1 in 20 children and teens in the US will experience the death of a parent by the time they graduate from high school.
In Orange County alone, it is estimated that 27,500 children are grieving the death of a loved one. Research indicates that such children are at a greater risk of depression, suicide, poverty, and substance abuse. Bereaved children often feel isolated in their grief but rarely receive formal grief counseling as parents and family members frequently struggle to find adequate support resources for the children within their communities.
Camp Erin is an initiative created and partially funded by the Moyer Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Major League All-Star pitcher, Jamie Moyer, and his wife Karen. Camp Erin is the largest network of bereavement camps in the country with camps located in many states. The Spencer Hospice Foundation is proud to be partnering with the Moyer Foundation to bring Camp Erin to Orange County this summer.
Camp Erin is a FREE annual weekend camp experience offered to grieving children between the ages of 6 - 17 who have experienced the death of a loved one. There is NO CHARGE for children to attend the camp and all activities are facilitated by professional staff and trained volunteers of the Spencer Hospice Foundation. Camp Erin is a fun, positive-energy camp, combining traditional camp activities with professional grief counseling and emotional support. Adult "Big Buddy" volunteers will offer support and companionship for campers.
Camp Erin is scheduled to be held August 13th-15th, 2010 at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center in the city of Orange. Through a variety of activities, such as arts and crafts, drama, writing and outdoor exercises, children and teens at Camp Erin learn important coping skills to use during and after the camp. Ultimately, at Camp Erin, children are comforted knowing that there are other children who understand exactly what they are feeling and experiencing. At Camp Erin, grieving children have an opportunity to address their feelings and memorialize their loved ones. They are provided with tools and resources as well as memories and friendships that last long after camp is complete.
If you know of a grieving child who may benefit from Camp Erin, or know of someone who would be interested in volunteering, please have them apply. Please download forms below.
Support from The Moyer Foundation and local communities ensures that Camp Erin is ALWAYS free to ALL campers.
However, we couldn't do it without your help. We need donations, both monetary and in-kind. Please click the link below to see how you can help with a donation.
About the Moyer Foundation
The Moyer Foundation - (a public, 501 c 3 organization) headquartered in Seattle, WA, was founded in 2000 by World Series-winning, Major League All-Star pitcher, Jamie Moyer and his wife, Karen. The Foundation's mission is to provide comfort and support to children enduring a time of profound physical, emotional or financial distress. With the community's support, The Moyer Foundation has raised over $19 million to assist over 170 different programs that directly serve the needs of children in distress. In addition to supporting programs through grants, The Moyer Foundation created and funds its own programs like Camp Erin, bereavement camps for grieving children and teens. Camp Erin is the largest national network of bereavement camps for children with 36 camps in 23 states. The Foundation is currently leading a fundraising campaign to help establish more than 50 new camps - at least one camp in every Major League Baseball city nationwide. The Moyer Foundation raises funds through many special events, corporate partners and individual donors. 100% of individual donations benefit children in distress. For more information and to get involved go to www.moyerfoundation.org
Through a partnership between the Moyer Foundation and the Spencer Hospice Foundation, Camp Erin will be available to the Orange County community. Camp Erin is designed for eligible children and teens ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Its a fun, high-energy, weekend camp, combining traditional camp activities with professional grief counseling and emotional support.