Dear Valued Friends and Trusted Partners,

As I reflect on this past year at The Painted Turtle, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride. Our mission—to provide a year-round, life-changing camp experience for children with serious medical conditions and their families, entirely free of charge—has never been more vital.

This year was especially meaningful as we celebrated our 20th Anniversary. Since opening our gates in 2004, we have built a legacy of inclusion, empowerment, and adventure. Whether it’s designing an indoor ropes course in the Well Shell to entertain campers during dialysis or adapting every activity to accommodate all forms of mobility, The Painted Turtle is a place where anything is possible—a place where “yes” is heard more often than “no” and where creativity and innovation lead the way to boundless joy.

As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on two decades of life-changing experiences. For some campers, it was the first night spent away from home due to their complex medical needs. For others, it was the first time meeting someone with the same condition. Each memory, each friendship, and each challenge overcome is a testament to the power of camp.

And we have you to thank for making this possible. The Painted Turtle could not be who we are without our dedicated supporters, volunteers, medical partners, and staff. Thank you for your dedication to our community, ensuring that every child who enters our gates is seen, celebrated, and empowered. 

As we look ahead to the next 20 years and beyond, we are inspired to keep expanding our programs, reaching even more children with serious medical conditions and their families than ever before – always free of charge. Here’s to 20 years of camp magic and many more to come! 

With gratitude, 
 

April Tani 
Executive Director