Volunteer
Volunteers
The Painted Turtle relies on the generosity of hundreds of volunteers every year to accomplish our mission. Each year, more than 800 volunteers donate over 35,000 hours to make the magic of camp a reality. When you volunteer with us, you become a part of The Painted Turtle family: a caring, supportive, and compassionate community that comes together to make a difference in the lives of our campers. Our volunteer opportunities include Family Weekends, Summer Sessions, and a Holiday Gathering in Lake Hughes!
The Volunteer Program is endowed by Delta Zeta Sorority.
2026 Opportunities
The magic of Camp is made possible by YOU. Please join us! Family and activity pal positions for Family Weekends and cabin counselors during the summer will be 100% volunteer staff. We’d like to call out a high need for male volunteers during the Muscular Dystrophy (July 12-16, Volunteer Arrival on July 11) and Hemophilia/vWD and Thalassemia (July 23-27, Volunteer Arrival on July 22) summer sessions.
The Painted Turtle is now accepting volunteer applications. Please be sure to check your eligibility here.
2026 Volunteer Calendar
Outpost (In-Hospital Program)
Family Weekends (Lake Hughes)
Spring
Hereditary Angioedema Family Weekend: April 9-12
Liver Disease & Transplant, Kidney Disease & Transplant, PIDD, TPN, IBD and Pulmonary Hypertension Family Weekend: May1-3
Fall
Epilepsy Family Weekend: September 18-20
Thalassemia Family Weekend: October 9-11
Craniofacial Family Weekend: November 6-8
Questions? Please contact volunteer@thepaintedturtle.org
Summer Camp Sessions (Lake Hughes)
Fanconi Cancer & Rare Genetic Family Program: June 20-24 (Volunteer Arrival on June 19)
Muscular Dystrophy & Leadership: July 12-16 (Volunteer Arrival on July 11)
Hemophilia/vWD and Thalassemia: July 23-27 (Volunteer Arrival on July 22)
Neuromuscular Family Weekend: July 31-August 3
Day Events (Lake Hughes)
Holiday Gathering: Saturday, December 5th
Questions? Please contact volunteer@thepaintedturtle.org
Volunteer Requirements and Application
Welcome volunteer applicants! We appreciate your interest in getting involved with our program.
Volunteer Opportunities
The volunteer program at The Painted Turtle is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to bring joy, laughter, and smiles to our campers and families. The Painted Turtle recruits volunteers for our Spring and Fall programs as well as for our week-long Summer Sessions and in-hospital and community outreach opportunities.
The Painted Turtle is currently accepting applications for our 2026 Sessions. All new and returning volunteers may apply for 2026 Sessions by completing an online application.