Camp Erin DFW 2026
June 25-28, 2026
Where Children Learn to Grieve and Heal
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 lies a beautiful oasis named Camp Buckner. As a part of the Buckner International, this special camp’s mission is to support vulnerable children, families and seniors while also enjoying all the fun of camp. This mission makes Camp Buckner the perfect partner for Camp Erin DFW, a family grief camp created in conjunction with the Children’s Bereavement Program at Forefront Living.
“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
Additional Resources
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.
Helpful Articles
Explore the links below for more helpful articles and resources for children who are grieving.
The history of Camp Erin
Camp Erin is named in memory of Erin Metcalf, a remarkable young woman who developed liver cancer when she was 15 years old. Karen and Jamie Moyer met Erin through Make-A-Wish, and developed a special bond with Erin and her family. Erin had a compassionate heart, and when she was hospitalized she often expressed concern for the other children in the hospital, as well as their siblings, who sometimes received little attention.
In 2000, when Erin died at the age of 17, Jamie and Karen Moyer wished to honor Erin’s memory and her caring spirit. Acknowledging her love of children and her desire to help others, the Moyers felt a grief camp for children would be an appropriate tribute. The first Camp Erin was established by The Moyer Foundation in 2002, to honor Erin’s passion for life and desire to help other kids and teens. Now there are almost 45 Camp Erin locations across the country, and more than 12,500 campers have attended Camp Erin.
Today Camp Erin is part of the Eluna Network. Founded in 2000, Eluna’s mission is to support children, teens and families impacted by grief or addiction though community-building camps, interpersonal connections and a continuum of support for youth and families. In addition to Camp Erin, Eluna offers 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Camp take place this year?
Camp Erin DFW will be held June 25-28 at Camp Buckner in Burnet, TX. Please contact faithkids@forefrontliving.org to receive more information.
Who can attend Camp Erin DFW?
Camp Erin DFW is a family-style camp that is open to youth ages 5 to 18 and their families who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult caregiver. 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. Camp Erin is open to children of any faith, gender, or background. All are welcome.
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 from 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 apply to 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.
What will you do as a volunteer?
All volunteers will stay onsite at Camp Buckner for the duration of camp. Camp lodging and meals will be provided, volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to and from camp.
Still have questions? Please contact us at faithkids@forefrontliving.org or by calling Tierney Titus at (214) 601-1233.
How can I help?
- You can make a donation to Camp Erin DFW
- You can refer a family to attend camp
- You can volunteer at Camp Erin DFW and work behind the scenes or directly with families.
Volunteering with Camp Erin DFW
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.
Request more information
For information about Camp Erin DFW and any upcoming events, fill out the form below.