At Camp Erin DFW, a supportive environment allows campers to explore their grief with peers who understand what they’re going through. But creating a successful camp experience for grieving children and their families takes far more than just planning, it takes a village made up of compassionate bereavement professionals and dedicated volunteers who create a nurturing space. This year that “village” included two teammates from the Forefront Living Foundation (FLF).
FLF was honored to have two of its own step into volunteer roles at Camp Erin DFW for the first time: Stewardship Associate Cailynn Beane and Executive Director Diane Fullingim. They were part of a committed team of 26 volunteers who gave their time and hearts to make a difference.
“Seeing the compassion from our teammates at Forefront Living and hearing the stories from families who’ve been touched by this camp moved me to volunteer. It really deepened my desire to give back and make a lasting impact,” said Cailynn.
Cailynn helped welcome families, guided them to where they needed to be and supported the camp director in various ways. Diane spent her time with the youngest campers (affectionately called “the littles”) guiding them through creative and engaging activities like arts and crafts, reading and music.
Diane shared with a warm smile, “My favorite part of camp was being with the littles one-on-one, helping them grow in awareness and responding to their unique emotional needs. You can learn a lot just by making tacos out of paper plates and crayons!”
FLF plays a vital role in supporting this type of healing work, raising and distributing funds to further the mission of the Forefront Living family and its community programs.
“Experiencing Camp Erin firsthand as a volunteer was awe-inspiring. It was personally important to see our donors’ generous support benefiting the children and their families in the Child and Family Bereavement Program at Faith Presbyterian Hospice. My belief in this program and the impact it has on young lives is stronger than ever,” said Diane.
As Camp Erin DFW continues to grow, its commitment remains unwavering: to provide a comforting, compassionate space where grieving children and families can heal together. Through shared experiences and open hearts, finding hope and healing is possible.
By Sarah Macias
