Leaving a Legacy

“Whether you believe in karma or just being a kind and compassionate human being, I have found that when you give your time, talent, or treasures, the return on your investment is unimaginable,” says Randy Northcote, long-time volunteer and supporter.

Since becoming involved with The Painted Turtle in 2005, Randy has volunteered his time as a counselor, working directly with the campers during family weekends, summer sessions, day events, and in our hospital programs. Randy is also an active participant in several of our athletic peer-to-peer events, raising vital dollars for Camp. Most recently, Randy shared that he is including The Painted Turtle as a beneficiary in his will and trust. We are honored and humbled by his service for others and his generosity in leaving a legacy for years to come for campers at The Painted Turtle.

Read More About Why Randy Invests So Much in Camp

How did you first learn about Camp and how did you get involved?
I first learned about The Painted Turtle through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). In my late teens, I began to develop frequent stomach pains that progressively got worse to the point that I needed to seek medical intervention. In my early 20’s, I was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I had been involved with CCFA on a limited basis, but after a surgery I became very involved with the foundation. In 2004, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation partnered with The Painted Turtle. The Executive Director of the San Diego Chapter of CCFA went to Camp that first year and was so impressed. Each time we met she would say, “You have to go to Camp and see where your support is going.” So, in the summer of 2005, I packed my bags and went to The Painted Turtle to volunteer. It was a life-changing experience and that is why I have returned every year since then.

What inspires you about The Painted Turtle and the campers we serve?
Camp is such a loving, accepting, and safe space for campers (as well as volunteers). It is a place where you meet others traveling the same path as you and instantly have a bond that will last a lifetime. Having the same disease as many of the campers, it is so rewarding to see them meet other kids just like themselves and be able to share freely about what they are going through, the procedures they have had, and even celebrate when they take the same medications as their fellow campers and counselors.

Why do you volunteer/donate/fundraise?
I continue to volunteer, donate, and fundraise, and with many other non-profit organizations, but The Painted Turtle has captured my heart. Seeing these kids emerge from a dark place and be filled with joy and laughter that Camp brings is one of the most rewarding experiences you can be part of. I have witnessed this transformation several times firsthand and there is no greater reward.

I will never forget the first hospital volunteer visit I did with Outpost. PUN (another long-time volunteer) and I were “fishing” with a child with severe medical challenges who was confined to a wheelchair. He was unable to hold the fishing pole, so PUN and I would take a fish out of the “lake” and place it on his lap. With every bit of energy and coordination he had, he would grab the object with both hands and fling it back into the “lake.” This went on for at least 30 minutes and was captured on Polaroid film by another volunteer. When the photo was given to the child’s mom, she began to cry and told us this was one of the few pictures she had of her child smiling. On my four-hour drive back to San Diego from UCLA, it really struck me that a simple thing like giving your time and acting silly can change a person’s life. That change might last for a moment, a day, or even a lifetime, but it’s why I volunteer, donate and fundraise.

What gives you the most pride about your involvement at The Painted Turtle?
I am so proud to watch campers grow up and return to Camp as Leaders-in-Training (LIT’s), Leadership Counselors (LC’s), and ultimately volunteers. Two years ago during a summer orientation, one of my previous campers came up to me and asked if I remembered him. Since I had not seen him in probably 4 or 5 years, I did not recognize him as he had grown so much and was now in college. When he told me his name and I was his counselor, I immediately remembered. He lives in San Diego, plays soccer, has a brother who was also a camper, and so much more. He proceeded to tell me that I (and all the counselors) had made such an impact on his life that he wanted to come back as a volunteer so he could give that same Camp experience to others.

What inspired you to include The Painted Turtle as a beneficiary of your will and trust?
Including The Painted Turtle in my will and trust is a way that I can continue my involvement and love of Camp long after I am gone, while at the same time reducing tax liabilities to my other beneficiaries: a win-win in my book!

My nieces have been to Camp a couple of times during the Tour de Turtle bike ride, and we always look at the donor dedication rocks with donors’ names when we walk around. We joke that maybe one day Uncle Randy will have a rock with his name on it. While we might laugh at the time, it is a great life lesson for them to give of your time, talents and treasures to make the world a better place. I am sure that in the not-too-distant future they will be volunteering alongside me, and I hope that they support The Painted Turtle when they are older.

Do you have an anecdote about The Painted Turtle that really moved you?
After 16 years volunteering, I could list hundreds of special moments: Hoisting a camper in a wheelchair to the top of the ropes course and seeing him go down the zip line while shouting with glee. A young boy in a wheelchair struggling with every ounce of energy he had to pull back the bow on his own despite his dad thinking he would need help. When he released the arrow, it flew right in the bull's eye of the target. He shouted, “I did it, I did it, I did it!” His dad sobbing and overcome with emotions said, “Yes you did son, yes you did.” A cabin chat with the oldest boys where they all opened up and shared their deepest fears and anxieties. The campers and their counselors shed many tears that night. A real-life marriage proposal during a campfire skit. The list goes on and on…

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
Before volunteering at Camp, I was a very reserved person and did not like to be in the spotlight. I still prefer to be behind the scenes, but Camp has a way of changing that. Before Camp I would never be caught wearing a tutu or a green polka dot leotard, let a nine-year-old shave my head and give me a Mohawk, or eat my dinner using no hands and only my face and big nose as utensils. Camp will definitely bring you out of your shell and give you the opportunity to try new things.

What shapes your giving?
I was raised in a family that always gave or served in some capacity at church, school boards/PTA, Cub Scouts, community groups, non-profits, and more, so I guess giving and volunteerism is in my genetic makeup. Whether you believe in karma or just being a kind and compassionate human being, I have found that when you give your time, talent, or treasures, the return on your investment is unimaginable. The dividends you receive cannot be measured by a dollar amount, but there will always be an account full of laughter, smiles, friendships, and memories.

Anything you’d like to add?
Fun fact! Since 2005, I have driven over 25,000 miles going to and from The Painted Turtle. I am older than most people think, but volunteering at Camp keeps me young at heart. It is hard to believe that some of my original campers are now in their 30’s, college graduates, married with children, and pursuing their careers.