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 may include: swimming, arts & crafts, storytelling, and more!
Scroll through to see photos from Camp Erin 2026!
History of Camp Erin
Camp Erin is named in memory of Erin Metcalf, who developed liver cancer at the age of 15.
In 2010, Willow Center was honored to receive a grant that launched our partnership with the Eluna Foundation (formerly the Moyer Foundation) and supported our commitment to bringing Camp Erin to our community. Since then, Camp Erin has continued to grow, reflecting the need for and impact of this special program.
For many children grieving the loss of a loved one, opportunities for carefree summer experiences and connection can be diminished during an already difficult time. Camp Erin offers a place where children and teens can laugh, play, build friendships, and discover they are not alone in their grief journey. Through a blend of traditional camp activities and thoughtfully integrated grief support, campers leave with meaningful connections, new coping skills, and renewed hope.
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 Sarah Stevens, campdirector@willow-center.org or call 208-791-7192 or stop by 1714 G Street, Lewiston to chat with one of our staff.
Camp Erin would not be possible without the generous support of the community and volunteers.
In 2024 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.
Camp Erin has a lasting impact on the children and teens who experience it.
Since 2010, the Willow Center has provided camp to 513 kids and teens with the help of 560 volunteers.
"Camp Erin helped me by letting me talk and not be judged and they all understand how I feel."
Age 13
"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 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
"Camp Erin helped me by teaching me teamwork is important and there's always someone who has got my back.”
Age 10
Through a grant from Eluna and generous partnerships from the community, Camp Erin is FREE to all campers!
Help Keep Camp Erin Free for Every Camper
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.