I live in an area with A LOT of box turtles

[Horse with no Name]

so because of this, my granddaughter's preschool is having a turtle race on the last day of school tomorrow.
We put our turtle hunting clothes on this morning and went out in our yard (okay, so it was on our porch) and found the perfect racer.
I've read up on all of the care of said box turtle and have made him his own little environment until tomorrow when I will put him back on my porch to go to wherever he came from.
Here is the question. ALL of the kids are painting their turtles. I won't let my granddaughter because I can't imagine it would be healthy for the turtle--if not toxic, at least it would take away his ability to hide from predators.
So...I thought stickers on his shell would be a good alternative. Does anyone know if the glue from the stickers will affect him in any way--wondering about the porousness of the shell and would the glue seep in.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'm stepping away for a bit and will check this when I return.
Thanks in advance.

[Lyric]

1. An idea

You can let her draw on an upside-down coffee filter, then tape that to his back. You might have to trim it a bit if he's a smallish turtle, though. Good luck in the race!

[DS1]

2. HOW do you live with so much temptation surrounding you?

Slowly walking by, giving you hours to come up with a good pick-up line.

[InvisibleTouch]

3. I think stickers would be fine.

I would recommend against the painting too, for the reasons you mentioned. Maybe you & your granddaughter can encourage the other kids to use stickers too? It's a good opportunity for education.

Good luck in the race! :)

[AllegroRondo]

4. you should be OK if you use a non-toxic glue

like Elmers.

Or better, mix a paste out of flour and water. That way when you finish, you just get the stickers really wet and the glue will soften up.