Support Grieving Children as a Volunteer for Camp Erin

Camp Erin® Chicago is a free grief camp for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Kids and teens ages 6 to 17 attend an overnight camp experience that combines grief support with fun camp activities. Campers explore their grief, build coping skills, and make friends in a supportive community. Led by grief support professionals and trained volunteers from Northwestern University Settlement House, Camp Erin Chicago is part of Eluna’s national Camp Erin network. To learn more about Eluna, please visit elunanetwork.org.

Camp Erin Chicago takes place over July 17-19, 2026 in Wisconsin.

Can you help a child honor their grief by serving as a Cabin Big Buddy, Recreation Activity Leader, or Grief Activity Leader?

Volunteer Roles

Cabin Big Buddies:

Cabin Big Buddies are trained volunteers responsible for the youth campers in their cabin. The Cabin Big Buddies (CBBs) play an extremely important role in the Camp Erin program, because they have the opportunity to connect with the campers on an ongoing, deeper level throughout the program. This allows them to know the campers’ stories and provide comfort and support in a meaningful way. While it is important to build connection and trust with campers, CBBs should also act in a supervisory role throughout the camp program.

Cabin Big Buddies are onsite for the entire program. CBBs assist with the welcome and registration process by greeting campers and their families. Because CBBs are responsible for campers at all times, CBBs may NOT have a dual role at camp. Responsibilities of the Cabin Big Buddies include, but are not limited to the following:

• Know where campers are at ALL times and accompany them to all activities
• Create a positive, fun, supportive and energetic atmosphere for campers!
• Facilitate camper and cabin-group bonding
• Participate in and or facilitate sharing activities
• Eat all meals and share a cabin with assigned campers

Grief Activity Leader

Grief Activity Facilitators lead a grief activity during camp in partnership with the Camp Director and/or Clinical Director. Responsibilities include facilitating a grief program that has been planned by the Camp staff (though you are welcome to offer your own suggestions based on your experience!)

Recreation Activity Leader

Recreation Activity Facilitators help lead the non-clinical camp activities at Camp Erin. Hired staff provided by the camp are available for support. Examples of responsibilities include running arts and crafts program, facilitating games, and helping supervise campers during water activities.

Supervision and Support

• This volunteer position reports to and is supported by the Camp Director and Camp Coordinator

Time Commitment

• Attend camp July 17-19 in Delavan, WI. (Note: Grief Activity Leaders may choose to just attend on Saturday, July 18, if they prefer). Camp provides free transportation via bus from Chicago to Delavan.
• Attend camp training online Tuesday, May 12, 6-8pm and Tuesday, May 19, 6-8pm
• Attend a Meet the Camp event in Chicago, Saturday, May 30, 8-2pm (optional, but highly encouraged)
• Attend post-camp reunion (TBD fall 2026)

Skills & Qualifications

• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the Eluna Network and Northwestern University Settlement House
• Understanding of grief and its effects on youth, and comfortability discussing it with children
• Ability to interact with cultural sensitivity among diverse populations
• Ability to supervise and engage with children
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or the equivalent

Application Requirements

• Application form
• Interview with Camp Director
• Completion of fingerprinting and background check, as well as clearance through Chicago Public Schools

Orientation & Training

• Volunteer training with Camp Erin (May 12 and 19; four hours total)
• Mandated reporter training (approximately 45 minutes; online)

How to Apply

Please visit https://form.jotform.com/240934915665061 to apply today! Questions? Contact Camp Erin staff at camperinchicago@nush.org to set up a time to connect.