Volunteers

Summer Volunteers

Summer 2010 Online Volunteer Application! (Click here to begin your application)

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. All applicants must submit appropriate paperwork and complete a phone interview before being accepted as a Summer 2010 volunteer.  

If you are a returning volunteer please use last year’s password. If you have forgotten your password follow the directions on the “sign-in” screen to receive an email reminder.  

If you are applying to volunteer in arts and crafts, the barn, gift shop or on registration days, you will be contacted with a schedule to complete during your interview process. For additional information please email our Volunteer Coordinator or call at 518-696-5676 ext. 241.

Winter Volunteers

We have had an amazing response this season from new and returning Adaptive Winter Sports Program volunteers this year. At this time the deadline for on-line applications has passed, but if you or someone you know is interested in volunteering this winter season we are still looking for a few more instructors, lodge hosts, and family sleep over weekend pals to join us before the snow hits the ground! For more information, or to apply, please e-mail our Volunteer Coordinator or call at 518-696-5676 ext. 241. Hope to see you on the slopes!

 To view past editions of the Winter Volunteer E-News please click here!

Overview
Summer/Summer FAQ’s
Winter/Winter FAQ’s
Spring and Fall
Year-round

Overview

The Double H Ranch relies on the support of approximately 1,500 volunteers per year to accomplish its mission to provide specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses by creating camp experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound. 

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities during our Adaptive Winter Sports Program (January-April), our Summer Residential Camp Program (June-August), and during our Spring and Fall Family Program weekends. We also encourage individuals, schools, businesses and civic organizations to participate in fundraising/special events and camp wide work days.

Summer

Summer Residential Camp Program (June- August)

Clinical Volunteer – (RN, LPN, NP, RT) We could not run our programs without the support and expertise of our volunteer nurses and doctors! Ten nurses per summer session are integrated into the camper cabins and provide unobtrusive medical care. Experienced and caring nurses are onsite for a minimum of one six day session. If you are unable to commit to a whole week, Camp Inspiration is a program designed to give children who are ventilator dependent the opportunity to experience traditional summer camp. Camp Inspiration utilizes nurses and respiratory therapists in 12 hour shifts.

Session Volunteer – Volunteers who are a minimum of 19 years of age join a cabin group as a Cabin Counselor. Session Volunteers work alongside full time staff to move campers through programs and assist with daily needs.

General Volunteers – General volunteers help in many different areas of our residential summer camp program. Volunteers commit to a minimum of six volunteer shifts over the course of the summer program. Some folks choose to come the same day each week, or one day per session, and other people use the flexibility of the non-residential volunteer position to accommodate other summer activities or vacations.

General Program Volunteers – Our programs operate on scheduled days throughout each session and rely on assistance from volunteer support. Volunteers assist in Arts & Crafts, Pottery, Equestrian, and Small Animals. Program coverage runs in morning and afternoon shifts, from 9:00am-12:30pm and 3:00pm-5:30pm. The minimum age requirement for arts & crafts is 17 years old, and the minimum age requirement for the barn is 12 years old with experience preferred. 

Registration Day Volunteer – On the first day of each summer session campers are welcomed with cheers and enthusiasm. Volunteers help staff the registration area, and assist with camper check-in, gift shop, luggage, and maintaining a fun atmosphere.

Driver – Double H Ranch offers transportation from the Albany Airport and local bus and train stations. During the summer months especially, there is a high demand for drivers to meet our transportation needs. A CDL is preferred but not mandatory and Ranch vehicles may be provided.

Summer FAQ’s

Who does the Double H Ranch serve?
The Double H Ranch provides specialized programs and year-round support for children between the ages of 6 and 16 dealing with a life-threatening illness such as Cancer/Leukemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Hemophilia/Other Bleeding Disorders, Collagen Vascular Disease, and HIV/Immune Disorder. Our Adaptive Winter Sports Program accepts students between the ages of 6 and 18 with these diagnoses, as well as students with visual impairments or on the Autism Spectrum. Programming for traditional summer camp, as well as the Adaptive Winter Sports Program integrates all children, and is not divided based on specific diagnosis. The family based Spring and Fall retreat weekends host children and families with specific diagnosis such as Spina Bifida, Diabetes, Cancer, and Bleeding Disorders. We also host an oncology camp for women, a camp for children and teens that have experienced the death or critical illness of a parent, sibling or close relative, and a weekend for children on ventilators.

How can I help?
We welcome your energy and support in all areas of operation at the Ranch. We rely on volunteer ski and snowboard instructors, nurses and respiratory therapists, cabin counselors, general volunteers, housekeeping, and maintenance volunteers to operate year round! To view a list of all Volunteer Opportunities please visit our.

Where will I stay?
Residential summer session volunteers are housed in Adirondack style cabins. Most rooms host 2-3 volunteers, and each room has a bathroom. Volunteers and program staff sleep separately from the campers, and are not responsible for the campers overnight. Session Volunteers and volunteers attending a spring or fall Family-based Program are residential. For all residential volunteers, we provide food and housing for the duration of the volunteer commitment. General Volunteer positions during the summer months are non-residential.

Is transportation available?
For summer session volunteers, the Ranch offers transportation to and from the Albany Airport, and local train and bus stations. For Family Pals during fall and spring family retreat weekends, the Ranch does not provide transportation, but will help facilitate carpool among volunteers. General Volunteers need to be able to get to and from the Ranch for volunteer shifts.

Are there any restrictions and/or requirements of which I should be aware?
Volunteer qualifications include: energy, compassion, responsibility, a sense of humor, commitment, ready to work with a team and jump right in with kids! In order to be considered for volunteer service, one must complete and submit the Volunteer Application, (including three references and medical information), participate in a telephone interview, pass the criminal background check, attend volunteer orientation, and commit to the entire length of the scheduled volunteer opportunity.

Is there an age requirement for participation as a volunteer?
Session Volunteers must be 19 years of age or have completed one year of college.
Barn (Small Animals or equestrian) volunteers may apply once they are a minimum of 12 years old, and experience is considered before confirming the volunteer placement.
Arts & Crafts volunteers may apply at a minimum of 17 years of age. The age range of volunteers last year was 12-84. There is no maximum age requirement

What do Session Volunteers do?
Volunteer Cabin Counselors are an integral part of our Summer Program. Session volunteers bring fresh energy and new ideas! Twenty five Session Volunteers arrive a day early for Orientation, and then serve for a full camp session (6 days). Cabin Counselors are matched up with a cabin of children, and full-time summer staff, and accompany the campers to camp activities, off-site excursions, help facilitate down-time, and assist the children with any of their daily needs. Cabin counselors are expected to help as the need arises and may only leave the cabin group during approved scheduled time off. Generally there are 2-3 Volunteer Cabin Counselors per cabin each session. 

Do I have to attend Orientation?
YES! General Volunteer Orientation is hosted the second weekend in June, and is mandatory for all General Volunteers- returning or brand new to the program. Session Volunteer training takes place on volunteer arrival day, the day before each summer session. Orientation provides necessary tools to be an educated volunteer. You will learn information about the camp schedule, camp policy and procedure, medical overview, and important information regarding your volunteer role with our campers. Returning volunteers are utilized in facilitation to help provide insight into the role of the Double H Volunteer.

How do I sign up? 
A copy of the volunteer application is available on this website. You may also contact the Volunteer Coordinator to request a copy of the application, or to ask questions! The submission of a complete summer application is acceptable for placement in any of our year-round programs. Only one application is required per year. 

Is there a deadline to volunteer for the summer program?
Volunteer positions are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Upon receipt and review of your application, we will contact you regarding interview arrangements. We can’t wait to hear from you!  

Winter

Adaptive Winter Sports Program (November- April)

Ski/Snowboard Instructor – Volunteer instructors personally commit to PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) based certified training, and teach Double H Ranch students how to ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, or snowshoe with the use of appropriate adaptive equipment.

Ski Patrol – (January through April) Experienced, certified National Ski Patrol volunteers provide supervision and first aid for our skiers and snowboarders. Three Ski Patrol volunteers are required to be on-site for each day of student instruction.

Lodge Host – (January through April) Lodge Hosts greet families, serve hot soup and snacks, staff the gift shop, play with kids, and help maintain the cleanliness of our lodge.

Family Pals – On Family Sleepover Weekends, volunteers are matched up with a family, and accompany the family through daily programming. These weekends give students, siblings, and other family members the opportunity to participate in winter sports together. After a day of winter sports, instructors head home, and Family Pals sleep over at the Ranch to help facilitate evening activities.

Winter FAQ’s

How old do I have to be to be an instructor?
Junior Instructors can participate in the Adaptive Winter Sports Program at age 16.  Volunteers will maintain a Junior Instructor status between the ages of 16 and 18. At 19, a volunteer can participate as a full instructor.  Please review the Volunteer Manual for guidelines on participating as a Junior Instructor.

Am I required to complete an application each year?
Yes. The Double H Ranch requires an application each year for insurance purposes and to run a current background check.

May I bring a visitor to the Ranch with me?
For the protection of the children and families of the Double H Ranch, and to maintain the safety of the program, we operate as a closed-site.  ALL VISITORS must obtain permission PRIOR to their arrival at Double H.  Please have all visitors contact the Volunteer Coordinator to set up a visit to the Ranch.  When on-site, all visitors without the appropriate paperwork on file, will be accompanied by a Ranch staff person.

What time should we arrive and depart on a teaching day?
Instructors arrive at 8:30am for a teaching day. Students participate on-snow between 10am and 3pm.  There is a lunch break from 12-1pm.  For "Family Sleepover Weekends" instructors have the same schedule.

Do I need to bring lunch?
Instructors should plan on packing a lunch for teaching days.  On teaching days that correlate with a Family Sleepover Weekend, breakfast and lunch is provided by the Ranch. Soup and snack food are provided by the Ranch on regular teaching days.

May I bring my dog with me to the Ranch?
Service dogs are the only dogs allowed on-site at the Ranch.  Please do not bring dogs or other pets with you to the Ranch.

If items are missing from the application, will I be notified?
Yes, a confirmation letter will be sent to you with the status of your application and any missing items that are needed. Acceptance as a volunteer to the Adaptive Winter Sports Program is dependent upon a complete application.

Spring and Fall

Family-Based Programs (May-June and September-November)

Family Pals- Family Pals are available to lend a helping hand to our families who attend our Spring and Fall retreat programs. Each family is paired with a family pal who acts as a host for the weekend. The role of the family pal might vary depending on the needs of the family, but responsibilities may include: greeting families upon arrival, camp tours, joining families in camp activities, playing with kids when parents are in parent-only activities, and helping the family with any needs that arise. Family pals sleep over at the Ranch and also help facilitate activities and assist with program needs.

Year-round

Gift Shop – The Ranch Gift Shop is open during summer registration and departure days and during several special events throughout the year. Having the Gift Shop open requires responsible individuals to process purchases and re-stock items as necessary.

Housekeeping – Our Housekeeping Department operates year-round to meet the needs of our scheduled programming. The Housekeeping Department loves to have assistance with folding linens, washing bedding and other general duties, especially during program changeover days.

Maintenance/Grounds – The Ranch is located on approximately 320 acres of land and the full-time Maintenance Department appreciates the help of volunteers who are able to rake, paint, garden, mow grass, and assist with the general maintenance of common areas.

Work Groups – The Ranch coordinates Spring and Fall Community work days for individuals, businesses, school groups and civic organizations to assist with grounds and maintenance work before and after the summer camp season. Community work days are a great opportunity for team-building and school community service requirements. The minimum age of participants is 12 years.

Fundraising/Special Events – All programs at the Double H Ranch are offered free of charge to our participants. To support the program, we have year-round fundraising and special events. Larger events, such as our annual gala and golf tournament, rely on volunteer assistance for guest registration, auction checkout, and event support.