M.L.E. Program (Mentors with Lived Experience)

Part of the magic of camp comes through the connection and community that is experienced from finding, meeting and sharing your experience with other young people that get it. It is about finding a community of people who truly understand how grief has (and continues to) impacted every aspect of your life and future. The MLE program is being offered to past campers and youth who have lived experience with the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. The MLE Program promotes development of leadership through team-based activities and mentorship opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS
– Must be 16-17 (or turn 16 before Camp
– Have experienced a significant death in their lives
– Has participated in grief camp (i.e., Camp Erin Toronto), grief groups and/or received some form of formal support for their grief (i.e. one to one or family counselling)
– Committed to attending all the scheduled training and camp events for the 2025 camp year (June 6-8th)

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION
Mentoring and supporting others with similar lived experience
Hands-on experience being and sharing compassion
Develop friendships, network and community
Grief and leadership training
Volunteer hours
Making a difference in the lives of others – being a good human citizen

“You can only go to Camp Erin (CE) once as a camper, but being able to go back as a mentor or as a volunteer is just as great because you get to experience Camp Erin Toronto again! ” Victoria, 16, Past CE Camper

“I think that the MLE program gives past campers a chance to give back to something that had a positive impact on them, and allows them to help new campers experience the same positive impact” McKenna, 16, Past CE Camper