Meet our 2025 Scholarship Recipients!

Eluna scholarships support the higher education goals of our camper community, with opportunities for alumni of each program: Camp Erin, Camp Mariposa, and Team Jesse.

Antoinetta G. | Peter DeGeorge Family Foundation Scholarship Program Recipient 

Antoinetta first attended Camp Erin Toronto in 2016 at age 13, a year after losing her father to stage four lung cancer. Struggling with panic attacks and depression, she found hope, understanding, and community at camp. Over the years, she transitioned from camper to Leader in Training, Cabin Buddy, Camp Coordinator, and most recently Volunteer Program Lead for the Mentors with Lived Experience program. In that role, she recruited, trained, and supported teens mentoring younger campers, drawing on her own grief journey and professional skills.

Now entering her fourth year of a Bachelor of Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University, Antoinetta works as a Peer Support Worker in a hospital emergency department, helping young adults in crisis. She plans to pursue her Master of Social Work and a career in healthcare. Coming from a low-income, immigrant family, she has balanced studies with part-time work while managing student loans. Inspired by her late father’s resilience as a refugee from El Salvador, she carries forward his values of justice, compassion, and community care. Camp Erin’s philosophy of remembrance, connection, hope, and legacy continues to guide her personally and professionally.

Levi N. | Eluna Trustees Legacy Fund Scholarship Program Recipient 

Levi’s first experience at Camp Mariposa taught him that he is never alone, no matter his circumstances; that perseverance is essential when life gets hard; and that each person is part of a larger puzzle, connected by shared influence. A pivotal chapel talk inspired him to keep pushing forward—leading to achievements like delivering his high school graduation speech to thousands, attending boarding school, and playing varsity football.

Camp also taught him acceptance: he could not change his father’s absence due to drug addiction, but he could define himself beyond that loss. These lessons continue to guide him as he embraces challenges with determination.

Levi is beginning his studies in electrical engineering at Washington State University, pursuing a demanding degree to push himself academically. Funding his own education, he has worked in a diner for three years to help cover costs. His most influential mentor, Mr. Bartel—his defensive coordinator and English teacher—embodied resilience, openness, and wisdom, inspiring Levi to strive to be even a fraction of the man he admires. Camp Mariposa’s lessons of connection, perseverance, and purpose remain a guiding force in his life and future.

Lillian B. | The Team Jesse Scholarship Program Recipient 

Lillian first attended Camp Erin at age 9, shortly after her father’s passing. While she was excited for the idea of a sleepaway camp, her time there became a deeply meaningful step in her grief journey. Surrounded by peers who had experienced similar loss, she learned her feelings were valid and that she was not alone. A candlelight ceremony honoring loved ones left a lasting impression, especially when an older camper comforted her with the reminder that their loved ones live on in their hearts.

Camp taught Lillian determination and courage, including the persistence to face fears—like climbing a rock wall despite her fear of heights, reaching the top on her third try. These lessons of resilience and growth continue to guide her today.

Lillian plans to earn her associate degree in business management, then attend esthetician school, with the goal of opening her own studio salon. She comes from a military family—her late father was a Purple Heart Marine Corps veteran—and was raised by her hardworking mother, who modeled strength and independence. Inspired by her mother’s resilience, Lillian strives to honor her parents’ sacrifices by building a successful future rooted in the determination and compassion that Camp Erin helped foster.

The 2025 Eluna Scholarship Program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the following donors, The Peter DeGeorge Family Foundation, Susan and Erik Hansen, and The Ronald A. Mincio Education Fund. Check back in spring 2026 to find out about Eluna’s annual scholarship opportunities!  

Eluna is seeking Data Entry Volunteers to support our mission of supporting children and families impacted by grief. Interested? Apply today!