Camper Stories

Nicholas S., who turned six year’s old in December, just made the age cut, and 2008 was his first year of skiing. His dad, Leo did not think that he would be able to do it – “he won’t ride a bike, so why would I think he would ski?” But he loves it. He’s had five opportunities to ski. Nick’s parents make only ‘tentative’ plans on the weekends because, as they tell family and friends, they are on the cancellation list which means if someone cancels at the last minute, they may receive a call that morning that there is a spot for Nick, and they pack their bag and head for the slopes. Lisa and Leo call it the Disney World of skiing.

I just wanted to drop you all a quick note to say thanks for all that you did to make our recent camp (Cindy’s Comfort Camp) such a great success. This was the biggest and best group of Double H staff and volunteers that we had at any of our camps. All the Double H staff, Double H big Buddies, and Double H volunteers not only worked tirelessly to get to know the kids and deliver the program, they also made sure that our campers benefited from the uniquely special spirit of the Summer program. It made such a positive impact on the weekend and the kids. I hope that we are as fortunate in future camps to be able to benefit in this way. Our partnership is so meaningful to me, and it makes me happy and proud to see how it is blossoming. I hope too that we are able to give more volunteers to your other programs. I have some ideas about how to get more people involved.

Again, thanks so much. I look forward to seeing you all over the Winter, in the Spring, and in the Summer. I guess I’m like a bad penny now, I keep turning up!

Gerard Florio, Ph.D
Clinical Health Psychologist
The C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital
(Cindy’s Comfort Camp serves children who have a parent or loved one diagnosed with Cancer)

We are confident that you have heard (and read) this before – what a truly wonderful experience you provide at Double H Ranch! We just wanted to take a moment and express our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone of you for the great time our daughter Melanie had at camp during Session 2. From the very first second upon entering the camp grounds and being greeted with applause and cheering to the tearful singing and hugs good-bye we knew she was in good hands. In fact although you tell people that Double H stands for Health & Happiness – we know the secret (shh – we won’t tell). Double H really stands for Heavenly Hands!

Thank you for making a difference – making a difference in the lives of the campers who attend, like Melanie and also making a difference in the lives of the families too (like ours!). We are telling everyone of Mel’s adventures – whitewater rafting, overnight tent camping, and zip-lining. We have tried to always include Melanie in everything we do – to not let her physical condition prevent her spirit from experiencing all that life has to offer.

She is a blessing to us. She has transformed our lives and so often the lives of those she meets. We have been blessed by all of you – from the nurses, to the maintenance worker, to front office staff, to the board of directors, the corporate partners, to the 2nd grader reading books to raise funds, and especially the wonderful counselors in the Bear Cabin.

Thank you from all of us!
Tim, Valerie, Lisa, Melanie, Andrew & Nicole