The Painted Turtle

Our Mission

The Painted Turtle’s mission is to provide a year-round, life-changing environment and authentic camp experience for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. The Painted Turtle supports children’s medical needs, inspires them to reach beyond their illnesses, and provides care, education and respite for their families. All campers and families attend free of charge.

Of the more than one million children in California with chronic and life-threatening illnesses, our needs assessment revealed more than 17,500 are unable to attend summer camp due to their medical conditions. That is, until we came along! The Painted Turtle provides these children and their families with an empowering, renewing experience completely free of charge. The Painted Turtle offers year-round programs including: Spring and Fall Family Weekends for the entire family, one-day family events, week-long Summer Sessions, and hospital/community outreach programs.