafia, Hand Cup Game, Silent Swordsman” |
| 1:00 – 2:00 pm | Lunch | |
| 2:00 – 3:30 pm | Talent Show! | Talent Show! |
| 3:30 – 4:00 pm | Break | |
| 4:00 – 5:45 pm | ” Closing: – Closing “”Campfire””, Stars in the Sky, Warm and Fuzzies” |
” Closing: – Closing “”Campfire””, Stars in the Sky, Warm and Fuzzies” |
| End | ||