Camp Moves On

Summer may be over, but camp never is. The Painted Turtle operates year-round, sometimes packing up the magic of camp and taking it to other regions of California.

On September 20th The Painted Turtle’s Camp on the Move program traveled to the beautiful Hotel del Coronado in sunny San Diego! Over 230 children and family members came together on a jouful Sunday to play, sing, and dance in the spirit of camp. It was a day full of laughs, hugs, and giggles. Campers reconnected with friends they had met over the summer and parents relaxed and supported each other over cups of Newman’s Own lemonade. At the end of the event, volunteer alumns and staff members enjoyed a delicious pizza dinner and reminisced about what it was like to see campers grow up.

It is clear at moments like these that camp is not limited to buildings behind the wooden gates up in Lake Hughes. The Painted Turtle is wherever camp magic is alive.

????????????????????????????????????

Aerospace Volunteers Prepare Camp for Blast Off

When you see Sherry Immel at camp, she is usually hidden behind a camera lense. But did you know she has been volunteering at The Painted Turtle since before camp even opened in 2004? And in addition to taking thousands of pictures at camp, Sherry, one of our camp photographers, has also been busy over the years raising awareness about camp with her colleagues at Lockheed Martin. Lockheed, along with Boeing and Northrop Grumman, has financially supported camp since it first opened. A few have even volunteered in the Nature & Discovery program, inspiring future rocket scientists by launching bottle rockets!

None of the fun would be possible without Sherry and our other volunteers like her. On September 19th, The Painted Turtle held it’s annual Aerospace Volunteer Day to help prepare camp for the Fall Family Weekend programs. One hundred and twenty aerospace volunteers visited camp to clean activity areas, landscape the grounds, paint camp buildings, and stuff turtle pillows. Their generosity helps prepare and renew camp for the five Family Weekends that run throughout the fall season.

“It is so rewarding to see my co-workers return year after year to volunteer at Aerospace Day and to share my passion with them. Without these dedicated volunteers, we couldn’t get camp ready for all the children we serve,” said Sherry.

Without the support of so many incredible volunteers, it wouldn’t be possible for campers to experience the joys of camp either. Click here for more photos from the day. 

Special Delivery

On September 18th, the United States Postal Service issued a new
Forever^® Stamp to honor Paul Newman. The stamp was unveiled at an official First-Day-of-Issue ceremony in Cleveland, OH, near Newman’s birthplace. Although proceeds do not benefit the SeriousFun camps, Paul Newman stamps are a great way to celebrate his legacy and inspire others to get involved!

Individual Paul Newman Forever^® stamps and stamp sheets are available for purchase at post office locations nationwide, as well as online. Get yours today!

Paul’s Legacy Honored at Camp

September 12th was a smashing 90^th birthday event celebrating the legacy of Paul Newman. The Painted Turtle Northern LA County Regional Board hosted over 250 guests and friends of The Painted Turtle for this year’s Annual BBQ fundraiser held at camp. Guests enjoyed delicious food and drinks, live music, and exciting live and silent auctions.

However, it was the incredible voice of one of our former campers, Graham O’Shaughnessy, who stole the night. He received two standing ovations after singing “You Raise Me Up” and later “Happy Birthday” in memory of Paul Newman.

This year’s Annual BBQ fundraiser raised important funds that ensure camp is free for all campers who attend. Thanks to all who attended and to the Northern Los Angeles County Regional Board for making the evening a huge success! Click here for more images from the night.

Upcoming Events

• October 17 Tour de Turtle Bike Ride & Turtle Trek (2 mile Run/Walk/Wheel)
  Announcing our first 2-mile, all ages, run/walk/wheel event on camp, The Turtle Trek.  While bike riders are out on the course, participants of all ages can join the Turtle Trek right on camp! This is no ordinary event. There will be lively camp activity stops all along the route. After the walk, enjoy live music, food, and celebrate camp! Join in the fun or participate as a a volunteer. Best of all, 100% of participant fundraising goes toward sending more kids to camp!

• October 4 The Fitbit Tiburon Half Marathon, 5K and Kid’s Run to benefit The Painted Turtle 
  Click here for race details or here to volunteer!