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Updated February 2026
Thank you for your interest in the Wendt Center’s Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC, a free grief camp program dedicated to providing fun, supportive opportunities to young people to explore feelings, thoughts and life changes since the death of a significant individual(s) in their life.
About Camp
Camp Culture: We at Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC strive for a camp environment that cultivates kindness, compassion, respect, and inclusivity in an intentional and affirming way. Our camp programming is committed to fostering grief exploration, social skills, courage, and understanding in a healing and supportive space. We invite our camp community to preserve a safe and supportive environment that treats all people with dignity and thoughtful regard.
Camp Dates:
In 2026, camp will take place on:
- June 27 (6-9 year olds)
- July 11 (10-12 year olds)
- July 25 (13-17 year olds)
For Campers:
Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC offers a uniquely fun and healing experience.
Camper Criteria
- Must be between 6-17 years old
- Must have experienced the death of a significant person in their life
- Must live in the metro Washington, DC area
- Must be willing to participate in a virtual interview/assessment
- Must be able to attend the full day of camp (9:00am – 6:30pm)
- Must be willing to follow camp Health Policies and procedures (including screening and healthy practices) to maintain the well-being of the camp community
Guiding Principles and Camp Model
Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC is founded on the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to express their feelings of grief in a supportive and understanding environment. Based on this belief, the guiding principles of Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC are:
- Grief is a normal process in response to the loss of a loved one
- Each child has the natural capacity to heal in their own time frame
- The duration and intensity of grief is unique to each individual
- Caring, listening and acceptance assist in the healing process
Please note that each camp day has a family component, and families are expected to attend and participate.
Grief-Focused and Fun Activities
Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC Campers will enjoy a full day of traditional camp activities, grief focused groups, and workshops to help them explore a variety of ways to express themselves while developing skills. All the activities are specially designed to help campers express themselves and develop bonds with others. The Wendt Center believes that grief impacts the entire family system, therefore a portion of each session is dedicated to intentionally integrating caregivers and family members.
Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC is provided free of charge. Meals and snacks will be provided during the day camp.
To Apply
All applicants must attend a scheduled virtual interview to assess readiness and appropriateness for this type of therapeutic camp. An application must be submitted for each potential camper.
The application is expected to be released on March 1, 2026.
If you’d like to receive an email notification when the 2026 Camp Application is available, please fill out this form below. You are also welcome to check back on March 1st.
If you have camp related questions, please email: camp@wendtcenter.org
For Volunteers:
Donate to Camp
Gift cards ensure every camper has the necessary resources to participate in grief camp.
Gift Cards from these stores are most appreciated and can be sent directly to camp@wendtcenter.org.
Target / Amazon / Michael’s / Dunkin’ / Costco
For more information, please email camp@wendtcenter.org.
For a general Camp donation: Donate Today (designate Camp)
Eluna Network
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 Resources
Looking for additional grief support resources? Visit the Eluna Network for tip sheets, activities, and personalized support in English and Spanish.
Corporate Sponsorship
Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC campers will experience a gift that will last a lifetime. If your organization is interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor or making in-kind donations, please contact volunteer@wendtcenter.org. We truly appreciate the support of local, national and international businesses that have become an ally in making a difference in the lives of children in the Washington, DC area including:
