Free Youth Bereavement Camp — Camp Erin Boston | HeartPlay

Camp Erin Boston is a free weekend bereavement camp for children and teens ages 6 to 17 who are grieving the death of someone important in their lives. Offered through the HeartPlay Program, the camp pairs meaningful grief education and emotional support with the fun of a traditional overnight camp, giving young people a rare chance to remember, to heal, and simply to be kids among others who understand.

What to Expect

Camp Erin Boston is a three-day, two-night experience facilitated by bereavement professionals and trained volunteers. Campers take part in classic camp activities alongside age-appropriate grief education and remembrance ceremonies that help them process loss in a supportive setting. The weekend is carefully structured so that emotional work and joyful play sit side by side.

Who This Group Is For

The camp welcomes grieving children and teens ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a family member or close friend. No prior camp experience is needed, and the entire experience is provided at no cost to families.

Why Peer Support Works

Grieving children often carry their loss quietly, unsure whether anyone their age can relate. A camp full of peers who have also lost someone dissolves that isolation almost immediately. Shared rituals, campfires, and small-group time let young people express grief in ways that talking alone rarely allows, and many campers leave with lasting friendships and coping tools.

How to Join

Camp Erin Boston is free, and space is limited, so families register in advance. Visit camperinboston.org to learn about upcoming camp dates, eligibility, and the application process.