Camp Erin - King County
A weekend camp for children and teens who've lost a loved one
"How could a parent ever repay you for Camp Erin and what it has given my kids? The effects have lasted long after camp, and both of them are functioning at a much higher level than before camp." - Father of a 2006 Camp Erin®-King County camper
Camp Erin®-King County is a weekend, overnight camp for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 17 who are grieving the death of a loved one. The camp is named after Erin Metcalf, a 17-year-old patient of Providence Hospice of Snohomish County who died in 2000 and was a close friend of Jamie Moyer (former All-Star pitcher for the Seattle Mariners) and the Moyer family. The Moyers founded Camp Erin in honor of Erin's memory.
Campers participate in the weekend camp at Camp River Ranch, near Carnation, WA. The camp is facilitated by professional staff affiliated with Providence Hospice of Seattle's Safe Crossings program, as well as trained volunteers. Adult “Big Buddy” volunteers offer additional support and companionship for campers.
Camp Erin®-King County is free of charge to all participants thanks to the continued support of the Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation and the Safe Crossings Foundation. Now in its seventh year in King County, Camp Erin will be held on August 24-26, 2012.
More than your typical camp
Camp Erin is a traditional, high-energy camp that emphasizes fun while also providing support and education to kids who are grieving the loss of a loved one. In addition to typical camp activities (swimming, kayaking, evening campfires, nature walks, arts and crafts, games and more), Camp Erin provides opportunities for healing and companionship not found in other settings.
Kids and teens are grouped separately with room for 40 in each camp. Campers engage in activities designed specifically for their age, and the kids and teens camps happen in separate areas of Camp River Ranch.
Information and registration for campers
Camp Erin is free for all participants, but space is limited and registration is required. To apply for this year's camp, please complete the Camp Erin participant application and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Volunteer at Camp Erin®-King County
If you're interested in volunteering at this year's Camp Erin, please complete the Camp Erin volunteer application. For questions, contact Christopher Olson at Christopher.Olson@providence.org or 206-749-7691.
Charitable Support Makes It Possible
In 2004 the Moyer Foundation gave Providence Hospice of Seattle a grant to launch Camp Erin®-King County. The grant funded the camp's start-up costs and provided Providence Hospice of Seattle with an endowment to ensure the camp's long-term growth. With the support of the endowment and the continued fundraising efforts of Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation and the Safe Crossings Foundation, Camp Erin®-King County can be offered each year at no cost to grieving children in King County. In 2008 The Moyer Foundation gave Providence Hospice of Seattle a second grant to launch Teen Camp Erin. Now in its third year, Teen Camp Erin serves as many campers as the original King County camp. Donate to Camp Erin-King County and help make a difference!