Free overnight camp in Lake Hughes for children with serious medical conditions, part of the SeriousFun Children's Network founded by Paul Newman. Campers and their families attend at no charge; the camp states it has no billing department. The 2026 calendar pairs condition-specific summer sessions (muscular dystrophy and leadership; hemophilia/von Willebrand disease and thalassemia) with family weekends for Fanconi anemia, neuromuscular, epilepsy, thalassemia and craniofacial conditions, plus an in-hospital program run at partner children's hospitals across Southern California. The camp is ACA-accredited and a California nonprofit; applications are submitted through its website.
Camps
| Camp | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Family Weekend: ThalassemiaRegister → | Oct 9 – Oct 11, 2026 | 7–16 | Free | Active |
| Fall Family Weekend: CraniofacialRegister → | Nov 6 – Nov 8, 2026 | 7–16 | Free | Active |
The practical details
- Environment
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Operator
- Painted Turtle Gang Camp
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Painted Turtle Gang Camp directly before you register or pay.
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Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★★★★★Ramiro MontillaGreat experience! This wholesome camp is a breath of fresh air in today’s world
★★★★★Raphael BittermanWent there for a weekend. Staff and grounds are absolutely incredible! Great cause!
★★★★★Vanya Hernández SánchezIt’s a great camp for children with serious illnesses, they can have fun, learn new things and have an amazing summer where they just need to worry about having fun. It’s a very inclusive place and has a great environment. I 100% recommend this camp.
★★★★★Christina De La TorreThis was such a great venue to experience the Harvest Moon Festival. The staff was very friendly, venue is well organized with food vendors, water refill stations, cooling stations, clean bathrooms, & easy parking. This was my first time & I hope to return again.
★★★★★Julia MontoyaBest place for kiddos with chronic illness and or a disability. The atmosphere is gorgeous and the people always strive to make it a safe and fun place for the campers and their families.