About The Painted Turtle
The Painted Turtle is a non-profit organization that provides a unique and unforgettable camp experience for children with serious medical conditions. The camp is located in Lake Hughes, California, and offers year-round programs for children ages 6-17.
What sets The Painted Turtle apart from other camps is that there is no billing department. Campers and their families attend free of charge, thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers who believe in the power of camp to heal and inspire.
At The Painted Turtle, every child can be themselves without fear of judgment or exclusion. The staff are specially trained to provide medical care while also creating a fun and supportive environment where kids can make new friends, try new activities, and build confidence.
The camp facilities are top-notch, with cabins equipped with air conditioning/heating units for comfort during any season. There's also an outdoor amphitheater for performances under the stars, a swimming pool with wheelchair access ramp, an arts & crafts center where kids can express their creativity through painting or pottery-making classes.
In addition to traditional summer camp activities like archery, horseback riding, fishing trips on the lake - there are also specialized programs tailored to specific medical conditions such as asthma management workshops or diabetes education sessions.
The Painted Turtle has been changing lives since it first opened its doors in 2004. Over 60 different medical conditions are represented among its camper population each year - from cancer survivors to those living with cerebral palsy or sickle cell disease.
But it's not just about having fun at camp - research shows that attending summer camps like The Painted Turtle can have long-lasting positive effects on children's mental health outcomes as well as physical health outcomes such as improved immune function!
If you're looking for a way to give back this year - consider donating your time or resources towards supporting this incredible organization! Whether you're interested in volunteering at one of their events throughout California (like their annual "Celebrity Poker Night" fundraiser) or making a financial contribution online - every little bit helps ensure that more kids get the chance to experience all that The Painted Turtle has to offer!