2027 Camp Erin Lincoln
Where Children and Teens Learn to Grieve and Heal
September 24-26 | 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.
Apply for Camp Erin Lincoln
Caregivers or guardians can learn more about Camp Erin and what to expect by viewing the brochure below, then complete an application for each child or teen interested in attending. With limited space available, we encourage you to apply early.
Volunteer at Camp Erin Lincoln
Camp Erin Lincoln is made possible through the support of more than 50 dedicated volunteers. Volunteers are needed to serve as camp counselors and as support staff to assist with the diverse camp activities.
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, and need to pass a criminal background check. All volunteers are required to attend the volunteer training/"Save Your Spot" event on Saturday, October 3rd (please reserve the full day; final details will be shared soon) and may be asked to participate in an orientation interview.
To provide consistent support for campers, volunteers must commit to attending the entire Camp Erin weekend, held October 16-18. Full participation throughout the wekend helps ensure a safe, supportive, and meaningful experience for campers.
Ready to be part of this life-changing weekend? Take the next step by completing the Camp Erin Volunteer Application below.
For questions about volunteering at Camp Erin, please contact Camp and Program Coordinator Julianne Yost at jyost@mourninghope.org.
Camp Erin is made possible through the generosity of local corporations, foundations, and other individual donors who support the mission that no child should ever have to grieve alone. To learn more about becoming a partner, contact Tara Gregg, Development Director, at tgregg@mourninghope.org.
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 Hope DaCosta-Schiltz at hdacosta@mourninghope.org or 402.488.8989.
Camp Erin 2026 Highlights
In October 2026, 60 campers came together at Camp Erin Lincoln for a weekend of healing, connection and growth. Guided by the theme “The Many Colors of Grief,” campers explored the truth that grief is rarely neat or orderly. Through hands-on activities—such as creating mosaic art, making luminaries to honor their people, and challenging themselves on ropes courses and ziplines—campers discovered that even in times of brokenness, something meaningful and beautiful can emerge.
Photos by Bryce Marker, Joelle Derner, and the Mourning Hope staff
Thank You to our 2026 Camp Erin Lincoln Partners
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.
