Little People of America (LPA) is a nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and to their families. The organization was created in 1957 by Billy Barty and friends.

The national organization is divided into regional districts and local chapters. District 12 covers the local LPA chapters in the region of California and Nevada. Each local chapter is a group of families, friends, acquaintances, and professionals who are connected by experience with short stature.

On this site you will find information about our district, national organization, local chapters, contacts for more information about dwarfism, available resources, and how you can participate with us. You are welcome to contact us for more information, for support, or to join with everyone at the regional activities we hold during Spring and Autumn every year.

LPA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism throughout their lives while celebrating with great pride Little People’s contribution to social diversity. LPA strives to bring solutions and global awareness to the prominent issues affecting individuals of short stature and their families.

Join Little People of America for sun & fun in Sacramento, California! We are getting together April 21-23, 2023. We are expecting a great turnout and lots of fun. We'll have a full schedule of receptions, dances, and meet-ups. There will be something for everyone in a beautiful hotel with all kinds of restaurants, shops, and more.

Conference Schedule and General Information
Online Registration

Note that when you register online, you may choose to pay by credit card or by personal check made out to LPA District 12 Spring Regional and mailed to the District 12 office. Once your check clears, you may qualify for the special LPA hotel room rates.

District 12 Spring Regional
Little People of America
617 Broadway #518
Sonoma, CA 95476

The Painted Turtle is a year-round medical specialty camp for children who have serious medical conditions. All campers attend free of charge. Each summer, one session is for children with skeletal dysplasias. Stay tuned for a link to the 2019 Calendar.

Campers will find a cabin village, equestrian center with a horse barn and trail rides, fishing and boating on a private lake, archery field, gymnasium, Shamu-shaped pool, rock-climbing wall, adventure ropes course (wheelchair accessible!), woodshop center, organic farm, and new friends who understand their experiences of serious illness.

Painted Turtle Camp website
17000 Elizabeth Lake Road
P.O. Box 455
Lake Hughes, CA 93532 map
Phone Number: (661) 724-1550
Fax Number: (661) 724-1340

To learn about the Painted Turtle camp and find out camper requirements, please see the FAQ and the application information webpages. The 2017 camper application will be available in early February. You may apply online or request a paper copy to be sent to you by contacting the Camper Admissions Office.