Since 1991, the FA Family Retreat has been a tradition that surprises, supports, and uplifts FA families worldwide. Whether families travel from within the United States or across the globe, the retreat offers connection, educational sessions, resources, expert consultations, and psychosocial support—all during a fun-packed long weekend.
As we continue this long-standing tradition, we are excited to celebrate and reflect on the memories made at the 2024 FA Family Retreat this August!
This year, we held camp at The Painted Turtle in Lake Hughes, California. Finding the right venue to meet our community’s unique needs took careful thought, planning, and searching. Given how important and rare this opportunity is for our families, we wanted to ensure it was the perfect fit—and The Painted Turtle exceeded our expectations.
The incredible energy, diverse activities, and amazing volunteers and staff made this experience unforgettable.
Each family was paired with a “family pal” whose mission was to maximize fun while ensuring everyone’s safety (the countless sunscreen reminders and hydration breaks were proof!). By the end of camp, these volunteers became beloved members of each family.
From creative arts to accessible-friendly zip lining, the fun was endless. Alongside their family pals, children with FA and their siblings enjoyed a busy weekend of archery, horseback riding, science projects, making s’mores, boating, and fishing.
While parents were busy gaining knowledge, gathering resources, and attending support sessions with long-time FCF partner and psychosocial expert Nancy Cincotta, there were daily activities to engage the entire family as well. Parents strutted down the runway with their children in a crazy fashion show, competed in egg drop challenges, and many even joined the stage for the grand finale talent show.
The crowd favorite? The Silly Olympics! The field was scattered with stations, each offering an excuse for families to splatter each other with paint and shaving cream as they played games and took on challenges. The ultimate showstopper was the surprise arrival of a firetruck on the hillside, which doused the campers with water straight from the hose. This quickly turned into a slip-and-slide party that was a welcome break from the heat, leaving everyone smiling.
The Painted Turtle made having fun, being goofy, and forming lifelong friendships among campers easier than ever. Families who initially hesitated to let loose during the abundant group songs were dancing out the door by the end of camp. Even with a packed agenda, The Painted Turtle had an incredible ability for knowing when to balance downtime with activities that recharged everyone. The accepting and magical environment that they created was felt by all and we are very grateful for their thoughtful efforts.
While educational opportunities during the FA Family Retreat are critical in helping parents care for and advocate for their loved ones with FA, we also recognize the ongoing challenges of living with FA. This year, the most heartwarming feedback came from a common perspective of both parents and children: a shared sense of belonging and a rare chance to let go of their daily stresses.
Parents connected over shared experiences, while children and teens expressed that camp was a place where they finally didn’t feel different.
At FCF, these feelings of belonging, support and respite are the ultimate success stories. Whether or not you could attend camp this year, know that the well-being of this community remains at the heart of our mission.
We want to extend a huge thank you to The Painted Turtle for partnering with us and providing our families with an exceptional and well-deserved experience. We can’t wait to see what The Painted Turtle has in store for 2025!
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN US NEXT SUMMER?
How do I apply? Applications for the FA Family Retreat will open in early 2025, with invitations and details shared via email and FCF’s social media platforms. Apply early, as spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who can go? Families with children with FA aged 18 and under are welcome to apply. Priority will be given to newly diagnosed families and first-time attendees. Travel scholarships are available through FCF to assist with expenses. Individuals with FA 18+ are welcome to join as volunteers!
