Wendt Center for Loss and Healing’s Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC responds and adapts to provide hope and healing to grieving children and families. [Washington, DC]
For a quarter of a century, Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC has been a beacon of hope and healing for children, tweens, and teens navigating the turbulent waters following the death of a loved one. Founded by the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing, this summer marks the 25th anniversary of the camp – underscoring the organization’s enduring commitment to providing solace and support to young people after the death of someone they love. From the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis to COVID-19, to the present epidemics of homicide, opioid death, heart disease, and cancer, the camp has evolved to meet the changing needs of its campers while steadfastly holding onto its core mission – ensuring that no child grieves alone.
“In our circle, they look around and see kids and adults who look like them, who have lived through the unimaginable, and together we come to celebrate, to honor, to grieve, and to laugh,” reflects Michelle Palmer, Executive Director of the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing. Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC is not merely a place of sadness; it’s a sanctuary of joy and support, where young hearts find comfort in shared experiences and discover that healing is possible after the death of a loved one.
Stephanie Handel, Grief Camp Director, emphasizes the dual nature of the camp experience – a therapeutic intervention for grief and trauma intertwined with opportunities for camaraderie and fun. “It’s an opportunity for young people to feel comfortable expressing their sadness and know they do not grieve alone,” Handel notes. As Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC enters its 25th year, its legacy of resilience, community, and compassion continues to shine brightly, offering hope and support to campers, families and caregivers.
For inquiries, please contact camp@wendtcenter.org.
Specific stories this year include campers whose families attended Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC many years ago. There is a volunteer this year who was a Camp Erin Philadelphia camper. This year a person who received services from the Wendt Center, as a child, now with a Masters of Social Work (MSW) is returning to volunteer at Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC.