Camp Weathers the Storm

On Thursday, October 15, an unexpected storm and flash floods swept through Lake Hughes and surrounding areas. Due to the damage caused by the storm and out of the regard for the safety of all involved, The Painted Turtle had to cancel the Tour de Turtle bike ride and Turtle Trek event that was scheduled to take place on October 17.

Directly following the storm, several of the roads to camp were impassable, but thanks to the careful preparations made to the site for the upcoming El Nino forecast, our campground is safe, secure, and in overall good condition. Camp did, however, sustain some damage, but the facilities crew has been working hard to make repairs. Our gratitude goes out to the amazing volunteers, fire, and safety personnel who worked hard to clear the roads and keep everyone safe.

Thankfully, a week later camp was able to welcome campers with rheumatic diseases and their families for an amazing Family Weekend! The highlight of the weekend was that the lake, after a long closure due to the drought, was fully operational. With two more family weekends scheduled this November and the annual Holiday Gathering on December 5, we are thankful that the forecast calls for a 100% chance of fun!

‘Tis the Season

We hope you will join The Painted Turtle in celebrating Giving Tuesday! Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to giving back after a weekend of heavy shopping starting with Black Friday. On Tuesday, December 1, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity.

Click here to see all of the ways to get involved with The Painted Turtle on GivingTuesday and throughout the holiday season.

The Painted Turtle is excited to be joining forces with #GivingTuesday not only to raise money to send kids to camp, but also to bring awareness to the camp’s mission.

Magic Moments from Camp

The magic of camp has touched many lives of all those involved at The Painted Turtle; and, for one family in particular, a weekend of life changing adventures and opportunities awaited. During the recent Rheumatic Family Weekend, a young girl came to camp for the first time.  The parents were truly amazed at what their child accomplished in just two short days.  Due to the child’s arthritis, the mother shared that they don’t even allow her to play on equipment at the playground.  Seeing her conquer the ropes course made them re-evaluate not only what they allow her to do, but all that she is capable of doing!

“The one thing I hope other people at camp learned about me was that I am brave.” -camper 

Upcoming Events

• November 14, 2015:
  The Foundation for Giving HOPE fundraiser
  The 15^th annual black tie event at San Francisco’s popular Bimbo’s 365 Club promises an energetic evening filled with an auction, dinner, dancing, and live 80’s music. This sell out event will raise awareness and funds for The Painted Turtle. Click here for more information and to buy your tickets.
• December 5, 2015:
  Holiday Gathering for Campers and Families 
  Click here to volunteer

Save the Date 2016 

• February 9, 2016: BINGO at The Roxy!
  It’s back! The 12th Annual Bingo at The Roxy. Join us for this unforgettable evening of great prizes, great people, and great fun!
  Stayed tuned for more information.
• February 14, 2016: LA Marathon and Big 5K.
  For more information please email Brianne Sheldon

Leave a Legacy

If you are interested in making a Planned Gift to The Painted Turtle that will leave a lasting impact, check out the new features and tools on Camp’s Planned Giving site. For questions or more information please contact Alexis Madrid.