Camp Erin

Helping youth and families find joy and hope in the midst of grief.

About Camp Erin

Camp Erin is the largest free national network of grief camps for kids, teens, and families who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives. Campers attend day and overnight programs that combine grief support and education with fun camp activities.

Led by bereavement professionals and caring volunteers, Camp Erin provides a safe environment for children, teens, and their adult caregivers to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make friends with peers who are also grieving. Through a network of partnerships with nonprofits in local communities across the U.S. and Canada, Camp Erin brings hope and joy to thousands of youth and their families annually.

 

Understanding the Need

Grief is universal – everyone will experience it, yet it is as unique as a fingerprint. Societally, grief can feel uncomfortable and is often stigmatized. When this happens, the impacts of grief, such as isolation, strains on mental health, and struggles at school and work, can be heightened for children, teens, and families.

1 in 11 (or over 6 million) children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling before the age of 18 (Judi’s House/JAG Institute)
15.2M youth will be bereaved by age 25
See how Camp Erin helps kids find joy and understand grief.

Featuring Camp Erin Tampa Bay

What to Expect at Camp Erin

Camp Erin provides a safe and supportive environment for campers to find grief support while building community, making lifelong connections, and learning you can still have fun while grieving.

Sharing experiences in a safe environment

Experiencing joy through fun camp activities

Making friends who understand

Processing grief in a healthy way

Building a toolbox of coping skills

Remembering and honoring and loved ones

Learning they are not alone

FIND A CAMP NEAR YOU

Camp Erin is located across the U.S. and Canada

Grief camps are held throughout the year in over 32 locations through our community partners.

Find A Camp Near You

Our Impact

Through the generosity of our supporters, Camp Erin has helped over 37,000 children and teens since 2002 - at no cost to families.

SUPPORT CAMP ERIN
37,263 Youth Campers
45 Camp Sessions in 2023
32 Locations
32,810 Volunteers

Thank You, New York Life Foundation

Through the generosity of New York Life Foundation, Camp Erin has helped over 37,800 campers since the launch of our partnership in 2008.

 

Visit our Eluna & New York Life Foundation page to learn more.

Camper Stories

Host a Camp Erin

If you’re a nonprofit organization interested in offering Camp Erin grief camp in your local community, please contact the Eluna team for more information.

Share Your Interest

More From Camp Erin

Camp Erin Online

Camp Erin Online

Free online support for families to come together, learn ways to navigate grief, and connect with others who have shared experience.

Camp Erin Online

National Program Guide

Grief support listings provided in partnership with New York Life Foundation

Search and find programs supporting youth and families impacted by grief or addiction.

Bereavement Camp Standards of Practice

Bereavement Camp Standards of Practice

Provided in partnership with New York Life Foundation

This free resource provides guidance for creating beneficial and safe grief camp programs. Created by bereavement and camp professionals, topics include camp fundamentals, health and safety, and more.

Bereavement Camp Standards of Practice
ELUNA RESOURCE CENTER

Featured Grief Resources

Read more: Caring for your Camper after Camp
Resource type: Conversation Starters & Toolkits
Grief & LossAddiction & PreventionRelated Topics

Caring for your Camper after Camp

What to Expect After Camp Your child, as a camper, has had an active, stimulating, and emotional experience at Camp Mariposa

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Read more: Activity: Forever Blended
Resource type: Activity
Grief & LossRelated Topics

Activity: Forever Blended

Objective: When two playdough colors are blended together, it is nearly impossible to separate those two colors. When one color represents

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Read more: Scholarships for Grieving Youth & Young Adults
Resource type: Article
Grief & Loss

Scholarships for Grieving Youth & Young Adults

Many organizations recognize that your loss may negatively impact your ability to afford educational costs, and there are scholarships that can

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Read more: Grief by Age: Developmental Stages and Ways to Help
Resource type: Article
Grief & Loss

Grief by Age: Developmental Stages and Ways to Help

AGES 0-3 INFANTS/TODDLERS Developmental Stage: During these first two years, children’s development is focused on creating an attachment bond with primary

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