Camp Erin Online Hosts First Program

“Camp Erin helped me remember my loved ones that died by doing connected activities.” – Camp Erin Online camper, age 9

We are excited to announce the launch of our newest program, Camp Erin® Online! On December 3, 2022, seventeen families joined us on Zoom for Eluna’s first Camp Erin Online program, focused on “Gratitude and Grief.”

During the Online Family Support Workshop, youth campers and their adult caregivers came together to reconnect as a family, remember together, and recognize the gift of gratitude. Led by bereavement professionals and caring volunteers, participants were provided a safe environment to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and experience community with other bereaved families.

Families were warmly welcomed into the national network of Camp Erin families as they engaged in an interactive story sharing of the program’s namesake, Erin Metcalf. Erin’s story supports families in recognizing the importance of symbols that can remind us of those we are remembering. Erin and her family grew to love and seek out shooting stars and great blue herons, which are both incorporated in the Camp Erin logos and have become symbols of hope to campers across the nation.

Families then engaged in independent family activities—choosing between a scavenger hunt or gratitude game. They reminisced by sharing memories about the person they came to Camp Erin Online to remember. Participants created Hearts of Hope art projects, sharing words, symbols, and scenes that inspire gratitude and families discussed the importance of making space for both grief and gratitude throughout the holiday season.

Camp Erin Online expands the reach of Eluna’s signature Camp Erin in-person programming and creates more opportunities for families across the nation to access the transformative connection offered at camp by providing flexibility to families and access in cities where in-person camps are not currently available. We are excited to offer the upcoming Camp Erin Online programs in 2023:

• Grief Compass Groups | Hosted second Thursday of each month
• Self-Care Spotlight: Family Painting Workshop | Saturday, May 20th, 2023
• Self-Care Spotlight: Mindfulness & Movement | Saturday, October 7th, 2023

Camp Erin Online provides a continuum of grief support for families who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives. Priority is given to frontline healthcare workers and other families grieving the death of someone from COVID-19, as well as families who experienced a death in 2020 and following. Learn more.

This special program was offered free for all attendees thanks to the generous support of the Brave of Heart Fund, founded by the foundations of New York Life and Cigna and administered by E4E Relief.