Printable Version

What illness groups will you serve?
Please find the 2007 CAMP CALENDAR that highlights the programs we currently have planned. Each represents an opportunity for The Painted Turtle to offer children and their families with a specific illness a weeklong or weekend session.

How many children will attend your Camp each year?
By 2007, our goal is to serve 900 campers during summer sessions, and more than 1,000 people during family weekends.

Does the Camp offer programs in the off-summer months?
Yes. Year-round programs include weekends for parents, siblings and families, retreats, educational workshops and conferences for healthcare professionals focused on advancing the care of chronic illness in the pediatric population.

What kind of medical supervision and care do the campers receive?
There is excellent, around-the-clock medical care provided by California’s top physicians, specialists and nurses who staff the Camp’s premier MEDICAL CLINIC. Our MEDICAL STAFF is able to handle general and emergent medical needs. Parents can feel confident that their child will receive special care from our medical staff who ensure a fun-filled camp experience in the safest way possible. All medications and treatments are provided by our experienced staff.

Where will children come from? How are they selected?
The Painted Turtle offers children whose medical conditions make it impossible for them to attend other camps an opportunity to participate in an authentic camp experience. Children who have one of the medical conditions we serve are selected by pediatric specialists based on greatest medical need. The Painted Turtle serves children who live in or receive medical treatment in California, and occasionally other Western states.

What is the camper to counselor / staff ratio?
The camper to counselor/staff ratio is 2 to 1. There are situations where that ratio is 1 to 1.

How much do children and families pay to attend the Camp?
The Painted Turtle camp is free of any charge to children and their families. We rely upon the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations to meet our operating needs.

Does the camp have volunteer support?
Our program is built on the strength of our volunteers: physicians, nurses, cabin counselors, family pals, grounds help, kitchen support and many others. Please review our STAFF & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES and OTHER WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE if you are interested in joining our incredible collection of volunteers.

Was any research done to determine the need for The Painted Turtle?
Yes. The Painted Turtle conducted a statewide needs assessment in California. This study identified over 17,500 of children with chronic conditions that are unable to attend camping programs due to the severity of their illness, the lack of available medical specialty settings, or in most cases, both. The Painted Turtle has selected the medical conditions it serves based on this identified unmet need.

Is The Painted Turtle fully funded by Paul Newman?
No. Paul Newman and his family of medical camps in the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps provided the inspiration for The Painted Turtle and donated in the early stages of our development before becoming one of the Camp’s generous Founders. The Camp now stands on its own and receives funding from individuals, corporations and foundations.