TAKE A BREAK: Making Miracles at Double H

It's what being a kid is all about.

Summer camp. Adventuring outdoors, getting creative indoors, and making a joyful noise just about anywhere.

But children at the Double H Hole in the Woods Ranch in Lake Luzerne get to do more than that.

They get to leave their everyday struggles behind.

Though to call them struggles is an understatement.

"Various cancers, hemophilia, hiv, and children with different neuro-muscular disorders like cerebral palsy and spinal bifida."

Operations director Jacqui Royael says for one week a year, these kids can forget about doctor appointments, hospital procedures, and being different.

At Double H there's a singular objective.

To let kids be kids.

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"I have sickle cell and I do get hospitalized a lot."

Sixteen year old Alexa Chandler says at home in New Jersey, the other kids in school have a hard time understanding her situation.

"I like coming here because it makes you feel like you belong."

Ten year old Santos Arocho is still a little young to completely understand why he can do certain things at camp that he can't do at home.

But he sure knows he likes it.

"I'm very excited to be here," he says. "Like oh my God, it's so awesome."

When he was alive, actor Paul Newman was a huge supporter of Double H. No surprise since he started it with the region's own Charlie Wood.

They wanted to create a magical place. And they succeeded.

So much so that when some campers outgrow the bunk beds they return as counselors.

David Chiduillo, 23 year old counselor and former camper, says, "You can't do anything better in life then if you feel you've had the ultimate experience than to give that back to somebody else."

He says Double H is the silver lining to these kids' storm clouds.

"Are you dealt a tough hand?" he asks. "Maybe but if I didn't get dealt that tough hand I would have never found here."

There are doctors and nurses volunteering here so the children still get the attention and services they need.

But for once, all of them, even those who can't walk, are given the chance to fly.

"For so much of their life," Royael says, "they are defined by their illness and they are told what they can't do because of their illness."

"Double H is an opportuity for kids who don't have a a choice to have a choice."

If you're curious about what 'Double H' stands for, here's the simple answer.

Charlie Wood used to toast to health and happiness.

Health and happiness became double h.

And the rest is history.

For more information on the camp and how to be a part of it, check out their website.

If you've got a good news story, email jerry@cbs6albany.com.