The Painted Turtle

The Painted Turtle All campers and their families attend camp free of charge. www.thepaintedturtle.org
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The Painted Turtle is a year-round nonprofit camp for children with serious medical conditions and a member of the SeriousFun Children's Network, founded by Paul Newman.

It's The Painted Turtle's golden birthday, 22 years of joy, friendship, laughter and life changing Camp magic. Celebrate...
05/22/2026

It's The Painted Turtle's golden birthday, 22 years of joy, friendship, laughter and life changing Camp magic. Celebrate our golden birthday with a gift that continues to help keep Camp free of charge and full of joy for every camper that comes through our gates.

https://www.thepaintedturtle.org/?form=DonateNow

05/07/2026

Happy National Nurses Week!

This week celebrates the incredible camp nurses who help make the magic at The Painted Turtle possible. From medications and treatments to special diets and camper care, they help keep campers healthy, safe, and ready for fun. In between it all, they also jump right into Camp life, joining activities, sharing laughs, and creating unforgettable memories.
The Painted Turtle is so grateful for these compassionate healthcare heroes and all they do to make Camp possible.
Interested in joining the medical team in 2026? Applications are now open!


04/28/2026

We ❤️ our Volunteers!

The magic of The Painted Turtle isn’t found in the activities or programs, it’s in the people who bring them to life. Every smile, every helping hand brings hope and joy. Thanks to our incredible volunteers, that magic happens every single day.

In 2025, 753 volunteers gave 38,586 hours of their hearts and energy! From Camp programs and special events to hospitals, clinics, the kitchen, office, and facilities, your love and dedication are felt everywhere. Thank you!

Click here to see all our 2025 volunteers and celebrate each and every one of them! https://www.thepaintedturtle.org/photo-gallery/thank-you-our-2025-volunteers

If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference, there’s no better time than 2026, join us and help create more Camp Magic!

04/22/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined the 26th annual Bruin Run/Walk on April 19, 2026, benefiting The Painted Turtle!
A special thank you to UCLA’s USAC Student Wellness Commission for organizing one of the largest student-run events on campus. This year’s Run/Walk welcomed 1,200 participants, double last year’s turnout.
A Magic Moment of the day was hearing from student Co-Director Joy Sugihara, a former Painted Turtle camper, who shared her personal connection from the stage.
We are grateful to UCLA, the Student Wellness Commission, and everyone who ran, walked, wheeled, and contributed to help our campers!

UCLA Bruin Run/Walk

04/06/2026

The 2026 Painted Turtle Camp Season is almost here…

‘Twas the week before Camp, and all through the grounds,
Not a camper was stirring, just excited sounds

The fish are all waiting, so still in the lake,
Dreaming of campers and lines they might take

The turtle pillows are fluffed on each bed,
Waiting for stories and laughter to spread

The dining hall’s quiet, its floor swept just right,
Soon filled with dancing and joy every night

The ropes course stands tall, reaching up to the sky,
Ready for climbers to conquer and fly

The paddle boats rest, gently rocking in place,
Ready for campers to glide at their own pace

The kitchen is buzzing with flavors so sweet,
Getting prepared for each delicious treat

And we can’t believe how time has flown by,
Our FIRST session of 2026 is nigh!

The Painted Turtle is calling… are you ready?

Drop a 💚 if you’re counting down with us!

https://www.thepaintedturtle.org/camp-calendar

03/24/2026

Since 2023, we’ve been “Superhappy” to partner with Moose Toys to bring the magic of Camp to tens of thousands of children with serious medical conditions. Thank you Moose Toys, we are so grateful for your continued support!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from The Painted Turtle!

12/23/2025

From all of us at The Painted Turtle, we wish you a happy holiday season and a bright year ahead!

The magic of The Painted Turtle isn’t just for campers and their families; it touches the hearts of everyone involved. T...
12/23/2025

The magic of The Painted Turtle isn’t just for campers and their families; it touches the hearts of everyone involved. This holiday season, we’re grateful for our volunteers and supporters who open the gates for courage, joy, and lifelong friendships.

https://www.thepaintedturtle.org/?form=FUNDLACBMMR

12/16/2025

The Painted Turtle brings confidence and opportunity to life for one camper, one memory, one session at a time. Generosity makes this possible, and kindness leaves a lasting impact on every camper’s heart.

Address

17000 Elizabeth Lake Road
Lake Hughes, CA
93532

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