What are The Painted Turtle Leadership Programs?
The Painted Turtle is excited to offer two Leadership Programs for the Summer of 2011.
The Leadership Camper (LC) program is designed for 17-year-olds who are former campers or members of the medical communities we serve to provide a week of community, education, recreation and growth for teenagers who are in the process of becoming the leaders of their own lives. As a LC, participants join us for a week-long summer session and live in the Leadership Cabin with your peers and Leadership Counselors. Throughout the camp session you’ll take part in a variety of workshops and activities to learn different leadership skills including communication, teamwork, decision making, conflict resolution, public speaking, and role modeling. All of this will be done in the safe and fun camp environment and in the company of many supportive peers and friends.

The Leader-In-Training (LIT) program is designed for 18-year-olds who have successfully completed our Leadership Camper program. This program is designed to support young adults’ transition from campers to participating in camp leadership. As a LIT, participants join us for a week-long summer session at camp to build onto their previous LIT experience, developing their leadership skills, gaining greater insight into the camp program, and helping campers have a safe, empowering, and fun camp experience. LITs are partnered with a cabin mentor and a program mentor who serve as resources and role models through this leadership experience. The program provides hands-on learning opportunities as LITs are assigned to a cabin of campers for the session and have the opportunity to experience a leadership role in the camp program areas. LITs must be prepared to take part in daily learning sessions with the Leadership Coordinator, be an active team member, and be ready to challenge themselves to learn and grow.
Who is eligible?
To apply as a Leadership Camper, you must be:

  • A previous camper in good standing with The Painted  Turtle or a member or the medical community we serve
  • 17 years old during the session for which you are applying
  • Ready and able to participate in this leadership experience. You’ve got to come because you want to – not because anyone is making you!

To apply as a Leader-In-Training, you must be:

  • A previous camper in good standing with The Painted  Turtle or a member or the medical community we serve
  • 18 years old during the session for which you are applying*
  • A return Leadership Program participant and have successfully completed the Leadership Camper Program.
  • Available to arrive the day before the session starts for LIT orientation and training.
  • Prepared to live on camp for the entire length of the session. While living on camp, LITs will have limited access to internet and cell phones.
  • Ready and able to participate in all aspects of the program.
  • Capable of some minor lifting as required by counselor responsibilities.

*Note: If you are 18 but did not participate in the Leadership Camper Program during Summer 2010, please email LIT@thepaintedturtle.org for more information on the appropriate Leadership Program for you.

Leadership Camper Schedule:
The Leadership Camper program will be held in conjunction with our summer camp program. Different than our traditional summer camp program, Leadership Campers may participate in sessions different than their specific medical condition group.* This summer we will offer three general Leadership Camper sessions. The Leadership Camper program will run as follows:

  • Leadership Camper Session #1: June 28 – July 2, 2011
  • Leadership Camper Session #2: July 7 – 12, 2011
  • Leadership Camper Session #3: July 26 – 31, 2011

**Please note that Leadership Camper applicants whose medical care requires hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis have a separate Leadership Camper Application and must attend the session noted on the application (June 19-24th).

Leader-In-Training Schedule:
The LIT sessions are as follows:

  • LIT Session #1***, June 19-24 (LIT arrival on Saturday, June 18th)
  • LIT Session #2, August 13-18 (LIT arrival on Friday, August 12th)

***Please note that LIT applicants whose medical care requires hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis must apply to attend LIT Session #1.

How do I apply?      

  • All applications are due on April 1, 2011.
  • Download and print the application for the session for which you are applying (below)
  • Complete the application. The application includes the following:
    • Leadership Program Overview: This overview includes information about the Leadership program, program design, and eligibility requirements.
    • Camper Application: This form includes contact information, emergency information, basic medical information.
    • Medical Forms: All participants must have medical forms completed and signed by a physician.
    • LC/LIT Information Form: This form includes information on the LC/LIT, his/her experiences, and his/her goals for the program. This also requires completion of 5-6 short answer questions.
    • Reference Forms: Please provide two references (present employers, youth group leaders, teachers, advisors, etc.) with the reference forms provided.
  • Mail your complete application, medical forms, release forms, and references to:
    • The Painted Turtle

Attn: LC Application
1300 4th Street, Suite 300
Santa Monica, CA 90401

  • Once your application has been received, The Painted Turtle’s Leadership Coordinator will contact you to schedule an interview.

Leadership Camper Applications
Liver Transplant Leadership Camper Application
General Nephrology and Post Kidney Transplant Leadership Camper Application
Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Leadership Camper Application
Hemophilia/vWF, Thalassemia Leadership Camper Application
Rheumatic Diseases Leadership Camper Application
Skeletal Dysplasia Leadership Camper Application

If you are interested in attending our Crohn’s and Colitis sessions as a Leadership Camper, please apply directly at the CCFA website: www.ccfa.org/camps. 

 

 Please contact Kristin Friedersdorf at LIT@thepaintedturtle.org if you have any questions or to request an LIT application.