I rode out to this very special camp last weekend, the
Double H Ranch. Co-founded by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman. It's located about two and a half hours away from my home and located in one of my favorite areas - the Adirondack Mountains ('Daks) of New York State.
Spring, summer, fall, winter, the 'Daks are always a great place to play or just hang, relax and recharge yourself. For decades, the 'Daks have been a destination for folks with any aliment. In 1885 the world-renowned Trudeau Sanatorium was opened in Saranac Lake to treat tuberculosis. Later, New York State opened the Ray Brook facility for treating tuberculosis which was later transformed into a rehab center treating women with addictions. In recent years, Forest Bathing has become a popular trend. Forest Bathing, known and studied in Japan, has even been sponsored by the Japanese government to study the health benefits of spending time in the forest (forest bathing). Japan researchers determined being in nature has healing benefits ranging from relieving stress to lowering blood pressure, and fighting off depression. So, it's not a surprise to find Health & Happiness (the Double H) in the Adirondacks.
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| The H Tree |
For years I've been wanting to volunteer at a camp for kids living with and or recovering from chronic illnesses or debilitating conditions. Growing up myself with thal and being around many other patients with chronic type illnesses over the years I was drawn to helping out in some way. I've had a lot given to me in my 52 years of life and felt it was time to pay it forward. I did some research and was directed through the
Cooley's Anemia Foundation to the Double H Ranch.
I arrived Friday under the threat of strong thunderstorms with damaging winds. I located the camp entrance down a small winding road, still mostly covered with a layer of sand from the long winter which had left a little less than two weeks prior. As I made my way down the dusty road, I imagined Mr. Paul Newman driving down this very same road. I wonder what he thought of my Adirondacks.
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| Sara |
The road widens into a small parking area where hundreds of kids a year (all coping with, or recovering from life threatening illness) are greeted and checked in. It has that rustic yet welcoming appearance.
Following the two and a half hour bike trip, it was nice to hop off and stretch. I checked in and recieved my room number where I'd stay for the next three days. Oh, and my official title of Pal. Yup, Sam Pal. And the name and family I'd be assigned to help out and hang with. This was family weekend. Future and past campers would be here with their families. Mine consisted of a great young lady named Sara, her older brother, and Mom. Luckily Sara had attended one of the previous week long camps. She was able to help break me in, probably more than I helped her.
As the weekend proceeded and I followed Sara and her family I became intrigued by just watching the other campers and their families along with their Pals. If you didn't know, you'd think these kids came here every week. They all seemed to be so relaxed and at home. And not at all in a bad way. None seemed to misbehave. I know many of these kids have been through really tough times in their young lives. I think this sometimes makes even the young appreciate things a little more and even they seem not to be bothered by some of the little things.
The staff along with about 15 or more volunteers have everything planned out so it all runs fairly smooth. Even with the unplanned, but now looming storm approaching, the outdoor campfire with s'mores was moved to an indoors fireplace. Without hesitation, all went well. The storm ripped through, lights flickered a little, and the generator kicked on without missing a beat! The generator wound up staying on the entire weekend.
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| Sara |
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| Sara |
There seemed to be endless arts and crafts in multiple buildings the entire weekend, but with the calm after the storm came amazing beautiful weather. Sara guided us through all the outdoor activities. We took a small rowboat out fishing. Tried our skills out with the bow and arrow. Only one tree was injured as a rogue arrow from Mom went sailing out of the range and into the forest. What seemed to be the biggest hit with young and old, big and small, was the ropes obstacle course.
I am hoping to return for at least another weekend although the Double H has week long camps. I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet. I was lucky to be assigned to an older camper. I don't know if I'd be able to keep up to some of the smaller kids. I do highly recommend this to anyone looking for a safe fun environment to send their child. Look into their programs which run year round. They also have a small ski slope. And if you have the time no matter what your age, think about donating some time to the Double H Camp.
