Camp Erin is the largest national grief camp network for youth and families grieving the death of a significant person in their lives.
Camp Erin supports children, teens, and families through in-person day and overnight sessions and online programs. Participants attend a camp experience that combines grief education and emotional support with fun, interactive activities. Led by bereavement professionals and caring volunteers, campers are provided a safe environment to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and experience community with others who are also grieving. Additional services are offered to support the whole family outside of the camp experience.
Camp Erin is offered in local communities across the US and Canada through a network of partnerships with grief centers, hospices, and hospitals in, as well as directly through Eluna’s Camp Erin Online program. Camp Erin brings connection and hope to thousands of youth and families annually. Through the support of donors, Camp Erin is offered at no cost.
Find your local Camp Erin program or get to know Camp Erin Online.
• Tell their story in a safe environment
• Process grief in healthy ways
• Meet friends facing similar circumstances
• Learn they are not alone
• Build a tool-box of coping skills
• Honor and memorialize loved ones
• Have fun!
Get to know the magic of Camp Erin through the voices of our campers, volunteers, and camp directors! Check out this and other videos on Eluna's YouTube channel, including this Camp Erin family camp feature.
Are you interested in joining the Camp Erin community? Whether you would like to attend camp as a camper or volunteer or become a Camp Erin partner organization or supporter, please reach out through our Contact Us form. We looking forward to supporting you!
Every person grieves differently, as does every child.
Childhood grief is more common than most realize, and knowing how to talk to and guide a child who has experienced the death of someone close to them can be challenging. It is normal for adults to want to protect children from difficult experiences and information. Unaddressed grief, though, can cause youth to feel isolated and alone, both in their family and from other children. Children who are grieving are at greater risk than their peers for depression, suicide, poverty and substance abuse.
Grief is a natural and normal response to death and a lifelong process. It is made up of many different emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Through understanding, support, and opportunities to freely express thoughts and feelings, children and teens can develop healthy coping skills that enhance their lives. A child’s hope can be restored and they once again can imagine a life full of possibilities.
Eluna strives to increase awareness and provide resources and support for grieving children.
Approximately 6 million children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18.
Grieving children are at much greater risk than their peers for depression, suicide, poverty and substance abuse.
Of the 73,000 children that die in the U.S. each year, 83% have surviving siblings.
For camp dates, location, and contact information, click the dot on the map nearest you or your state name below. To register or for questions, please contact the camp partner listed. Camp Erin is offered free of charge to all families. We look forward to seeing you at Camp Erin!
If you are a hospice, hospital or bereavement center and are interested in bringing Camp Erin to your community, please contact us to learn more about a partnership with Eluna.