2025 Camp Erin Lincoln
Where Children and Teens Learn to Grieve and Heal
September 26-28 | Carol Joy Holling Center | Ashland, Nebraska
Camp Erin® Lincoln is a free bereavement camp for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Children and teens ages 6 to 17 attend a weekend-long, overnight 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 Lincoln is part of Eluna's national Camp Erin network. For more information, please visit elunanetwork.org.
Camp Erin 2025 Highlights
This September, more than 60 campers came together at Camp Erin Lincoln for a weekend of healing, connection and growth. Guided by the theme “Mixed Up & Messy,” campers explored the truth that grief is rarely neat or orderly. Through hands-on activities—such as splattering paint, breaking plates and reassembling them into stepping stones, and creating mosaic art—campers discovered that even in times of brokenness, something meaningful and beautiful can emerge.
Photos by Grindstone Agency.
With Gratitude
Camp Erin 2025 would not have been possible without the dedication of more than 50 trained volunteers who gave their time and energy to support grieving children and teens. Their compassion and commitment created an environment of safety, comfort and hope for every camper.
We are also incredibly grateful for the generosity of our corporate and foundation donors, who recognize the profound impact that grief support can have on a young person’s life. Special thanks to:
- Eluna
- 4imprint
- The Abel Foundation
- The Addisyn Pfeifer Memorial Fund
- Costco
- First Interstate Bank
- Grindstone Agency
- Lincoln Arts Council
- New York Life Insurance Company
Their investment in Camp Erin Lincoln ensures this powerful program is available completely free of charge to any child or teenager experiencing grief.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Please check back in spring 2026 for details about the next Camp Erin Lincoln weekend, including applications and volunteer opportunities.
Interested in other ways you can get involved? Explore additional volunteer opportunities with Mourning Hope.
For general information about the camp, click below to view the 2025 Camp Erin brochure.
Camp Erin FAQ
Q: How much does camp cost?
A: Camp Erin Lincoln is FREE to all campers through generous support from Eluna, the New York Life Foundation, donations from local corporations, foundations, individuals and other area organizations, as well as community volunteers.
Q: Who can attend Camp Erin Lincoln?
A: Any child between the ages of 6 to 17 who has experienced the death of someone significant to them may attend Camp Erin Lincoln. Potential campers will be required to fill out an application form containing personal, bereavement and medical information. Because we want to ensure the best possible experience for every Camp Erin participant, each application will be reviewed in detail and may include an interview before the application process is complete. Due to the large number of applicants expected, campers will be selected on a first come, first serve basis. Campers who have not attended in the past will be considered before returning campers are accepted.
Q: What activities do campers participate in throughout the weekend?
A: Children grieve in many ways. They require physical activity as well as emotional outlets, coping skills and community-building to cope with loss. The goal of Camp Erin is to help normalize the grief process for all campers. It will provide a safe method and place where children can grieve with other children who have experienced a death loss. There will be ample activities for children of all ages and abilities. Camp activities may include sharing, music, arts and crafts, ropes course, luminaries, nature walks, storytelling.
Q: Who is the Camp Erin Lincoln contact?
A: The camp is staffed by bereavement coordinators from the Mourning Hope Grief Center and community volunteers who are professionally trained by Mourning Hope staff. If you have any questions about Camp Erin Lincoln, please contact Sarah Berghoff-Music at sberghoff@mourninghope.org or 402.488.8989.
About Eluna
Eluna's mission is to support children, teens and families impacted by grief or addiction. Founded in 2000, we offer community-building camps, interpersonal connections and a continuum of support for youth and families. Eluna's three signature programs are provided at no cost: Camp Erin, the largest grief camp network for school-aged youth and their families; 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.
Eluna Resource Center
Looking for additional grief resources? Visit the Eluna Resource Center for tip sheets, activities, and personalized support in English and Spanish.
