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!

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Current Volunteers: Check the Volunteer Hub for everything you need to know before arriving at camp!

Visit the Volunteer Hub

2023 Spring Volunteer Opportunities

Description:

Family Pals are paired with campers  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.
    • Complete required e-learning courses and onsite training upon arrival.

Accommodations:

Residential – Family Pals are provided 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 3-3.5 hours at a time.

Requirements:

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

Accommodations:

Residential or Non-Residential – Lifeguards may choose to stay onsite with housing and meals provided, or commute to and from camp for shifts during weekend programs.

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 3-3.5 hours at a time.

Requirements:

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

Accommodations:

Residential or Non-Residential – Ropes Course Volunteers may choose to stay onsite with housing and meals provided, or commute to and from camp for shifts during weekend programs.

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 3-3.5 hours.

Requirements:

  • At least 16 years of age.
  • 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:

Residential or Non-Residential – Archery Volunteers may choose to stay onsite with housing and meals provided, or commute to and from camp for shifts during weekend programs.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Volunteer Drivers support spring weekends 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

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, or run events like Spring in the City.

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:

Albany Medical Center (Albany, NY)
March 7 @ 11:00am-1:00pm
April 4 @ 11:00am-1:00pm
May 2 @ 11:00am-1:00pm
June 6 @ 11:00am-1:00pm

Pathways Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (Schenectady, NY)
March 29 @ 11:00am-1:00pm
April 25 @ 11:00am-1:00pm
May 16 @ 11:00am-1:00pm
August 29 @ 11:00am-1:00pm

Questions?

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

Apply Now

2023 Summer Volunteer Opportunities

Description:

Cabin Counselor Volunteers are enthusiastic, nurturing individuals who join a staff of counselors in caring for a cabin of campers throughout the 5-day session. Each day, volunteers participate in cabin activities, camp program areas, mealtimes and evening events with their cabin. They work closely with fellow volunteers, staff, and the medical team to ensure that campers have their needs met, are having a positive experience, and are staying safe.

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 kids.
  • Complete e-learning courses and attend onsite training the day before their session begins.

Accommodations:

Residential – Cabin Counselor Volunteers are provided housing and meals during camp sessions.

Questions?

Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Activity Volunteers help support the operation of camp program areas including, Archery, Arts and Crafts, Barn, Creative Arts, Discovery (Science), High Ropes Course, Outdoor Extreme (Nature), Team Adventure (Sports), The Waterfront (Fishing & Boating). Alongside Activity Leaders, Activity Volunteers help set up program areas, facilitate engaging and fun activities for campers, and keep areas and supplies clean and disinfected between use.

Requirements:

  • At least 16 years of age.
  • Prior experience or interest in working with kids.
  • Complete e-learning courses and attend an onsite training day.
  • High Ropes Course and Archery volunteers will require additional training regarding safety in these areas (further details will be provided during the application process).

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – Activity Volunteers 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

Position Descriptions:

  • Cabin Nurse: Join a camper cabin to provide medical care, pass daily medications, and monitor the health of campers throughout their five-day session. Children of Cabin Nurses are eligible to apply to attend camp during their parent’s volunteer session.
  • Camp Inspiration Nurses, CRNAs, and Respiratory Therapists: Join us at camp for a shift to care for campers during our respiratory focused session.

Requirements:

All Medical Volunteers must be professionally licensed to practice in New York State.

Accommodations:

Residential – Cabin Nurses are provided onsite housing and meals during camp sessions. Camp Inspiration Nurses, CRNAs, and Respiratory Therapists are provided meals and optional onsite sleeping arrangements during their shifts.

Questions?

Please contact Stephanie Neaton, RN, Nursing Director at sneaton@doublehranch.org

Apply Now

Description:

Registration Day Volunteers welcome campers to Double H on the first day of each session with cheers and enthusiasm. They support the camper check-in process through distributing t-shirts and water bottles, organizing and transporting camper luggage, and providing parents and guardians with important information, like schedules and pick up times.

Requirements:

  • At least 16 years of age.
  • Complete e-learning courses.

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – Registration Day Volunteers 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

Description:

Dining Hall Helpers assist our Food Service Team in making meal times successful. They ensure everything is clean, tidy, and well-stocked with delicious nutritious meals and snacks.

Requirements:

  • At least 16 years of age.
  • Complete e-learning courses.

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – Dining Hall Helpers 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

Description:

Office helpers assist year-round staff with the preparation of camper materials, nametags, welcome packets, scanning, filing, and other administrative tasks as needed.

Requirements:

  • At least 16 years of age.

Accommodations:

Non-Residential – Office Helpers 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

Description:

Volunteer Drivers support summer camp by providing scheduled transportation for campers, volunteers, and staff 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

A counselor helps a camper across the practice wire at the ropes course

2023 Spring Program Dates

  • Outreach Spring in the City: date coming soon!
  • Camp Bravehearts Weekend: May 5-7
  • Camp Comfort Weekend: May 19-21

2023 Summer Program Dates

  • Camp Inspiration: June 14-18
  • Session 1: June 21-25
  • Session 2: June 28-July 2
  • Session 3: July 5-9
  • Session 4: July 13-17
  • Session 5: July 20-24
  • Session 6: July 27-31
  • Alumni Session: August 3-7

Volunteer Eligibility

To be eligible to volunteer during the 2023 Spring Weekends or Summer Camp Program, applicants must…

  • Have prior experience or interest in working with children.
  • Be fully vaccinated in accordance with CDC recommendations, including a primary series and booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if eligible.
  • See specific roles above for age and certification requirements.

A counselor shows a camper how to use a bow and arrow at the archery range.

Application Process

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.

Dates to keep in mind…

  • Part 1 Application Deadline: April 1
  • Part 2 Application Deadline: May 1

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 and See List.

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!

 

Volunteer Training

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.

  • Virtual Volunteer Welcome: Wednesday, May 17 @ 7:00pm on Zoom
  • Activity Volunteer Training: date coming soon!
  • Cabin Counselor Volunteer Training: The day before your scheduled session begins.
    • Session 1: June 20
    • Session 2: June 27
    • Session 3: July 4
    • Session 4: July 12
    • Session 5: July 19
    • Session 6: July 26
    • Alumni Session: August 2

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

an instructor in an orange coat kneels to adjusts a campers snowboard
camper rides horse led by two volunteers smiling
Three people roast marshmallows around a fire while it snows.

Questions about volunteering? Please contact the Volunteer Office.

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