For information about our camp to be held June 14-16, 2024, complete the form below or call (214) 601-1233.
This year we can accommodate 25 families at camp. Families who have never attended Camp Erin DFW will receive first priority to attend.
We have filled all 25 available spots. All applicants will be waitlisted and anyone who has been waitlisted will be contacted at least three weeks prior to camp should space become available.
Camp Erin DFW is a free, weekend overnight bereavement camp for youth and families who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. As the only location in Texas, Camp Erin DFW welcomes children and teens ages 5 to 18 and their families to attend a weekend camp experience that combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities. Led by bereavement professionals and caring volunteers, campers are provided a safe environment to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make friends with peers who are also grieving.
Nestled in the rolling hills of central Texas, just a few miles due south of the famed Camp Longhorn, lies a beautiful oasis named Camp Buckner. This special camp is a faith-based nonprofit that serves vulnerable children, families and seniors and was the perfect partner for the second year of Camp Erin DFW, the family grief camp created in conjunction with the Children’s Bereavement Program at Faith Presbyterian Hospice (FPH) and was held June 2-4, 2023. Click here to read more about this incredible weekend.
A short preview of One Last Hug, an HBO documentary featuring Camp Erin.
“It helped me more fully understand that I’m not alone. It reinforced that this is a long journey that never ends. Most of all, it gave me a space to grieve with my son and know it’s ok.” – Caregiver/Adult Camper
“It helped me more fully understand that I’m not alone. It reinforced that this is a long journey that never ends. Most of all, it gave me a space to grieve with my son and know it’s ok.”
Camp Erin DFW and all Camp Erin programs enjoy extensive support from many sponsors and partners. See below for valuable resources from these partners and other national organizations designed specifically for grieving children and families.
Explore the links below for more helpful articles and resources for children who are grieving.
Eluna’s mission is to support children, teens and families impacted by grief or addiction. Founded in 2000, we offer community-building camps, interpersonal connections and a continuum of support for youth and families. Eluna’s three signature programs are provided at no cost: Camp Erin, the largest grief camp network for school-aged youth and their families; Camp Mariposa, an addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth ages 9-17; and the Eluna Resource Center, which provides research-based education and personalized support. Eluna has supported over 50,000 youth campers and their families through our network of partnerships with over 50 non-profit community organizations across the US and Canada. For more information, please visit elunanetwork.org.
Follow Camp Erin’s social channels here: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn
If you want to help children and their families from all across Texas learn to deal with the grief of losing a loved one, please complete our online form and a representative will contact you shortly. All applications received after March 4, 2024 will be waitlisted.
When does Camp take place this year?
Camp Erin DFW will be held June 14-16, 2024. Activities begin on Friday afternoon and end on Sunday, midday. There is programming for parents and guardians at the opening and close of the camp weekend.
Please contact faithkids@nullforefrontliving.org to receive more information.
Who can attend Camp Erin DFW?
Camp is open to youth ages 5 to 18 who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives. In most cases, we recommend that the child not attend the Camp until at least 6 months after the death. Preference is given to new Camp Erin families. Returning Camp Erin family’s applications are welcome and will be placed on a wait list.
Where is Camp?
Camp Erin DFW is held at Camp Buckner. You must arrange for your own transportation. If this is an issue, please contact us for assistance.
What activities are offered?
Activities at Camp Erin DFW include all the traditional fun of summer camp — arts and crafts, sports, games and campfires — but also consist of age-appropriate bereavement support activities.
What is the registration process and cost?
All potential camp families are required to complete an application and phone interview. Camp Erin is free for all participants.
How do I apply to attend Camp Erin DFW?
Parents or guardians must complete an online application for each child who would like to attend. Applications are accepted until all available family spaces are filled. After your application is completed, you will be contacted for a phone interview (usually in March) form a member of our clinical team.
It is recommended that applications are completed as soon as possible as Camp Erin DFW only accepts 25 families to attend. Families are invited to attend camp only after an interview and it is determined your family’s readiness to attend.
Who can volunteer?
Anyone 18 years or older can volunteer. If you are younger than 18, please contact us for other great ways to get involved. Past volunteers have included social workers, therapists, nurses, counselors, child life specialists, college students, music therapists, teachers, etc. Any individual dedicated to our mission is welcome to apply. You do not need prior experience. Mandatory training is provided. Volunteers will have to submit to a background check and drug screening. All applications received after March 4, 2024 will be waitlisted.
What will you do as a volunteer?
Volunteers can serve in a variety of roles, from acting as a Group Facilitator, Camp Nurse, Group Helper and more. Every person plays an important role in creating an environment where our families feel comfortable being at camp and expressing their grief.
Still have questions? Please contact us at faithkids@nullforefrontliving.org or by calling Erica Smith at (214) 601-1233. All applications received after March 4, 2024 will be waitlisted.
How can I help?
For information about Camp Erin DFW and any upcoming events, fill out the form below.
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