The colder weather moving in brings with it a return to family programming at Double H. The upcoming fall and winter weekends hold a special place in our mission. While the pulse of summer camp is fast and furiously fun, during family weekends the schedule tends to move a little slower and the meaning of camp sinks in a little deeper. We know that a medical diagnosis is not a solitary endeavor. Fall and winter weekends are a nod to the ripple effect that extends beyond each camper.
They are intentional time and space to acknowledge the experiences of each family and the importance of community. Throughout each weekend, camp becomes a respite for every member of the family. A camper parent described The General Family Weekend at Double H last fall as, “the highlight of our year. It is an escape and a sense of peace.” Campers, so often robbed of choice, get to decide which adventures their day will hold. Siblings, accustomed to worry for a brother or sister, are endlessly doted on by volunteer Family Pals. Caregivers, typically strapped for moments for quiet, find time to rest – maybe even time enough to read that one book they’ve been carrying around.
This time at camp is also a chance to connect with other families. While some can empathize with what it means to have a loved one with a serious medical diagnosis, nothing compares to the connection between those who are living it. When asked what family weekends means to them, another camper parent shared, “it’s an amazing source of information and support for my husband and me…It’s priceless.” The conversations that float through the dining hall over a meal. The stories that are shared in early morning fog while fishing at the waterfront. The silence that’s held around a campfire under the stars. Each moment builds a community that will be there for each other even after the cars are packed on Sunday morning.
We hope you’ll join us this fall and winter for a chance to ride down a zip line, ski down a slope, or catch a fish on the lake. More importantly, we hope you’ll find your way to Double H for the respite and community that’s waiting for your family.
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We can’t wait to welcome families back to camp for a chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and enjoy a carefree weekend in the Adirondacks together. As always, Double H programs are offered free of charge to campers and families. The camper and volunteer online applications for Fall Family Weekends will be available Wednesday, September 6th.
- Camp Comfort: September 29 – October 1
- A bereavement weekend designed to serve campers (ages 6 – 17) who have lost a close family member, run in collaboration with The Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital.
- Camp Bravehearts: October 6-9
- An oncology camp for women run in collaboration with the Bravehearts Organization.
- NEW! Neuromuscular Family Weekend: October 13-15
- A family weekend for campers aged 5-21 who have a neuromuscular or neurological diagnosis, like Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, or Arthrogryposis.
- General Family Weekend #1: October 20-22 & General Family Weekend #2: October 27-29
- Family weekends designed for campers aged 5-21 who have any of the medical diagnoses that qualify for our summer camp program.
