New and Upcoming Camp and Sports Programs and Events

June 25, 2010

We are thrilled to announce that Double H will once again host our Alumni Camp Session August 20-23 for those campers age 17-21. The return of alumni will allow Double H to continue to provide support to this special group of people. In 2010 we will be adding some exciting new programs for our Alumni campers. It is back and better than ever!

January 15, 2010

Today's Heros!
Help the Double H Ranch give back to our service men and women…
As a way to recognize and honor the brave men and women who serve our country, the Double H Ranch would like to offer the opportunity to recent war veterans and their families the chance to participate in our Adaptive Winter Sports Program. On Friday, March 5th we invite local veterans and their families to spend the day participating in activities such as Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding. The day long program will focus on the needs of wounded veterans and their families; as well as veterans returning home from war.

If you or anyone you know is interested in applying to participate in this exciting new opportunity designed to support veterans and their families impacted by recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, please contact the Director of Operations at 518.696.5676 or jroyael@doublehranch.org.

Thank you Veterans!

January 2010

Like a snowflake, no Double H winter student is alike...

Your continued support of the Adaptive Winter Sports Program allows us to teach a life-long skill to 150 children per season, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn how to ski or snowboard. Your continued support of the Adaptive Winter Sports Program allows over 60 families to ski together during one of our five Family Sleepover Weekends, a family outing Double H parents never dreamed possible.

The Double H winter sports enthusiasts and their families are counting on your support. Please consider helping us reach our goal of $40,000 by sponsoring a winter student for a day or for a season on the slopes for the 2010 season.

Health & Happiness,
Max J. Yurenda
CEO/Executive Director

November 2009

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the 1,800 Double H children and family members we served this year. The season of giving is upon us… I want to take a moment to share with you a story that was told to me by a co-worker; a story that embodies everything we are about; a story that reveals the far-reaching impact your support has on our children, our families, our volunteers and our staff.

“December 12, 2005 is a day that remains in my mind always.On that day a man with flowing white hair, a long white beard and a ruddy red face appeared in my doorway at the Development office. He introduced himself as a winter ski instructor, noting that he wanted to make a gift to the Ranch, a holiday gift he presents to his family annually. He told me a story about a little girl he spent a day on the slopes with skiing with a bi-ski, a piece of adaptive equipment guided by the instructor and used by children who have significant problems standing and balancing while in motion.At the end of the day he asked the little girl if she enjoyed her day, and the little girl, who was non-verbal, looked up at him and blew him a kiss.The man and the moment will forever live in my heart.”

A year-end gift will ensure that magical moments at the Double H Ranch will continue to occur; moments that I will share with you so you, like me, can hold them close to your heart. Health and Happiness to you and your family this holiday season and into the New Year.

Max J. Yurenda
CEO/Executive Director

September 2009

Remembering our Co-Founder Paul Newman
September 26 marks the anniversary of the passing of our Co-Founder, Paul Newman. Together with our camp family, we continue to honor his dedication to those less fortunate than him, especially children. The many memories others have shared with us this past year are the best testaments to a man we deeply loved and respected. Each day we celebrate the legacy he has left us.

The over 100,000 campers, camper families and volunteers who benefit from our programs every year, and the thousands more in need, are vital reminders of the importance of Paul’s dream for a future of children worldwide being reached by the Hole in the Wall Camp experience. Your outpouring of generosity last September in memory of Paul has been instrumental in helping us carry out his legacy this past year – and we are profoundly grateful. Thank you for your commitment to the children whom we serve.

We are committed to fulfill our mission --- to serve as many children as possible – one smiling camper at a time. Paul has passed the torch to us and we ask you to carry it with us.

August 2009

Dear Friends,

Our annual gala is being held on Friday, August 14th and we are introducing a new component to the program - the text to pledge initiative. I know that most of you will not be able to attend our event, but I also know that you support our important mission on behalf of our children and families. I would really appreciate it if you would consider making a pledge anytime between 6-9:00pm the evening of August 14th. During these challenging times, every dollar is important and it would be great to have you with us that evening.

Make a difference in the lives of the children and families that attend the Double H Ranch by making a TEXT-TO-PLEDGE on Friday, August 14, 2009. Simply text 646-541-3939 and make your pledge! (The number will only work on the 14th)

I hope that you and your families are all doing well! Big Double H hug,

Max Yurenda, CEO

June 2009

In light of recent local and nationwide developments with the H1N1 swine flu outbreak, our medical team has worked diligently to update our current infection control policy for a potential case at the Double H this summer. We have consulted with our local Public Health Department, CDC, and our physicians at Albany Medical Center and medical Board of Directors representation to create a policy that addresses all scenarios potential for Double H. As we learn more about this outbreak and how it impacts the Double H community, our policies may change and evolve as we receive recommendations from the state and local agencies.

At this time, we feel confident that we are doing all that we can to prevent infection and as of June 25, 2009 we are open and welcoming our Session One campers. If you have any questions or concerns related to the Double H infection control policy please contact Director of Operations - Jacqui Royael at 518-696-5676 ext. 225.

April 2009

All of us our dealing with unprecedented turmoil and uncertainty these days and difficult decisions are being made to address our current economic challenges.

From a fiscal management standpoint, our organization will be reducing direct program services this summer by regretfully cancelling our alumni session scheduled for August- 20th-24th. Our official end date for the summer of 2009 will be August 18th following our 7 traditional sessions of camp.

Our goal will be to reintroduce this program into our 2010 schedule. At this point in time, all other scheduled programs for 2009 will be conducted with the highest quality of standards in place that have positively impacted the lives of our amazing children and their families over the past 17 years.

Please accept my apologies for the impact this decision will have on our children and those involved with the program.

Max Yurenda, CEO