June 5-June 7, 2026
Camp Erin Santa Cruz
Where Children Learn to Grieve and Heal
Camp Erin® Santa Cruz is a free bereavement camp for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives.
Children and teens ages 7 to 17 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.
Camp Erin was created and is supported in part by Eluna. For more information please visit elunanetwork.org.
Every year, Camp Erin cultivates a relaxed, safe, and supportive setting — one that allows kids to express their emotions, share their grief, and strengthen peer-to-peer connections. Campers will gather together at a beautiful, local site to experience activities like hiking, art, music, and visits from therapy animals. Campers will learn that they are not alone; they are in the company of peers who understand.
Looking for important grief resources to help a child, teen, friend or family member in Santa Cruz County, Salinas, your specific 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 personalized recommendations with a 24-hour turn-around.
We’re proud to partner with the Eluna Network to offer Camp Erin to our community. Eluna partners with bereavement programs in local communities to help fund, develop and grow Camp Erin® nationwide. For more information, please visit elunanetwork.org.
We’re excited to announce that Camp Erin will take place June 5–7, 2026, and we are now accepting camper interest forms! If you have more than one child interested in attending, please submit a separate form for each sibling. Once we receive your form, a member of our team will reach out via email to connect and share next steps.
Volunteers
All volunteers must attend an interview, required trainings, and complete a background check/fingerprinting.
Cabin Big Buddies (CB) Overnight, All Weekend. (22-24 positions)
Requirements: Stay overnight and everyday at Camp. We will need 25-30 CBB’s.
Cabin Big Buddies are the soul of Camp Erin. This is one of the most meaningful and rewarding roles at camp and an opportunity to build real, lasting connections with grieving kids who are looking for comfort, safety, and joy during a tender moment in their lives.
As a CBB, you’ll be the consistent, caring adult presence for a small group of 4–6 campers, paired with at least one other Big Buddy. This small ratio allows you to really get to know your campers.. cheering them on through games and activities, offering quiet support when emotions arise, and helping them feel seen, understood, and accepted just as they are.
Your cabin is your shared space and your responsibility. You’ll help set the tone for the weekend by creating a warm, inclusive environment where kids feel safe to be themselves. Early on, you’ll help your group come up with simple “cabin agreements” which are ground rules around kindness, respect, and participation that create a sense of belonging and mutual care.
CBBs are fully immersed in the camp experience. You’ll join your group for every meal, activity, ceremony, and silly moment. You’ll laugh with them. You might cry with them. And most importantly, you’ll show up with consistency, compassion, and curiosity. When a camper needs extra support, you’ll either step in directly or reach out to one of our Grief & Growth Facilitators for help, we’ll never ask you to handle hard things alone.
This role isn’t easy but it’s powerful. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after the weekend ends.
Day Support (6-8 positions)
Choose your day(s) of availability. 4-6 hour shifts.
Our behind-the-scenes champions! Day Support volunteers are the glue that holds everything together; always moving, always noticing, and always helping wherever they’re needed most. This is the perfect role for someone who thrives on variety, likes to stay busy, and finds joy in being a steady, helpful presence for others.
As a Day Support volunteer, you’ll float between roles throughout the day, assisting with camper transitions, setting up or breaking down activities, tidying up shared spaces, running supplies where needed, and stepping in to support campers and staff during breaks. You’ll be the one helping Camp Erin run smoothly behind the scenes and your contributions make a huge difference.
This role is all about taking initiative. You’ll be encouraged to keep an eye out for what needs doing, whether that means checking in with Cabin Big Buddies to see if they need a bathroom break, helping an Activity Lead set up a craft table, or jumping in to sweep up glitter after art time. If you notice an area that looks a little messy, clean it up. If you see someone who looks like they could use an extra set of hands, offer yours. If a camper is wandering without a group, help guide them where they need to be.
Your ability to step in, anticipate needs, and lend support in quiet but meaningful ways helps keep the emotional and logistical flow of camp grounded and strong. You may not be in one place for long, but your impact is felt everywhere.
If you’re adaptable, observant, and have a heart for pitching in wherever needed, Day Support might just be your perfect fit.
Camp Prep & Décor Team
Flexible availability.
The Camp Prep & Decor Team helps create the look and feel of Camp Erin turning spaces into welcoming, thoughtful, and magical environments for grieving kids to feel safe, connected, and cared for.
In the weeks leading up to camp, these creative and organized volunteers will be invited into the office for a few prep sessions to help with important behind-the-scenes tasks like prepping camper backpacks, crafting signage and decorations, organizing and labeling supplies, tracking inventory, and supporting the overall visual setup of camp materials. This team helps bring the vision of camp to life making sure everything is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented.
On the first day of camp, members of the Prep & Decor Team will meet at the campsite ahead of camper arrival to help set up decorations, post signage, arrange welcome tables, organize supplies at key stations, and help ensure everything feels polished and intentional before the campers walk in.
This role is ideal for volunteers who are detail-oriented, love working with their hands, enjoy being creative, and want to contribute in a meaningful way even if they can’t attend the full weekend. Whether you’re crafting calming cabin signs, organizing art supplies, or turning a dining hall into a celebration space, your work sets the tone for a truly healing and memorable experience.
Registration Team
Availability on Friday & Sunday.
The Registration Team serves as the warm and welcoming first impression of Camp Erin. These volunteers are often the first people campers and their families interact with, and that initial experience sets the tone for the entire weekend. With smiles, kindness, and a calm presence, Registration Team members help ease nerves and create a sense of safety from the moment families arrive.
Their responsibilities include checking in campers and volunteers, collecting and reviewing required forms, verifying Consent & Release signatures, managing gear distribution (like t-shirts, name tags, and backpacks), and directing families through the check-in flow from medical drop-off to cabin assignments.
Load in & Load Out Crew
Availability on Friday & Sunday.
The Load-In & Load-Out Crew is our hardworking, behind-the-scenes team that helps make camp possible handling the transport, setup, and breakdown of everything we need to create a smooth and meaningful weekend.
This role is limited to the first and last day of camp but makes a huge impact. On Day One, crew members meet at the office or storage unit to help load supplies into their vehicles, drive them to camp, and assist with setting up key areas like the volunteer room, registration table, nurse station, and activity spaces. You’ll help unload, organize, and make sure every box and bin ends up where it belongs.
Then on the final day of camp, the Load-Out Crew returns to help tear down, clean up, pack and inventory supplies, load them into vehicles, and return everything back to the office or storage unit. Your care and organization help ensure that camp wraps up smoothly and that everything is accounted for and ready for next year. This is the perfect role for volunteers who want to support Camp Erin in a meaningful way but can’t commit to the full weekend. If you’re organized, reliable, able to lift and carry bins, and have access to a car or are willing to carpool, we’d love to have you on this team!
Grief & Growth Facilitators
Preferred Availability: Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Can stay overnight.
Grief & Growth Facilitators are licensed clinicians or graduate-level counseling students who gently guide campers through structured grief activities over the weekend. They support youth in exploring their stories, expressing emotions, and building coping skills while helping normalize the experience of grief in a developmentally appropriate and compassionate way.
In addition to facilitating group activities, Grief & Growth Facilitators are also available throughout the weekend to offer one-on-one support if a camper needs to talk, cry, or process something privately. While all grief counselors will be introduced at the beginning of camp, we know that kids may not remember names or faces in the moment and counselor shifts or coverage may change so it is each facilitator’s responsibility to be a consistent and visible presence in the camp environment. That means taking initiative to engage, gently check in with campers, and make themselves approachable and accessible as needed.
These facilitators play a vital role in creating a safe emotional container for campers to be seen, heard, and supported throughout the weekend.
Behavioral Specialists
Preferred Availability: Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Can stay overnight.
Behavioral Specialists are essential members of the Camp Erin support team, providing calm, compassionate, and skillful guidance when behavioral or emotional challenges arise. With training in areas like behavioral health, special education, psychology, or social work, they bring an understanding of trauma-informed care and child development that helps ensure every camper is supported in a way that feels safe and respectful.
These volunteers float throughout camp checking in with Cabin Big Buddies, being available during rotations, and offering gentle intervention when needed. Whether helping a camper who is dysregulated, overwhelmed, or withdrawn, Behavioral Specialists step in with empathy, offering grounding techniques, creating space for co-regulation, and guiding campers back into connection and participation.
They also collaborate with Grief & Growth Facilitators, leadership, and cabin staff to help identify patterns or needs that may require extra care. Their presence helps ensure that both campers and volunteers feel supported when navigating complex behaviors or big emotions.
This role is perfect for volunteers who can stay grounded under pressure, think creatively, and communicate clearly especially those who are passionate about making camp more inclusive for neurodivergent youth, trauma survivors, and kids with diverse emotional needs.
Camp Photographer
Preferred Availability: Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
Our Camp Photographer helps capture the magic of Camp Erin. With a thoughtful eye and deep respect for privacy, they document special moments, big and small, throughout the weekend.
Photographers are trained on media release guidelines and are expected to be mindful of which campers can be photographed. They work with care around grief activities and emotional moments, always prioritizing camper comfort and safety.
This role includes capturing group fun, quiet reflections, joyful connections, and the overall spirit of camp. The photographer will connect with camp leadership before the weekend to understand the schedule and focus areas, and after camp, help organize and share approved photos.
If you love storytelling through images, are comfortable taking initiative, and can be both sensitive and creative, this is a meaningful and rewarding way to contribute.
Special Guests
Flexible availability.
We’re excited to introduce a new volunteer opportunity at Camp Erin Santa Cruz 2026: Special Guests – a meaningful way to connect with campers through music, movement, storytelling, and community leadership.
We’re looking for volunteer musicians, athletes, storytellers, and local leaders to visit camp and share something special… a song, a story, a short activity, or a few encouraging words. These guest visits offer campers uplifting moments of connection, creativity, and hope during a weekend centered on healing.
All Special Guest appearances will be scheduled in advance and thoughtfully woven into the camp schedule. Volunteers will receive guidance on how to engage with campers in a developmentally appropriate and grief-informed way.
If you or someone you know has a gift to share and a heart for supporting grieving kids, we’d love to hear from you!
Camp Erin simply couldn’t happen without the dedication of our incredible volunteers. We’re always looking for caring, compassionate individuals to join us in creating a meaningful, healing experience for grieving children and teens. No prior camp or grief experience is necessary, just an open heart and a willingness to be present. Training and support are provided. If you’re looking for a powerful way to make a difference in a young person’s life, we’d love to have you involved. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Your Questions, Answered
For more information, please call us at 831.430.3007 or email camperin@hospicesantacruz.org.
What is Camp Erin?
Camp Erin® Santa Cruz is a free weekend overnight bereavement camp for youth ages 7-17 grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Camp combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities such as swimming, crafts, campfires, and games. Our goal is for campers to feel seen, supported, and not so alone in their grief while also experiencing the joy of just being a kid at camp.
Who runs Camp Erin?
Camp Erin® Santa Cruz is operated by Hospice of Santa Cruz County, in partnership with Eluna. The program is led by experienced staff, grief professionals, and specially trained volunteers. Two registered nurses are on-site all weekend. Clinical staff are available to support campers experiencing distress. All volunteers are trained in grief support, behavior management, and camp safety.
When will Camp Erin take place?
Camp Erin® Santa Cruz 2026 will be held June 5th-7th at a secure campsite in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Check-in begins Friday afternoon. Camp concludes Sunday afternoon with a closing ceremony for families.
What is the application process?
Families begin by submitting a camper application, which is carefully reviewed by our team. We’ll then schedule a brief intake call with caregivers to connect and gather any additional information.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Because space is limited, priority is given to first-time campers and those in their final year of eligibility. Returning campers are encouraged to apply and may be placed on a waitlist if spots are full.
How much does Camp Erin cost?
Camp Erin® Santa Cruz is completely free thanks to the generous support of Eluna, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, New York Life, community donors, local businesses, and volunteers.
Will transportation be provided?
Caregivers are responsible for arranging transportation to and from camp. For families living more than an hour away, we ask that a caregiver stay at a nearby hotel for the weekend in case your child needs early pick-up. Please contact the Camp Erin team if you’d like help with local lodging options or brainstorming transportation plans.
Is Camp Erin a religious camp?
No. Camp Erin® Santa Cruz is not affiliated with any religious organization. We welcome families of all faiths, spiritual traditions, and those with no religious affiliation.
What activities are offered?
Camp Erin® Santa Cruz balances fun camp activities with grief support activities. All activities are adaptable for different ages and abilities.
Examples include:
- Grief Support: Memory boards, luminary ceremony, sharing circles, art, journaling, music, storytelling, etc.
- Camp Fun: Swimming, nature walks, campfires, games, crafts, etc.
How did Camp Erin get started?
Camp Erin® is named after Erin Metcalf, a compassionate young woman who, while battling cancer as a teen, expressed a deep desire to help other children. Eluna co-founders Jamie Moyer and Karen Phelps Moyer established the program in her honor in 2002. Today, Camp Erin is the largest national network of free bereavement camps for children and teens.
What is Eluna?
Eluna is a national nonprofit supporting children, teens, and families impacted by grief or addiction. Its signature programs include:
- Camp Erin® – free bereavement camps across the U.S. and Canada.
- Camp Erin Online – online grief support groups and programs.
- Camp Mariposa® – mentoring and prevention for youth impacted by family addiction.
- Eluna Resource Center – an online hub of grief and addiction resources. More at elunanetwork.org.
What is the relationship between Eluna and Hospice of Santa Cruz County?
Camp Erin® Santa Cruz is a program of Eluna. Eluna partners with trusted bereavement organizations in local communities to operate camps. Hospice of Santa Cruz County was selected to run Camp Erin Santa Cruz due to its long-standing expertise in grief support and commitment to serving local families.
How does Camp Erin keep campers safe?
We know how important it is to feel confident that your child will be safe while they’re away from home. At Camp Erin, safety and well-being guide everything we do. All staff and volunteers complete background checks, fingerprinting, and training so you can trust the team caring for your child.
Campers are always supervised, and our “Rule of Three” means no camper is ever alone with just one adult. A dedicated medical team is on site all weekend to handle health needs or emergencies. We also work hard to create an environment that feels safe and respectful, with zero tolerance for bullying and with private changing areas available whenever possible.
Most importantly, our staff and volunteers are trained to look out for each child. Not only their physical safety, but also their emotional well-being. And as mandated reporters, every member of our team is legally required to speak up if there are ever concerns about a child’s safety, ensuring your camper is always protected.
What if my camper doesn’t want to participate in an activity?
We understand that every child grieves differently, and sometimes that means not feeling ready to join every activity. At Camp Erin, your child will always have the option to choose their level of participation. They’ll be gently encouraged, but never pressured, and it’s completely okay for them to “pass” or take part in the way that feels most comfortable.
What if my camper needs extra emotional support?
We know it can be hard to imagine your child being away while navigating grief. Please know that our team is here to support them every step of the way. Volunteers are trained to respond with care if big emotions come up, and our clinical staff is always on hand to provide additional support whenever it’s needed.
Can families attend Camp Erin?
Camp Erin® Santa Cruz is designed just for youth campers, giving them space to connect with peers who share similar experiences. Caregivers will drop off their children on Friday and are warmly invited back on Sunday to join us for the closing ceremony, where you’ll see some of what your camper has experienced and share in the weekend’s reflection.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Please reach out to:
Mia Adams, Camp Director
(831) 430-3007
Camperin@hospicesantacruz.org