The dictionary defines Volunteerism as “performing an act of kindness, freely giving of your talent, time, and effort usually in one’s community and without regard for compensation.” Here at the Double H Ranch words alone cannot express what volunteerism means. It is better defined by the smiles on our campers faces, the hugs given freely and the lives changed. Double H Ranch volunteers give beyond what is expected of them and do so freely because of the love and admiration they have for our campers.

As we reflect on and appreciate our volunteers, it is amazing to think of all the wonderful people who have made Double H a priority in their lives. Our Winter volunteers are currently in the midst of an amazing Adaptive Winter Sports season and are devoting their weekends to teach children how to ski and snowboard. This dedicated group of volunteers makes the winter program possible and allows kids to experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding. In addition, our Lodge Hosts and Family Program volunteers take the time to develop strong relationships with the families that spend their weekends at the Double H throughout the winter.

While our Winter Sports Enthusiasts are out skiing, snowboarding and enjoying the cold weather, our Spring Family Program volunteers and Summer volunteers are anxiously awaiting the warm weather. As the snow begins to melt Spring and Summer programs are just around the corner. We are so thankful to our volunteers who provide everyone with a breath of fresh air throughout each session.

In preparation for Summer 2010, we recently launched our Online Summer Volunteer Application and in less than a week already have 62 applicants. We welcome all new and returning volunteers to complete the online application and begin the process today! We are looking forward to an incredibly rewarding summer and expect a high volume of applicants.

Coming up to camp for a long weekend or a week is a huge commitment that our volunteers make - often rearranging their schedules to make sure that they can be here and experience the wonders of camp. There are countless ways that volunteers support Double H Ranch and we are forever grateful. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please contact Abby Pinney at apinney@doublehranch!

Kids in Action All to Benefit the Children of the Double H Ranch -

Now is the perfect time to start instilling in your students the value of giving back to a great cause and supporting some amazing kids. As schools explore opportunities that instill values and character in their students finding a unique and creative solution can be difficult, but the Double H has your answer. The opportunities on how to help are endless and proceeds directly benefit the children of the Double H.

The Read for the Ranch program is a great way to instill in students a love for reading and to teach them the importance of giving back to others. Students raise funds and awareness for the Double H by asking friends and family to sponsor them to read. Join students from across New York as they raise funds to send kids to camp by Reading!

The Double H has expanded its Service Learning program and invites you to consider these exciting opportunities as well. Students are encouraged to develop and organize their own creative fundraisers or begin an after-school Double H Ranch Club. Supporting the Double H through service learning teaches students the importance of teamwork, creativity, school spirit and leadership.

Whether students participate in Read for the Ranch or another Service Learning project to raise funds and awareness for the Double H, they will be helping kids their own age and making a difference in the life of a child dealing with a life-threatening illness.

“Double H Ranch – I can help, YOU can help, WE can help” - Student

For more information visit the Double H Ranch homepage feature on Service Learning or contact Kimberly Checchia at kchecchia@doublehranch.org

Our 13^th season of the Adaptive Winter Sports Program is in full swing. We have had three great weekends on the slopes including one fun filled Wild West themed Family Sleepover Weekend! As we continue to reach our goal of doubling our capacity, from just three years ago, we are even more committed to giving our winter sports enthusiasts the gift of snow. 

Like a snowflake, no two Double H winter students are alike. Students are offered Alpine and Nordic skiing instruction, as well as snowboarding and snowshoeing lessons. From January through April the Double H Ranch hosts the only privatized Adaptive Winter Sports Program in the northeast, solely available to children and families with special needs, not open to the public and FREE-of-charge. Our winter program is aimed at not only teaching children a life-long skill, but also to provide an experience that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

It truly is a one-of-a-kind opportunity! But you don’t have to take our word for it –

“Everyone was so patient and kind and made the whole ski experience so much fun.  It was so thrilling to watch Christopher progress each session. It was also amazing to see how each of the instructors added to the previous lesson. Christopher went from not being able to ski to skiing on his own by the 3rd day. That was the highlight of our whole weekend.  It makes me cry every time I think of it.” – Parent of a Winter Sports Enthusiast

You can help make a difference this season by sponsoring a Winter Sports Enthusiast. Sponsorship opportunities range from $50 for a day to $600 for the whole season. Give a child the gift of snow this year and help create memories that will last a lifetime!

Donate Online NOW!

Are you ready to change your life and the lives of a thousand incredible kids? Do you like to swim, fish, paint, play, explore, challenge yourself, laugh, and make countless friends and memories? Then consider joining the team at the Double H Ranch to feel first hand what it’s like to make a difference in the life of a child.

Even though the snow is falling and we just kicked off our 13th season of the Adaptive Winter Sports Program, we are getting excited for another great summer at the Double H Ranch. Our campers are counting down the days till their week at the Double H and we need YOU to help make the magic happen.

This year we are happy to announce that you can apply online to become a part of the HH team! We are looking for counselors, unit leaders, lifeguards, program associates, counselors who specialize in Arts & Crafts, Equestrian, High Ropes, Outdoor Extreme, Discovery, Team Adventure and Creative Arts. The Double H Ranch has helped mold the careers of nurses, doctors, lawyers, social workers, medical professionals and many others.

If you are interested you can apply online TODAY. Simply click here to complete your application. Interviews have begun and will continue until March so please submit an application as soon as possible. If you have any questions regarding the application please contact our Office Manager at 518-696-5676 ext 221 or email her at office@doublehranch.org 

Hope to see you this summer!

The season of giving is upon us and we invite you to continue to make a difference in the lives of our campers-

• Deliver the Promise - During this holiday season consider making a $15 donation to the Double H Ranch and help us ensure that our campers will experience the magic of the Double H for years to come. By being a “Deliverer of the Promise” and donating today your name will appear in Issue 1 2010 of The Health & Happiness Herald and on our website. Give a gift of at least $15 and note in the comments section that you are Delivering on the Promise.
• Designate the Double H children and families as the beneficiary of your holiday gathering as you celebrate this season.
• Purchase an item off of our Wish List in honor of that person on YOUR list that has everything.
• Honor a friend, family member or coworker by making a donation in their name. The recipient will receive a beautiful holiday card.
• Plant a seed in honor of Paul Newman and in return for your donation receive a mini-seed shaped footprint, made out of bio-degradable fibers and embedded with forget-me-not seeds.

By making a donation to the Double H Ranch this holiday season you will be providing a magical opportunity for the children and families who benefit from our year-round programs.

Wishing you Health & Happiness this holiday season!

As our Fall Family weekend fun comes to an end, we look back on the past two seasons and are grateful for all of the help that we have had here at the Double H. A woman recently asked if we had trouble getting volunteers to spend their “free” time at camp. Absolutely not. Truth is, we are blessed to have so many amazing volunteers and staff that care about our kiddos and want to give of themselves and their hearts every time they step foot on camp.

You, as volunteers, are willing to fill the hearts of everyone you work with every time you are here. You fill them with laughter, hope, patience, kindness, compassion, and praise. No matter what might be happening in your own personal lives, you are able to go beyond that or use it as a catalyst to infuse a sense of self-confidence and pride in belonging into every single camper you work alongside of. This is no easy feat, but you all do it with such great poise and simplicity; a child-like ease.

Being here at camp, doing the work we do is a powerful and magical experience. We truly would not be able to do what we do as an organization without your hard work and dedication. For that, we are honored, humbled, inspired, and thankful. You will all be in our thoughts and lists of thanks this upcoming season of giving, and always. Your commitment is what keeps us going.

Hi Double H Ranch Campers and Parents!

We hope everyone had a great summer and are enjoying this cool Fall weather. Admissions would like to highlight a few upcoming events- we are thrilled to announce the 2010 Adaptive Winter Sports Program application will be available online (for the first time) in a couple weeks! 

We have been working very hard with our database company to produce an online application.  Parents, you will be able to complete your child’s application using a link on our website.  We will still require hard copies of parent signatures and a physical exam but the majority of the application will now be completed online.  We are hoping families take advantage of this and will be able to quickly complete the information and submit it to us with a simple click of the mouse!  We will see you on the slopes! 

There will also be a Parent Advisory Group meeting on Tuesday, October 20^th in Saratoga at 6:30pm.  We will be planning upcoming events and will hear from our Development team on new initiatives- ways for parents to assist the Double H as we move quickly towards 2010. 

As always, thank you all for your continued support and we hope to see you soon.

~ Health & Happiness

Fall is upon us at Double H and we have kicked off our Fall Family weekends with Rosie’s Round Up and Rosie’s Love Memorial. Starting in October we look forward to Cindy’s Comfort Camp, Bravehearts, Bleeding Disorders and Spina Bifida Weekends. It is a busy time of year!

Our family weekends are one of the highlights of working at Double H, it is amazing to see an entire family relax and forget about their troubles and just enjoy spending time together. A brand new family came for Rosie’s Love Memorial and at first they were hesitant as to what to expect and what they would get out of the weekend. At the end of the weekend the mother said “At first, I didn’t know if I would like being here for a weekend but now I don’t want to leave and I can’t wait until next Fall”.

It is the time spent at the Double H, the activities that volunteers provide, and the respite that families receive that make these weekends so enjoyable and memorable. A huge thank you to all of the volunteers that have signed up to help us through the Fall Family Programs- we couldn’t do it without you! Also to our wonderful families, you inspire us and motivate us with your stories and experiences, thank you for letting us be a part of your time at Double H!

The warm summer months may be behind us but here in Development we are still working hard to secure funding for our camper’s week in the woods or lesson on the slopes. As the leaves turn their autumn colors we are gearing up for some fun Fall family events. We are looking forward to our 10th Annual Mini Golf Tournament, our first ever Walk in the Woods – Dog Walk, our Partner’s Monster Mash and two Fall Community Work Days. For more information on these and other events please visit our Calendar section of the webpage.

We are also excited to announce that the Double H Ranch is on Facebook (Double H Ranch) and Twitter (Doublehranch). Be sure to visit our newest social media outlets for updates, upcoming events and program announcements. We welcome your personal stories of what the Double H means to you and look forward to further sharing with you the magic of the Double H.

As we wrap up a busy event season Development would also like to thank everyone who helped make the Gala, Travers and other fundraising initiative this summer such a success. We appreciate the numerous volunteers, generous sponsors and dedicated donors and supporters. We had a great Summer 2009 and look forward to an even better 2010.