Friday July 12 - Sunday July 14
Camp Erin 2024
Last day to apply for Camp Erin 2024 is June 14th!
What Is Camp Erin?
Camp Erin is a free bereavement camp for youth who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives.
This year, Willow Center is hosting Camp at Camp Lutherhaven so up to 50 children and teens 6 - 17 can attend. Led by bereavement professionals, community members and caring volunteers, campers will participate in a number of grief related and recreational Camp activities.
FORMS
THe Goal of Camp Erin
To provide a supportive and caring environment for children and teens affected by the loss of a loved one.
Children grieve in many ways and require physical activity as well as emotional outlets. Camp Erin provides fun, recreational activities that are designed to help campers deal with their grief and develop coping skills with others who have been through a similar experience. Activities at Camp Erin in 2024 will include: swimming, arts & crafts, storytelling, and more!
How Much Does It Cost?
Through a grant from Eluna and generous donations from the community, Camp Erin is FREE to all campers!
History of Camp Erin
Camp Erin is named in memory of Erin Metcalf, who developed liver cancer at the age of 15.
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 www.elunanetwork.org.
If you have any questions about Lewis Clark Valley's Camp Erin please email Christy Vollbrecht, [email protected] or call 208-791-7192 or stop by 1714 G Street, Lewiston to chat with one of our staff.
WHAT MAKES CAMP ERIN POSSIBLE?
Camp Erin would not be possible without the generous support of the community and volunteers.
In 2023 alone, over 5,800 volunteer hours went into the program, countless miles on cars and many discussions.
The Willow Center is forever grateful to its volunteers and the Lewis and Clark Valley community for making this camp possible each and every year!
Eluna partners with bereavement programs in local communities to help fund , develop and grow the Camp Erin nationwide. For more information, please visit elunanetwork.org.
Impact of Camp
Camp Erin has a lasting impact on on the children and teens who experience it. Since 2010, the Willow Center has provided camp to 462 kids and teens with the help of 547 volunteers.
"Camp Erin helped me by letting me talk and not be judged and they all understand how I feel." Age 13
"Camp Erin helped me grieve more easily and is a good learning process and a great place to meet friends. Camp Erin also helped me accomplish more goals. I love it here and I can't wait to come again! Age 12
"I lost my mom from a self-medicated drug addiction, I lost my father from a scuba accident,this all happened at a young age when I was four. When my mom died I was four and I was nine when my dad died. This camp was really nice, I met friends and made friends. I will come again if the funding keeps up. I learned to cope with grief and tell people my story. Please keep up funding. I love Camp!!!" Age 13
"Camp Erin helped me by teaching me teamwork is important and there's always someone who has got my back. Age 10
Eluna Resource center
Looking for important grief resources to help a child, friend or family member in your community or nationwide?
Eluna is 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 personalized recommendations with a 24-hour turn-around.