Camp Erin Toronto
Where Children and Teens Learn to Grieve and Heal
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Camp Erin® Toronto is made possible through the participation and support of many dedicated volunteers. Volunteer to be a part of this incredible experience. With your help, Camp Erin® can support grieving children and teens in our communities to understand, cope and grow in grief while also connecting them to other kids living with grief.
Click the green button below to get on the distribution list for communications about volunteering for Camp Erin Toronto. Each year we select 80-90 volunteers to support our overnight camp. Volunteer applications open on Monday October 2, 2023 and will close on Friday November 24, 2023. Please note the applications has to be fully complete and submitted before the deadline to be considered for Camp. Volunteer interviews will be conducted in January and February.
All volunteers are required to participate in a number of trainings to prepare them for camp. Trainings amount to about 16 hours of time. Training provides volunteers the tools and understanding they need to support our campers.
| ACTIVITY | TIME PERIOD |
|---|---|
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Volunteer Distribution List
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February to October 2023
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Volunteer Applications Open
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October 2, 2023- November 24, 2023
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Volunteer Interviews
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January-February 2024
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Volunteers selected, confirmed and notified
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March 1, 2024
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Volunteer Training (approx. 16 hours)
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Tuesday May 7, 2024 (Virtual Mandatory Training 7-9pm)
Saturday May 11, 2024 (IN PERSON Mandatory FULL DAY Volunteer Training & Pre-Camp Event) |
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3 Day Overnight Camp (40+ hours)
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Friday May 31, 2024- Sunday June 2, 2024 |
BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERING
THERE ARE SO MANY BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS FOR CAMP. LISTED BELOW ARE JUST A FEW OF THE ONES AS QUOTED FROM OUR MANY AMAZING VOLUNTEERS!
“change a child’s life”
“cultivates a mindset that is more holistic and empathetic (to myself and others)”
“an opportunity to interact with like-minded people who understand grief”
“Camp Erin allowed me to build upon my clinical skills, utilize my grief education and literacy, and connect with my community in a truly special and meaningful way.”
“The moment I left camp I wanted to give back in anyway to the community that helped me so much. I was ecstatic to learn that I was going to be able to volunteer and just hoped I could help give the campers the same memorable experience I had.
“this camp taught me that just being there for someone can mean a lot”
“It’s a great reminder of the power of compassion”
“I volunteered at camp because I believe that it’s really important for kids to have a safe space to grieve.”
“Positive personal growth, very rewarding experience”
“I learn every time I go.”
WORDS FROM SOME OF OUR GRATEFUL VOLUNTEERS QUOTES
Transformational! Moving! Highlighted the strength of community and power of connecting with others who share similar experiences.
Camp weekend was truly such a privilege to be a part of – so impactful to watch these campers connect to each other and really address some of their grief.
Amazing!! This camp experience was absolutely incredible. It gave me a whole new perspective and understanding of grief and how to smoothly tight into everyday life for children to be able to cope with it and connect with others in a way that I did not know was possible
Camp Erin has always been the most magical, transformative and special experience. In just three short days, the impact and ripple effect the community has on one another has a lasting legacy. I was so grateful to have been able to return all these years later and give back to the place that changed my life for the better. It was a privilege connecting with campers, staff and volunteers and learning about each other’s stories and lives. Camp Erin has taught me the importance of just showing up as we authentically are in our grief and that just being there goes a long way!
Meeting new people and being able to support campers, learn to talk with young kids about their grief and your grief and to normalize the conversations about it but it also surprisingly helped me to cope with the grief that I have been struggling with
