Camp Erin Santa Cruz

Camp Erin Santa Cruz offers a weekend camp experience that includes hiking, art, music, and visits from therapy animals. The program combines these activities with grief education and emotional support for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Campers attend in a setting described as relaxed, safe, and supportive, with a focus on peer-to-peer connections among kids who are also grieving.

• Ages: 7–17 years old
• Schedule: Weekend camp experience, June 5–June 7, 2026
• Price: Camp Erin® Santa Cruz is a free bereavement camp

Camp Erin Santa Cruz is 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. Campers are told that they are not alone and that they are in the company of peers who understand. Camp Erin Santa Cruz is offered by Hospice of Santa Cruz County, which was founded in 1978 and is regarded as the most experienced and largest nonprofit hospice program in the region. Hospice of Santa Cruz County is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for compliance with a comprehensive set of national standards. Its mission statement is: “With compassion and excellence, we support all people of all ages through the journey of serious illness and grief, ensuring that no one walks this path alone.”

Camp Erin Santa Cruz is part of the Eluna Network, and Eluna partners with bereavement programs in local communities to help fund, develop, and grow Camp Erin nationwide. One volunteer shared, “The biggest thing you can do is just be with someone. You never know what’s going to unlock that door and help a person with their grief.” Another volunteer said, “When someone gets to the end of their journey, we’re all brothers and sisters. I’m happy to keep them company.”

Last updated June 11, 2026.