On our cover this month, a camp nurse enjoys fishing with a camper at the Double H Ranch summer residential camp in Lake Luzerne, New York. The Double H Ranch provides year-round programs for over 2,000 children annually who wouldn't be able to attend camp otherwise; all have life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, HIV and other immune disorders, and neuromuscular and mitochondrial disorders, among others. The ranch, founded in 1993 by the philanthropist Charles R. Wood and the actor Paul Newman, is free of charge, and operating costs are covered by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Each of the eight summer sessions at Double H Ranch lasts six days and accommodates about 115 children, with a camper to staff ratio of 2 to 1. A fully equipped medical facility enables the camp to safely provide a variety of typical camp activities-from fishing and horseback riding, to swimming, archery, and a high ropes course. Physicians and pediatric nurses, who are joined by volunteer nurses during the summer, provide round-the-clock care, and medical services include respiratory treatments, iv fluids, catheterizations, and the administration of the extensive medications the campers require.
Summertime offers many opportunities for nurses to volunteer, especially at camps for children with special needs. The Association of Camp Nurses provides information about becoming a camp nurse, and more, at their Web site: http://www.acn.org/index.html. For more information on the Double H Ranch, go to http://www.doublehranch.org.-Michael Fergenson, senior editorial coordinator.