The Painted Turtle

The Painted Turtle offers week-long sessions where campers take horseback rides, enjoy campfires, and spend time swimming, doing athletics, and canoe paddling. Campers also take part in art, acting on stage, stargazing, and chances to sing, dance, paint, and play. The program is a camp for kids with serious medical conditions and is a year-round medical specialty camp for children who have serious medical conditions.

• Ages: 7–16 years old
• Schedule: Week-long sessions
• Price: Camp is 100% Free Always $0

The Painted Turtle began as a dream in 1999 and has served tens of thousands of children and families since opening in 2004. The mission of The Painted Turtle is to provide a year-round, life-changing environment and authentic camp experience for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses, supporting children’s medical needs, inspiring them to reach beyond their illnesses, and providing care, education, and respite for their families. Campers live in cabins alongside other kids coping with similar medical conditions, and on-site medical staff are present. The Painted Turtle is a SeriousFun Camp, founded by Paul Newman. The leadership team includes April Tani, MA, CCLS, Executive Director; Allen McBroom, Chief Operating Officer; Michelle Melendez, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, CNS, Health Center Director; and Sharon Munz, Director of Strategy. Staff credentials include April Tani, MA, CCLS, Executive Director, and Michelle Melendez, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, CNS, Health Center Director. The Painted Turtle has recognition from the American Camp Association, Charity Navigator, and Candid, GuideStar – Platinum Transparency. A camper described The Painted Turtle as “The place I gained the freedom to be me.”

Last updated June 8, 2026.