Camp Erin open to grieving teens Aug. 16-18, 2015

Teen Camp Erin®-King County, a popular, free, grief support camp, is seeking teens ages 13-18 to fill openings in its Aug. 16-18, 2015, overnight camp at Camp Korey in Carnation, Washington.

Teen Camp Erin®-King County is a three-day overnight camp for teens who have experienced the death of a loved one. It is facilitated by professional staff from Providence Hospice of Seattle's Safe Crossings children's grief support program and other trained volunteers. Teens have an opportunity to be around other teens who have experienced similar losses. They participate in typical camp activities including swimming, bonfires, arts and crafts, and field games, as well as activities designed to help them understand and process their grief.

Blayne Shamarin attended the camp five years ago after his grandmother died suddenly and believes Camp Erin helped him process his loss and grief. He encourages other teens to attend to participate in the fun camp activities and camaraderie of being with others who are going through the same thing. 

"It will help you learn how to accept it and cope with it," he said of the grief they are feeling. "They will help you learn about the next step you can take in your life. It will never go back to what it was before, but Camp Erin will teach you how to move on and how to appreciate life again."

The camp will be held at Camp Korey in Carnation, Wash. For more information and to register, contact Chris Olson at 206-749-7689.

About Providence Hospice of Seattle: Founded in 1975, Providence Hospice of Seattle is a recognized leader in the community for providing innovative services and compassionate end-of-life care for adults and children living with life-limiting illness throughout King County. Community grief support services for adults and children are also available. More information here.

About Camp Erin®-King County: A weekend, overnight camp for children and teenagers between the ages of 6 to 18 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 former All-Star pitcher for the Seattle Mariners Jamie Moyer and his family. The Moyers founded Camp Erin in honor of Erin's memory.