Camp Erin - Dallas/Fort Worth opens this summer with a full camp of over 80 campers and over 65 volunteers!

What is Camp Erin?

Camp Erin is a weekend-long experience for children and teens who have experience the death of someone close to them. It is a traditional, fun, high-energy camp combined with grief education, peer bonding, and emotional support.

Click here for our brochure.

How much does it cost?

Through an initial grant from The Moyer Foundation and generous donations from the community and volunteers, Camp Erin is FREE to all campers.

When is it?

July 30- August 1, 2010. Activities begin Friday afternoon and end Sunday afternoon.

Where is it?

Camp Erin will take place at Texoma Youth Camp, located just minutes west of Denison, Texas on the beautiful shores of Lake Texoma. Families are responsible for their own transportation to and from camp.

Who can attend?

Camp Erin is open to children and teens, ages 6 to 17, who have experienced the death of someone close to them.

How do campers apply?

Potential campers will be required to fill out an application form containing personal and bereavement information. Because we want to ensure the best possible experience for every camper, each applicant will be reviewed in detail and will include an interview before the application process is complete. Due to the large number of applicants expected, campers will be selected on a first come, first serve basis. In the event that we have more applications than camper spots, we will add potential campers to a waiting list in the order that the applications were received. In order to receive a camper application packet, please contact Rachel Richards at rrichards@christian-works.org.

What activities are offered?

There will be many summer camp activities as well as grief activities for campers of all ages and abilities. These may include: games, boating, swimming, sharing, arts and crafts, sports, music, luminaries, and more.

Who provides bereavement care?

Camp Erin is staffed by licensed professional counselors from ChristianWorks for Children as well as trained volunteers.

How can I volunteer?

Camp Erin is made possible through the support of volunteers. Volunteers are needed to serve as “Big Buddies” and as support staff to assist with many camp activities. For information on how to volunteer for this extraordinary weekend, please contact Rachel Richards at rrichards@christian-works.org.

What is a “Big Buddy”?

Cabin Big Buddies will be working with a group of 4-6 campers throughout the weekend. Each Big Buddy must participate in a mandatory training session to prepare for working with the children. The individual support and attention that these adults provide is part of what makes Camp Erin so special.

How did Camp Erin get started? What is The Moyer Foundation?

The Moyer Foundation – (a public, 501 c 3 organization) was founded in 2000 by World Series-champion, Major League All-Star pitcher, Jamie Moyer and his wife, Karen. The Foundation’s mission is to help children in distress. With the community’s support, The Moyer Foundation creates and funds programs that directly serve the needs of children in physical, emotional or financial distress.

The Foundation’s largest initiative is Camp Erin, named in memory of Erin Metcalf, a young woman who developed liver cancer at the age of 15. Karen and Jamie Moyer met Erin during Spring Training in 1998, and they developed a special friendship with Erin and her family. In June of 2000, when Erin died at the age of 17, the Moyers wished to honor Erin’s memory and her caring spirit. Because Erin had such a desire to help other children, the Moyers felt that a grief camp for children would be an appropriate tribute to her caring spirit.

With 36 camps in 23 states and one in Canada, Camp Erin is the largest bereavement camp in the country, serving nearly 2,500 children annually. With the community’s support of the Campaign for Kids, The Moyer Foundation plans to establish as many as 60 new camps nationwide- including at least one camp in every Major League Baseball city. The Moyer Foundation partnered with ChristianWorks for Children to establish Camp Erin - Dallas/Fort Worth.

Click here to be directed to The Moyer Foundation’s website.

Is Camp Erin a religious camp?

Camp Erin accepts staff, volunteers, and campers of any religion or faith or of no practicing religion or faith. It does not encourage or discourage the practice of religion during its bereavement camp, nor does Camp Erin discriminate against or promote the practice of one religion over another. Children will be allowed, however, to grieve their loss in the way that is most appropriate and comfortable to them. No child will be prevented from accessing his/her faith during the weekend if that is what a camper wishes to do.

What if I need immediate support for my child?

For immediate support options, contact the director of GriefWorks, Larry Barber, by email at lbarber@christian-works.org or by phone at 972-960-9981.

What is GriefWorks?

GriefWorks, providing grief support group services without charge for children ages 5-18 and their adult family members, is a ministry of ChristianWorks for Children. At GriefWorks, experienced, trained grief group facilitators listen to children's hurts and guide them in individual, age-divided groups. One-on-one grief counseling at an affordable fee is also available when needed. GriefWorks provides a supportive, safe, and confidential setting for children to deal with grief in a healthy way.

Click here to be directed to the GriefWorks website.

What if my child is not the right age for Camp Erin?

While Camp Erin only accepts applicants ages 6-17, GriefWorks will accept participants ages 5-18. Please contact them for more information about their ongoing support program.

How can I help Camp Erin?

Camp Erin is supported and funded in part by The Moyer Foundation along with donations from people who share a common interest in providing support for grieving children and teens. Your individual contribution of time, money, or supplies would benefit and bless this program.

Who do I contact for more information?

Click here to email Rachel Richards, Camp Erin – Dallas/Fort Worth Coordinator.