The Painted Turtle relies on the generosity of hundreds of volunteers every year to accomplish our mission. Each year, more than 800 volunteers donate over 35,000 hours to make the magic of camp a reality. When you volunteer with us, you become a part of The Painted Turtle family: a caring, supportive, and compassionate community that comes together to make a difference in the lives of our campers. Our volunteer opportunities include Family Weekends, Summer Sessions, and a Holiday Gathering in Lake Hughes!

The Volunteer Program is endowed by Delta Zeta Sorority.

2025 Opportunities

The Painted Turtle is now accepting volunteer applications. Please be sure to check your eligibility here. 

2025 Volunteer Calendar

Outpost (In-Hospital Program)

Outpost Calendar

Family Weekends (Lake Hughes)

Spring

Young Adult Leadership Weekend: February 14-16

• This event serves former camper alumni ages 18-25. If you are a former camper interested in joining as an attendee rather than volunteer, please email katieg@thepaintedturtle.org

Neuromuscular and Genetic Family Weekend: February 28 – March 2

Burn Survivor Family Weekend: March 14-16

Liver Disease & Transplant, PIDD, TPN, and IBD Family Weekend: March 28-30

Thalassemia Family Weekend: April 11-13

Pulmonary Hypertension Family Weekend: April 25-27

Fall

Epilepsy Family Weekend: September 26-28                

Kidney Disease & Transplant & Adrenal Insufficiency Family Weekend: October 10-12                          

ALD Family Weekend: October 24-26

Neuromuscular and Genetic Family Weekend: November 7-9

Campamento para Familias: November 21-23

• Please note that this is our primarily Spanish-speaking session and all programming will be conducted in Spanish. Spanish speaking abilities are preferred but not required.

Questions? Please contact Megan O’Meara, Volunteer Coordinator, at megano@thepaintedturtle.org or call 310-451-1353 x108.

Summer Camp Sessions (Lake Hughes)

Skeletal Dysplasia and MPS: June 4-9 (Volunteer Arrival on June 3)

Kidney Disease & Transplant and Adrenal Insufficiency: June 13-18 (Volunteer Arrival on June 12)

Fanconi Cancer Family Program: June 21-25

Muscular Dystrophy: June 29-July 3 (Volunteer Arrival on June 28)

Neuromuscular, Genetic, and Epilepsy: July 11- 15 (Volunteer Arrival on July 10)

Hemophilia/vWD and Thalassemia: July 19-24 (Volunteer Arrival on July 18)

Liver Disease & Transplant, PIDD, TPN, and IBD: July 28-August 1 (Volunteer Arrival on July 27)

Sibling: August 5-9 (Volunteer Arrival on August 5)

Questions? Please contact Megan O’Meara, Volunteer Coordinator, at megano@thepaintedturtle.org or call 310-451-1353 x108.