The Painted Turtle was caught in the path of the Powerhouse Fire in early June and suffered devastating smoke and landscape damage. As a result we had to make the difficult decision to cancel all our Camp Summer Sessions this year.

Unfortunately, significant medical concerns remain around air-quality for our campers with compromised immune systems, as well as additional site repairs, and for the health and well-being of our campers and their families we feel that we need to cancel our 2013 Fall Family Weekend programs as well. We do this with a heavy heart, knowing  the great disappointment this will be for campers.

Since the fire struck, The Painted Turtle has been working tirelessly to remove ash and debris from the site and strip all buildings of toxins left by the ash and smoke. We’ve made good progress in these areas — but there is still a lot of work to do. Throughout the fall we will continue with our remediation efforts to ensure that we reopen in 2014 with the safest site possible.

Despite the fire, The Painted Turtle will continue to offer “camp” for children through our new Camp on the Move program, celebrating one-day camp events at different geographic locations throughout California this summer and fall. In addition, we have sent out Camp Turtlegram Care Packages to campers and expanded our Hospital Outreach Program—The Painted Turtle Outpost—which runs programs in 18 hospitals and clinics in California. In the coming months The Painted Turtle also hopes to host Volunteer Replanting Days at camp to help revitalize the camp and bring back the trees.

We want to thank all of our Painted Turtle friends for your support and offers to assist. Below are a few ways you can help us continue to deliver the magic of camp!

Ways to Help 

• Donate to The Painted Turtle Camp Fund. Longtime supporter Erika Glazer has contributed to a special fund to match donations to help The Painted Turtle make repairs, take camp “on the road” to campers, and meet camp operations. Your gift – of any amount – to The Painted Turtle Camp Fund will be matched! Donate now and double your support!

• Participate in the Tour de Turtle bike ride:The 4th annual cycling event held in Lake Hughes, CA, on Saturday October 19, 2013. Three fully supported rides to choose from:18, 36 and 62 miles. Save $10 by registering before August 1! Click here to ride or to donate to an exisisting team.

• Purchase Items for Camp from our New Online Wish list for things that need to be replaced due to fire damage and our alternative Camp on the Move program.

• Spread the Word by forwarding this email to friends who would also like to help!