Double H Ranch Celebrates Completion of $5.5M Capital Campaign with Ribbon Cutting of Circle H Residential Lodge and Inclusive Playground

LAKE LUZERNE, NY – On Tuesday June 4, representatives from Double H Ranch, Balzer & Tuck Architecture, and Bette & Cring Construction Group attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new, 12,000 square foot residential cabin located at the Double H Ranch. The project was part of a $5.5 million capital campaign project to support four areas of focus: a new Residential Lodge, Adaptive Playground, Outdoor Pavilion expansion, and Camp-A-Theater. Backed unanimously by its Board of Directors, the Double H Ranch has reached its campaign goal.
Led by Lisa and Robert Moser, this was the Ranch’s second Capital Campaign endeavor. “Together, with my husband Robert and children Carson and Emery, we were honored to help launch this campaign in 2021. Just three years later, it is wonderful to see the vision we all shared become reality for Double H Ranch. This would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our community. What we have built together is truly inspiring,” stated Lisa Moser, Vice Chair of the Double H Ranch Board of Directors.
Neil Golub, co-chair of the campaign, says “I’ve been proud to support Double H Ranch since our early days and I’m grateful to all who also stepped up with a gift to this critical campaign. Double H is special, to our campers, to me, and to our community. This building, Circle H Lodge, will provide a home for our volunteers and staff who are the lifeblood of what makes Double H magical for campers. Providing these types of accommodations will allow us to continue to attract stellar volunteers and staff which is so important for the future of Double H campers.”
For over 30 years, the Double H Ranch has provided outdoor Adirondack adventures for children living with a serious illness. During that time, over 80,000 children have experienced the magic of Double H, where health challenges do not define them. The Capital Campaign will ensure a continued experience of excellence for children and their families who participate in the year-round programs offered at camp, provided at no charge.
The projects were identified in a Master Site Plan to address the critical need to replace or renovate existing structures. The new Circle H Residential Lodge offers year-round housing for staff and volunteers and will help build program capacity. The current outdoor pavilion has been doubled in size to accommodate outdoor cabin gatherings, meals, and activities.
The Adaptive Playground has been customized to the needs of campers from KOMPAN’s Playground Equipment Company. The playground has been generously supported through a lead gift from Lisa and Ed Mitzen, and the Charles R. Wood Foundation. Elements include graduated challenges keeping the play fun, adventurous, and exciting. The new playground will give campers a unique space to freely engage with peers, participate in meaningful play, and build confidence in their own skills.
“The culmination of this ribbon cutting marked an extraordinary day for the Ranch. The Circle H Lodge will provide countless staff and volunteers with comfortable accommodations while they serve our children at camp. In addition, the playground will provide a critical opportunity for inclusivity for all campers to enjoy and feel the magic of camp,” states Alison Wilcox, CEO. “The pavilion expansion creates an important community space during the summer months for a number of activities. I could not be more grateful to our co-chairs: Lisa and Bob Moser, and Neil Golub for their leadership of our campaign, as well as the many donors whose generosity ensures the future is bright at Double H Ranch.”
The fourth and final stage of construction for the Camp-A-Theater will begin in August 2024 and is anticipated to be completed later in the fall. The Camp-A-Theater will be at the heart of camp and provide a large, outdoor gathering space for campers and counselors to congregate for morning assembly and talent shows. The “RayMax Camp-A-Theater” will be named in honor of Max Yurenda, founding CEO, and Dr. Ray Walsh, founding volunteer physician.
To learn more about the Capital Campaign, visit: doublehranch.org/capital-campaign.
About the Double H Ranch The Double H Ranch, co-founded by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman, provides specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Our purpose is to enrich their lives and provide camp experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound. All programs are FREE of charge and capture the magic of the Adirondacks. For more information, visit www.doublehranch.org.