Camp Erin is a free overnight weekend bereavement camp for children and teens ages 6 to 17 years old who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Camp Erin combines grief education and emotional support with fun traditional camp activities. Our compassionate grief professionals and trained volunteers provide a caring and supportive environment for campers to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make meaningful connections with peers their age who are also grieving.
Next Camp Erin
Join us for our next Camp Erin on October 25-27, 2024 at Camp Owaissa Bauer in Homestead! This camp will be our traditional overnight weekend camp for youth ages 6 to 17 years old. All new and returning campers are welcome to join us!
For more details, check out our camp flyer here.
For volunteer opportunities, scroll down to download the volunteer application.
Register Now
Apply to be a Camper in 5 easy steps!
1. Download and complete the Camper Application: English | Spanish | Creole (one application per youth camper).
2. Submit your Camper Application(s) to our team at CampErin@catholichospice.org.
3. Complete a Family Interview (one per family; to be scheduled with a camp team member).
4. Attend “Save Your Spot” Camper Orientation (details TBA).
5. Attend Camp Erin!
The last day to register is Friday, September 20, 2024.
Transportation will be provided at no charge to families between the campsite and our office locations in Lauderdale Lakes and Miami Lakes, however, space is limited, so apply soon!
Contact Our Team
For more information or questions, contact our team at (954) 944-2709 or CampErin@catholichospice.org.
FOR UPDATES AND NEWS ABOUT CAMP ERIN SOUTH FLORIDA, FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @CAMPERINSOUTHFLORIDA!
The History of Camp Erin
Camp Erin is named in memory of Erin Metcalf of Woodinville, Washington, a remarkable young woman who developed liver cancer at the age of 15. Karen and Jamie Moyer met Erin through Make-A-Wish.
Erin had a compassionate heart and when she was hospitalized she often expressed concern for the other children there as well as their siblings, who sometimes received little attention. The Moyer Foundation helped fund several children’s bereavement camps – including camps for the victims of 9/11, discovering the positive impact a camp of this kind could have.
In 2000, when Erin died at the age of 17, Jamie and Karen Moyer wished to honor Erin’s memory and her caring spirit. Acknowledging her love of children and her desire to help others, the Moyers felt that a grief camp for children would be an appropriate tribute. The first Camp Erin was established in Everett, Washington in 2002 helping 42 grieving children.
Volunteer Opportunities
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact our Volunteer Services Department at (305) 351-7052 or VolunteerServices@catholichospice.org.
Camp Erin South Florida is part of Eluna’s
National Camp Erin network.
Eluna is a public, 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to support children and families impacted by grief or addiction. Founded in 2000 in Seattle by former MLB pitcher Jamie Moyer and child advocate Karen Phelps Moyer, Eluna was originally called The Moyer Foundation and launched a series of programs supporting thousands of children and families annually at no cost to them.
Camp Erin® is the largest national network of grief programs for bereaved children and teens, Camp Mariposa® is a national addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth impacted by a family member’s substance use disorder, and the Eluna Resource Center offers online tools, local referrals and personalized phone and email support for families experiencing grief, addiction and other related issues.
For more information, please visit elunanetwork.org. You can also follow Eluna on Instagram @ElunaNetwork!
ELUNA RESOURCE CENTER
Looking for important grief resources to help a child, friend or family member in your community or nationwide?
We are proud to share the Eluna Resource Center!
Its straightforward design makes it easy to search for articles, videos, activities, and referrals to local programs.
In addition, Eluna offers free recommendations with a 24-hour turn-around.
CAMP ERIN ONLINE
Eluna’s Camp Erin Online programs support youth and their families grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Participants attend an online experience that combines grief education and emotional support with fun, interactive activities. Led by Eluna’s grief specialists and caring volunteers, participants are provided a safe environment to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and experience community with other families who are also grieving. Camp Erin Online is a program of Eluna.
Camp Erin online programs are available nationally as a resource for families unable to attend in-person Camp Erin programs as well as for those who would like continued care. For more information and to refer families, please visit elunanetwork.org/camp-erin-online or contact Kelly Petersohn, Eluna’s Camp Erin Online Programs Manager at kellypetersohn@elunanetwork.org.