Double H Ranch News

Summer 2010 is finally here! We’ve counted the months, the weeks, the days and even the hours and we are finally able to welcome our campers with open arms for Summer 2010 here at the Double H Ranch. Our counselors concluded their week long training and learned about working as a team, the medical conditions of our campers and how to provide our campers with an amazing fun-filled week at camp. As we greet our first campers of the season, the excitement in the air is remarkable. The energy and enthusiasm that our counselors and campers have is outstanding. You can hear the laughter and cheers all throughout camp. After a long Day One of carnival games, meeting friends and swimming in the pool, campers and counselors sit around the opening campfire and talk about what they bring to the campfire. “Spirit, Love, Friendship, Excitement” are all brought to show our love and commitment to our campers. As the “Campers We Adore You” song echoes in the trees and mountains, everyone knows it is going to be the best summer ever!! Dream BIG in 2010.

Thank you for believing that YOU can change the game for Double H children dealing with a chronic or life-threatening illness by giving them their Week in the Woods.

Because of your generosity, Emma F. will meet up with her best friend Leah C. during session three; Michael B.‘s dream will come true as he soars down the zip line; Charlotte D. will be reunited with favorite counselor Emma during session four; and Brandon M. will work hard to beat last year’s record catch of 18 fish in one day during session two.

A special ‘Welcome Back’ to those donors who are finding their way back in support of Double H summer campers this year. We take note and celebrate each return with a Double H cheer! We are counting on the continued support from our faithful donors, a Double H hug to all of you who give towards camper sponsorship year after year.

Together, we are well on our way to delivering our Double H campers time at Double H, the kind of time that lives on forever.

If you haven’t done so already, please consider sponsoring a Double H camper for a Week in the Woods or even a day. Imagine the difference you can make!

Click HERE to Sponsor a Summer Residential Camper Today!

You’re invited to attend this year’s 19th Annual Gala at the Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom on June 25th! This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever as we continue to make our campers dreams come true through your support and dedication.

This year new to the Gala will be a Live “Country” Auction hosted by auctioneer Kirk Woodcock. The live auction will kick-off with a parade of characters from Six Flag’s Great Escape. Guests will be led to the live auction area before dinner at 6:30pm to bid on fabulous items such as a new Yamaha 550 Grisley ATV with track and accessories from Edinburg Marina and Powersports (donated by the Pompa and LaRoche families); an Italian Night at the Glen Sanders Mansion for 50 people with private fireworks (donated by Glen Sanders Mansion and Alonzo Fireworks); a South African Photo Safari at Ezulwini Game Lodges; an extremely rare set of pear shape ammolite pendant with diamonds set in 18k yellow gold and matching earrings (donated by Agnes Pompa); a catered picnic for 50 at the Great Escape (donated by the Great Escape) and many more including artisan items from the Northeastern Woodworkers Association.

Guests are also invited to purchase items off of our one-of-a-kind Wish Wall. Wishes featured represent a variety of items that we need throughout the year to continue to provide magical experiences to our campers and their families. Guests can purchase items such as supplies for program areas, materials for facilities or even a golf cart to assist with our medical program.

We hope you will join us for A Traditional Western Round-Up all to benefit the campers of the Double H.
Tickets are still available for purchase online!

“My family loved every moment at the Double H Ranch……well…all of them except for the moment we had to say goodbye and leave.” Spring Family Program Parent

As we wrap up our Spring Family Programs we are able to reflect on another wonderful season here at the Double H. This year we hosted four fun filled programs to benefit our campers and their families. Our families were able to kick off our spring season with great success and beautiful weather. We were excited to bring themes to our weekend programs as we often do in winter and summer. The Diabetes Family Program was tropical luau themed while the Autism Family Program was a high seas pirate adventure. All of these weekends allow families to create relationships that extend beyond their two day stay at Double H. Friendships and connections that were made at the Diabetes weekend were inspiring, while Bravehearts ladies brought not only their energy and excitement for adventure but also supported the Ranch through their in-kind donations. Cindy’s Comfort Camp was filled with campers and big buddies, each taking the time to enjoy camp activities and reflect on their experiences in dealing with a parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with a chronic illness. While the Autism Family Weekend was action packed with pirate scavenger hunts, swimming, high ropes course and activities to build upon friendships.

In addition to Spring Family Programs the past two months have highlighted how very important the Double H is to our community and our dedicated supporters. Since April 17th, our first Spring Helping Hands Work Day, over 730 volunteers have visited the Ranch in support of our campers arrival by participating in a variety of facilities and housekeeping projects. With the arrival of our summer campers just a few weeks away we value and appreciate the amazing support we have received from individuals, the community and local businesses.

A big Double H hug to all of our Family Program participants as well as our Helping Hands Work Day volunteers! What a truly amazing spring season here at the Double H!