Volunteer Opportunities

Double H is more than a camp. Each year, hundreds of kids living with serious illnesses and their families will have the chance to experience camp in a unique way – purposefully designed, fully adapted, and medically safe. Season after season, the dedication and passion of our volunteers makes the magic of camp a reality. Volunteer to make an impact at Double H Ranch.

The 2023 Fall and 2024 Winter volunteer applications are now available. Read through the available positions below and apply today!

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Outreach Program

Alumni Prom: Saturday, September 23, 2023

Description:

Volunteers assist with event set up, running workshops and program areas, accompanying alumni campers, and general facilitation of the day. Choose the morning or afternoon shift, or join us for the full event.

To learn more, please visit the Outreach Program page.

Requirements:

  • At least 19 years of age, or 18 and a year out of high school.
  • Prior Double H Ranch volunteer or staff experience.
  • Complete required e-learning courses and day-of training.

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – Volunteer Drivers are non-residential positions. Volunteers must have their own transportation to and from camp for shifts.

Questions?

Please contact Corinne Lafayette, Outreach Coordinator at clafayette@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Outreach Volunteers support the Double H Outreach Program in bringing camp activities to children in hospital, health center, and other community settings. Volunteers help implement activities in hospital playrooms or bedside visits.

To learn more, please visit the Outreach Program page.

Requirements:

  • At least 19 years of age, or 18 and a year out of high school.
  • Prior Double H Ranch volunteer or staff experience.
  • Complete required e-learning courses and day-of training.

Outreach Hospital Visit Dates:

  • Pathways Nursing & Rehabilitation (Schenectady, NY): September 6
  • Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (Lebanon, NH): September 12
  • Albany Medical Center (Albany, NY): September 14
  • Pathways Nursing & Rehabilitation (Schenectady, NY): October 24
  • Melodies at Albany Medical Center (Albany, NY): October 31
  • Pathways Nursing & Rehabilitation (Schenectady, NY): November 7
  • Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (Lebanon, NH): November 14
  • Albany Medical Center (Albany, NY): November 28
  • Albany Medical Center (Albany, NY): December 12

Questions?

Please contact Corinne Lafayette, Outreach Coordinator at clafayette@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

2023 Fall Weekend Program

Description:

Family Pals are paired with campers and their families to act as a counselor throughout the weekend. They accompany participants at activity areas and during meal times, help guide them through the daily schedule, and provide general assistance when needed.

Requirements:

    • At least 19 years of age, or 18 years of age and a year out of high school.
    • Prior experience or interest in working with children.
    • Complete required e-learning courses and onsite training upon arrival.

Accommodations:

Residential – Family Pals are provided onsite housing and meals during the weekend program.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Lifeguards help ensure a safe environment at our aquatics program areas by supervising swimming at the indoor pool or fishing and boating activities at the waterfront. Shifts range from 3-4 hours at a time.

Requirements:

    • At least 18 years of age.
    • American Red Cross Lifeguard & CPR certifications.
    • Prior experience or interest in working with children.
    • Prior lifeguarding experience.
    • Complete required e-learning courses and onsite training upon arrival.

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – Lifeguards commute to and from camp for shifts during weekend programs. Meals are provided during volunteers shifts.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Barn volunteers help ensure a safe environment at our barn program area by facilitating activities like horseback riding feeding goats and donkeys, small animal interactions, and more. Shifts range from 3-4 hours at a time.

Requirements:

    • At least 16 years of age.
    • Prior experience or interest in working with children.
    • Prior barn, horse, or small animal experience.
    • Complete required e-learning courses and onsite training upon arrival.

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – Barn volunteers commute to and from camp for shifts during weekend programs. Meals are provided during volunteers shifts.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

High Ropes Course Volunteers assist Double H staff in operating our ropes course program area. Volunteers will help with set up and take down of the course, sizing harnesses and helmets for campers, and managing crowds. Shifts range from 3-4 hours at a time.

Requirements:

    • At least 16 years of age.
    • Prior experience or interest in working with children.
    • Prior ropes course or climbing experience.
    • Complete required e-learning courses and onsite training upon arrival.

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – Barn volunteers commute to and from camp for shifts during weekend programs. Meals are provided during volunteers shifts.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Archery Volunteers help ensure a safe environment at our archery range program area. Volunteers will set up and take down supplies, demonstrate safe practices for participants, and oversee activities at the program area. Shifts range from 3-4 hours.

Requirements:

  • At least 16 years of age.
  • Prior experience or interest in working with children.
  • Prior archery range experience.
  • Certification in archery instruction. Those who do not have certification may assist in activities.
  • Complete required e-learning courses and onsite training upon arrival.

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – Barn volunteers commute to and from camp for shifts during weekend programs. Meals are provided during volunteers shifts.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

General Activity Volunteers assist in facilitating activities at Arts & Crafts, Discovery (science), Team Adventure (sports & team building), Outdoor Extreme (nature), and the Waterfront areas. Includes set-up and clean up of materials, assisting campers and family members, and facilitating activities. Volunteers will be assigned to activity areas based on experience and interest to the best of our ability.

Requirements:

  • At least 16 years of age.
  • Prior experience or interest in working with children.
  • Complete required e-learning courses and onsite training upon arrival.

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – General Activity Volunteers commute to and from camp for shifts during weekend programs. Meals are provided during volunteers shifts.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Certified therapy animals and their handlers support weekend programs by visiting campers and families throughout the day.

Requirements:

  • Animals must be certified therapy animals.
  • Handlers complete e-learning courses.

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – Therapy Animals are non-residential positions. Meals are provided during volunteers shifts.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Volunteer Drivers support weekend programs by providing scheduled transportation for campers and volunteers throughout the season. Drivers utilize Double H vehicles to bring others between camp and various public transit hubs, like the Albany train and bus stations.

Requirements:

  • At least 21 years of age.
  • Hold a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
  • Complete e-learning courses and a driver’s training course.

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – Volunteer Drivers are non-residential positions. Volunteers must have their own transportation to and from camp for shifts.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

2024 Adaptive Winter Sports Program

Description:

Ski and Snowboard Instructors teach campers new skills on the hill in group or one-on-one lessons. Instructors complete training requirements in accordance with Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) standards that cover different methods of ski and snowboard instruction, the appropriate use of adaptive equipment, and more. No prior teaching experience is required.

Interested in learning more about volunteering for the Adaptive Winter Sports Program? Let’s get lunch! Join us for a pre-season picnic on Saturday, September 9th.

Requirements:

  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Ability to ski or snowboard.
  • Prior experience or interest in working with kids.
  • Complete required e-learning courses and in-person training.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Junior Ski and Snowboard instructors learn the ropes of adaptive teaching for campers with serious medical conditions. Junior Instructors receive the same training opportunities throughout the season and are paired with experienced instructors when teaching lessons. No prior teaching experience is required.

Interested in learning more about volunteering for the Adaptive Winter Sports Program? Let’s get lunch! Join us for a pre-season picnic on Saturday, September 9th.

Requirements:

  • 16-17 years of age.
  • Ability to ski or snowboard.
  • Prior experience or interest in working with kids.
  • Complete required e-learning courses and in-person training.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Certified National Ski Patrol volunteers provide supervision, guidance, and first aid for our campers and instructors while out on the hill.

Interested in learning more about volunteering for the Adaptive Winter Sports Program? Let’s get lunch! Join us for a pre-season picnic on Saturday, September 9th.

Requirements:

  • Certified National Ski Patrol Member.
  • Complete required e-learning courses and in-person training.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Family Pals are paired with campers and their families to act as a counselor throughout the weekend. They help participants with finding their rooms and equipment, accompany participants during meal times, help guide them through the daily schedule, facilitate evening programming, and provide general assistance when needed.

Interested in learning more about volunteering for the Adaptive Winter Sports Program? Let’s get lunch! Join us for a pre-season picnic on Saturday, September 9th.

Requirements:

    • At least 19 years of age, or 18 years of age and a year out of high school.
    • Prior experience or interest in working with children.
    • Complete required e-learning courses and onsite training upon arrival.

Accommodations:

Residential – Family Pals are provided onsite housing and meals during the weekend program.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Lodge Hosts provide campers and families with a warm welcome and a sense of comfort. Lodge Hosts guide families and instructors to their stations, help maintain the cleanliness of the ski lodge, tend to the fire, and assist our food service team with meal and snack prep to ensure everyone has the energy they need for a day of fun.

Interested in learning more about volunteering for the Adaptive Winter Sports Program? Let’s get lunch! Join us for a pre-season picnic on Saturday, September 9th.

Requirements:

  • At least 16 years of age.
  • Prior experience or interest in working with kids.
  • Complete required e-learning courses and in-person training.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Equipment Room Technicians (ERTs) are responsible for the proper setting of ski and snowboard bindings, proper protective equipment selection and fitting, equipment tracking, and use of adaptive teaching tools.

Interested in learning more about volunteering for the Adaptive Winter Sports Program? Let’s get lunch! Join us for a pre-season picnic on Saturday, September 9th.

Requirements:

  • At least 19 years of age.
  • Prior experience or interest in working with kids.
  • Complete required e-learning courses and in-person training.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Conveyor Lift Operators (CLOs) help campers and instructors safely enter, ride, and exit the conveyor lift, or “magic carpet,” during lessons. CLOs are stationed outside on the hill for 1-2 hours at a time and should have the ability to physically assist campers on and off, as well as return campers to a standing position if they were to fall.

Interested in learning more about volunteering for the Adaptive Winter Sports Program? Let’s get lunch! Join us for a pre-season picnic on Saturday, September 9th.

Requirements:

  • At least 16 years of age.
  • Prior experience or interest in working with kids.
  • Complete required e-learning courses and in-person training.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

A camper in a wheelchair uses the adaptive bow with the help from their counselor at the archery range.

2023 Fall Program Dates

  • Outreach Alumni Prom: Saturday, September 23
  • Camp Comfort: Friday, September 29 – Sunday, October 1
  • Camp Bravehearts: Friday, October 6 – Monday, October 9
  • Neuromuscular Family Weekend: Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15
  • General Family Weekend 1: Friday, October 20 – Sunday, October 22
  • General Family Weekend 2: Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29

For more information on the different programs, please see Spring & Fall Weekend Programs page.

2024 Winter Program Dates

  • Sunday, January 7
  • Family Sleepover Weekend #1: Friday, January 12 – Sunday, January 15
  • Saturday, January 20
  • Sunday, January 21
  • Saturday, January 27
  • Sunday, January 28
  • Saturday, February 3
  • Sunday, February 4
  • Saturday, February 10
  • Sunday, February 11
  • Family Sleepover Weekend #2: Friday, February 16 – Monday, February 19
  • Saturday, February 24
  • Sunday, February 25
  • Saturday, March 2
  • Sunday, March 3
  • Family Sleepover Weekend #3: Friday, March 8 – Sunday, March 10
  • Saturday, March 16
  • Sunday, March 17

A camper in a lime green snowsuit skis through a half pipe with their counselor following behind.

Alumni Campers and volunteers smile with glow wands.

Volunteer Eligibility

To be eligible to volunteer during the 2023 Fall & 2024 Winter seasons, applicants must…

  • Have prior experience or interest in working with children.
  • Be fully vaccinated in accordance with CDC recommendations, including the COVID-19 vaccine. This means volunteers must have a complete primary series of either Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines OR one dose of the bivalent vaccine. The COVID booster is highly recommended.
  • Winter Program volunteers are also required to receive the 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccine.
  • See specific roles above for age and certification requirements.

Application Process

The 2023 Fall & 2024 Winter volunteer application is now available!

New volunteers will need to complete an online application (about 30 min), submit references, and schedule a Zoom interview to meet with our Volunteer Office. Returning volunteers will also need to submit the online application, where their existing information will auto fill.

Volunteer applications are processed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Once deadlines have passed or spots are full, we will continue to accept applications to add to the Wait List. Please note our application deadlines…

  • 2023 Fall Volunteer Application: Friday, September 15
  • 2024 Winter Volunteer Application: Friday, October 20

If you are excited to get involved, but unsure about which role best suits your interests, please contact the Volunteer Office so we can help!

Training Sessions

Double H provides thorough training so that volunteers feel prepared and comfortable in their roles. Training requirements are offered both online and in-person, and vary based on the role.

  • Adaptive Winter Sports Program Orientation: Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 8:30am – 4:00pm
  • Virtual Winter Info Session: Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 7:00pm. Zoom link coming soon!
  • Adaptive Winter Sports Program Training Dates: Training schedule coming soon!

If you have any questions about trainings, please contact the Volunteer Office.

A camper and instructor use outriggers to four-track ski down the hill at Double H.
A camper and counselor draw with chalk.
A camper wearing a blue helmet and red winter coat downhill skies between two instructors using adaptive equipment.
Two counselors and two campers pose for a group photo with colorful paint on their faces.

Questions about volunteering? Please contact the Volunteer Office.

volunteer@doublehranch.org     |     (518) 696-5676 x 290