Camp Erin

Looking for a new book?

2011-07-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

This is a book written about a little boy named Adam. After his mother dies suddenly we are taken through the changes going on in his world and all of the new fears he is facing. Will the clouds be big enough to hold his wishes now? We are able to see through beautiful illustration a child's perspective into the grief process and to learn from Adam what other's may be feeling.

Appropriate for ages 6-12yrs

Available on Amazon.com

We would like you to meet.....Kevin Sullivan!

2011-07-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

The Moyer Foundation hired Kevin Sullivan as the National Executive Director in May.....since then he has hit the ground running! We are excited to have Kevin as a part of our team and could not be happier to introduce him to you! Learn more about Kevin and the openning of our Philadelphia Office in the press release below.....

http://www.moyerfoundation.org/about/PressRelease.aspx?id=474

NORMALIZING GRIEF

2011-07-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Normalizing grief

Grieving a significant loss of a person or part of your

life is natural. When it inhibits your daily

functioning abilities, professional help assists

with accepting the transition.

Posted: Thursday, July 7, 2011 12:15 am

Normalizing grief By Sandra Jordan St. Louis American

It is one of the most unhappy and painful of human conditions, but it is something everyone experiences in one form or another - grieving the loss of someone you know or love. It can be particularly difficult if the death is sudden or through an act of violence.

Grieving is a healthy response to major loss and should be allowed to take its course.

Grief and mourning are different.

Grief is the inward, general feeling or condition and mourning is the outward, active expression of that grief - such as crying; leaving flowers, stuffed animals or balloons at the scene of a crime or a gravesite; or wearing black to a funeral.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) says children who are frightened to go to a funeral should not be forced to attend. Children, like adults, need to express their grief in their own way - perhaps paying their respects and honoring the person's memory by lighting a candle (depending on the age), saying a prayer, making a scrapbook, reviewing photographs, or talking about the person.

Once children accept the death, AACAP says kids are likely to feel sadness on and off over a long period of time, and often at unexpected moments. The surviving relatives should spend as much time as possible with the child, making it clear that the child has permission to show his or her feelings openly or freely.

The point is - each person expresses his or her grief individually and the process should be respected and without judgment or comparison to someone else's expressions, expectations or perceived duration.

How do you get through it?

Experts say one day at a time, with help and support of others.

"People feel helpless around [a person in grief]. They don't know what to say, they don't know how to fix things - we are a very ‘Fix It' society," explains Peggy Tyson, director of clinical services for the Crime Victim Advocacy Center in St. Louis. "Grief is not a problem to be solved. It's a normal event to be worked through and companioned through and that's what I do for people - I companion them through their grief; and normalize and validate all of those feelings."

The center offers no-cost counseling to clients who are working through a loss due to the commission of a crime. Formerly known as Aid for Victims of Crime, the organization has been in existence since 1972 and is funded through the United Way; Missouri Foundation for Health; private donations; and federal and state programs, including the Crime Victim Compensation Program, which is subsidized by criminal court fees.

"They pay a certain amount of medical bills if you've been assaulted or raped; they pay burial costs up to $5,000; they see if you qualify for lost wages; and they also offer psychological reimbursement for counseling - my counseling is free," says Tyson, who says most of their clients come through word-of-mouth.

Cry when you need to cry - and don't try to hide your sadness for fear of not being seen as the strong one, Tyson recommends.

And don't get overwhelmed by family or cultural traditions that people will impose when someone dies.

"I get people in here all the time who said, ‘Well, I gave his things away. And everybody's like, ‘How could you do that so quickly?' versus the next client, who says ‘I haven't given his things away - I haven't changed his room.' And they say I need to get in there and change that,'" she says. "Both situations are whatever works for you. If you are in that position and you don't feel like you want to give away their things yet - don't give away their things. It's not healthy or unhealthy."

However you grieve is okay, as long as it does not disrupt your ability to function. The National Institutes of Health says grief and loss can affect your overall health and could lead those who are prone, to depression, excessive alcohol or drug use. Grief interfering with your daily life may be a symptom of a more serious behavioral health condition, such as major depression, which needs treatment by a doctor or behavioral health professional.

"When we enter that kind of complicated, stuck place is when you have a shrine built up of pictures and mementos and you're feeling stuck and guilty if you take down pictures, they're not helping you to move through your grief and to mourn," Tyson says.

What do you say to someone who has lost a special someone?

There are plenty of things that fall under the category of "What not to say."

Believe it or not, people can say some amazingly insensitive things in their effort to cheer someone up when they are hurting - like, "You have two other children," - "My mom can be your mom now," or "You are young and you can get married again."

Think before you speak.

Whatever you say, it should comfort the person with the loss - not you.

"What's comforting to the person is to say, ‘I am really sorry'; bringing up the loved one; asking about them - regardless to whether it brings tears or anger or whatever it is; you allow that person to get out some of the things they need to get out," Tyson recommends.

And have a supportive, listening ear when they want to talk.

Persons can also grieve from the loss of a significant relationship, a job; a theft; a chronic illness that affects their quality of life or an illness to which there is no cure. The grieving process takes as long as takes to accept and adjust to life without that person.

"Research shows that it's three to five years before you get used to that hole in your life - you've kind of built around it - that hole in your heart that is very painful," Tyson says.

"We talk a lot about managing your pain. Not getting rid of it, not forgetting --
forgiving and forgetting," she says. "We talk a lot about managing that loss so you can figure out how to go on your life without that person."

For more information, visit www.supportvictims.org; Parents of Murdered Children at pomc.org; Bereaved Parents of the USA at bereavedparentsusa.org and the Office for Victims of Crime at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc or crimevictims.gov.

CitySolve Urban Race in Seattle

2011-06-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Check it out Seattle Friends!!!

The Moyer Foundation and The GiG Network would like to invite you to come out and join us in the CitySolve Urban Race on July 9th - portion of the proceeds benefit The Moyer Foundation and Camp Erin!

Sign up today and enter the promo code "camperin" for a $15 discount on your sign up fee!

What is CitySolve Urban Race?

"Where brains beat brawn! Teams of 2 or 3 solve clever clues and face fun challenges all while navigating the urban landscape via foot or on public transportation! It's a scavenger hunt, with all the thrills of the amazing race, mixed in with trivial pursuit, throw in a mini road race and add a dash of cat-and-mouse. And voila! You've got CitySolve Urban Race!"

Here is the link: City Solve Urban Race- Seattle

2011 Camp Erin Updates

2011-06-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy summer already for Camp Erin Staff and Campers! Some great articles and YouTube videos are posted below that we wanted to share with you. We couldn’t be happier to see the wonderful things the different camps are doing to make every campers experience a special one!!!
Check them out:
Pittsburg Grieving teens cope at camp
Fort Campbell Healing through mentoring
Tacoma Camp Erin Provides Support, Fun for Grieving Kids
Anchorage Adults should help youths cope with a family death
Pittsburgh Camp Erin creates Healing for Grieving Teens

ESPN E:60 Camp Erin

2011-06-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank ESPN E:60 for doing such an amazing piece on Camp Erin. Watch this video and see the lives that are positively impacted with the help from The Moyer Foundation and Camp Erin supporters!

Welcome 2011 and the Camp Erin Season!

2011-01-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

2011 is sure to be an exciting year for The Moyer Foundation and Camp Erin! We are looking forward to the new Camp Erin season and teaching grieving kids and teens across the country learn to cope and heal. Camp Erin continues to be the largest network of bereavement camps and is looking to serve over 2000 kids and teens in 2011. Camp sessions begin in April and continue through September. Be sure to visit the “Find Your Camp” section of The Moyer Foundation website to find camp dates and locations near you!

And from everyone here at The Moyer Foundation...Happy New Year!!!

Surviving the Holidays & Tips for Moving Forward

2010-11-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is a difficult time for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one and are struggling to move forward. For kids and teens, this struggle can be even greater with the busy season approaching. Here are a few tips for making this time of year manageable and helpful for those experiencing grief:

-Prepare: Sit down with your friends and family and develop a holiday plan. This could include anything from books you want to read or fun events you would like to attend. As long as you have goals for the coming weeks, it will be easier to stick to them when you are coping with emotions.

-Socialize: Being isolated can often make grief worse. Go out and find new things to do with friends and family. Try to search for holiday events that are happening in your city. This could be anything from ice skating to a craft fair. Surrounding yourself with loved ones can alleviate holiday anxiety.

-Keep Moving: Take care of your physical well-being. Make sure to combat the holiday diet with healthy foods that will give you energy and strength. Kids and teens should also have regular exercise to reduce stress and stay active.

-Light: Gloomy winter weather can really impact stress levels in kids and teens during the holidays. Get out and get some sunshine. If the weather does not permit this, check out light boxes at local retailers and counseling centers.

-Reach Out: Volunteering is a great way for grieving kids and teens to see how they can give back. Seeing the impact that volunteering has on others can reduce stress and holiday anxiety.

For more information on holiday grief and resources for coping, visit GriefShare.

Don't Miss The Moyer Foundation on NBC!

2010-11-10T15:32:00.001-08:00

2010 Camp Erin Season Comes to a Close!

2010-10-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Camp Erin season has concluded and The Moyer Foundation is proud to congratulate all the Camp Erin partner agencies, staff and volunteers that made this year such a great success! With 35 camps in 23 states, Camp Erin welcomes nearly 2,500 grieving children and teens from across the country as Camp Erin alumni!

The Moyer Foundations thanks the many volunteers, staff, and bereavement experts who made the 2010 camp season truly remarkable. We are proud to have so many individuals dedicated to making Camp Erin a safe place for grieving children and teens to bond with their peers going through a similar life circumstance, learn skills and tools for coping with death in their life and most importantly, learn that it’s ok to have fun again.

Plans for the 2011 season are well underway! With new camps being created across the country, The Moyer Foundations is excited to see the success that this new camp season will bring. Stay tuned for more information on camp dates and new locations!

Back to School - Helpful Tips for the Grieving Student

2010-09-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

Teachers and students of all ages are back in school and catching up from the fun summer months. With new schedules in full swing, it can be even more difficult for a grieving student to cope with his or her feelings while managing their studies. Anyone close to a grieving student can use these eight tips to make the transition back to school easier:

1.) Allow a grieving student to express how they feel in his or her own words.

2.) Be patient and give them time to adjust to their new schedule and schoolwork.

3.) Be honest with the grieving student. Knowing the truth helps them to understand and heal.

4.) Encourage the student to ask questions about the loss. Helping them to understand death will allow them to make correct interpretations.

5.) Grieving is hard work and every person expresses grief differently. Support your student regardless of how they may express their grief.

6.) Encourage your student to be open about what he or she needs from you. Let them know that they can always reach out to you for support.

7.) Connect them to resources outside the classroom. This could be a school psychologist or librarian. Allowing a student to leave the classroom when necessary will help when he or she needs personal space.

8.) Make sure to take time for you to grieve. The loss of someone close to your student may be affecting you as well. The more you let yourself heal, the better you will be at understanding your student’s grief.

Knowing how to help a grieving student can make the transition back to school easier and more comfortable for everyone. For more on these tips, visit Help Your Student Deal with Grief and Loss.

Healing through Creativity

2010-09-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Guest blog by Kerri Schlottman, Director of External Relations, Alliance for Young Artists & Writer

Every year the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers is fortunate to witness the incredible talent of creative teens from across the country who submit their work to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The words we read and the artwork we view tell a multitude of stories about the experiences of teenagers from all walks of life. On September 15 we will once again open registration for students in grades 7 through 12 to submit their work in 30 categories of art and writing. We know that we’ll see a breadth of imagination and a depth of emotion. And now, thanks to a sponsorship by the New York Life Foundation, we will also be able to encourage students who are dealing with issues of loss and bereavement by offering six very special scholarships to select award winners.

The issue of loss is a common theme in the Scholastic Awards as teens use their creativity to deal with the bereavement process. 2009 Scholastic Award winner Chelsey Shannon used her creative writing skills to help deal with the untimely death of her father, comedian Blair Shannon. Chelsey, who also lost her mother at age 6, says of her father’s death, “Right after I learned he died, all I could do was write letters to him, just so I’d have some sort of connection.” Chelsey was one of more than a thousand teens honored at Carnegie Hall by the Alliance. She has since published a book and continues to receive accolades for her writing.

There are many others like Chelsey out there, and we are grateful to the New York Life Foundation for providing us the opportunity to encourage them to use their artistic and literary talents to help them heal. Please spread the word by encouraging every teen you know in grades 7 through 12 to submit works of art and writing that deal with loss and bereavement to the 2011 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Six students will be selected to earn $1,000 scholarships. For more information, visit http://www.artandwriting.org/.

For specific information on the New York Life Award:

www.artandwriting.org/Awards/categories

http://www.artandwriting.org/ORGPrograms/Show/10

Camp Erin feature from ESPN E60!

2010-08-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Check out this incredible feature on Camp Erin from ESPN E60! Thank you ESPN for sharing this amazing story!

New Video from Camp Erin Palm Springs!

2010-08-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

Check out this new video highlighting a few of the powerful moments at Camp Erin Palm Springs! Thank you to everyone who made the camp such a success!

Good Luck Camp Erin Chicago/Northern Illinois, Hawaii and Milwaukee!

2010-07-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

Best of luck to the Camp Erin Chicago/Northern Illinois, Hawaii and Milwaukee teams as they all get ready for camp this upcoming weekend! With over 250 campers and volunteers all of us at The Moyer Foundation are excited for the smiles, friendships and support that will come from this weekend. We are thinking of you and all the grieving children whose lives you are about to touch!

GOOD LUCK!

10

2010-06-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

Here are 10 ways to honor your father this Father's Day, and turn a scary day into a joyous occasion of love and remembrance!

1. Take a special card to his grave - or to where his ashes were buried or scattered

2. Tie your Father’s Day card or a special message to a helium balloon and let it soar into the sky

3. Blow some bubbles and send him your love on the wind

4. Plant some bulbs or a shrub in a place that holds special memories of your Dad - what was his favorite color?

5. Have his favorite meal - fish and chips? roast dinner ?

6. Listen to his favorite music - {however awful his taste was!!}

7. Begin to make a memory box in which to keep things that remind you of him - photos, shells, holiday snaps, glasses, silly tie

8. Make or buy a new frame for your favorite photograph of him - what was he doing?

9. Ask your Grandma or Grandad for their memories of Dad as a little boy, and/or your mom for her memories of when she and Dad met

10. Write him a letter or a poem or a song. Maybe you could start with something like ‘If you came back for just five minutes, I’d tell you......’

Download the list at Winston's Wish

Good Luck to Camp Erin Toronto!

2010-06-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

Best of luck to the team at Camp Erin Toronto as they head to camp for the weekend! More than 70 campers and nearly 50 community volunteers are all set for a weekend of making new friends, learning new ways to cope with death in their lives and most importantly.... FUN!!!

We are thinking of you!

Music therapy as a healing device

2010-06-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

Ever consider music therapy as a way for your child to cope? Melina Roberts wrote about her experience as a music therapy instructor for bereaved children, and the great benefit it brings.

She noticed that children used music therapy sessions for:

diversion and fun – to escape the grief that had impacted their lives and their homes
self expression – to explore and express what thoughts and feelings had been evoked by grief
an opportunity to ask questions – particularly questions about grief that the children couldn’t ask of their Mom or Dad for fear of making them cry
an opportunity to remember their loved one – to express memories about their deceased loved ones
an opportunity to speak about being excluded from bereavement activities – for example, when two children, a brother and sister, were not allowed to attend their grandmother’s funeral
an opportunity to explore and express spiritual beliefs – opportunities to make music, sing and draw about what happens to loved ones after they die
an opportunity to talk about the impact of grief – opportunities to highlight the past and the present and how grief had caused changes in their lives.

TMF's GIG Network is launching June 3rd!

2010-05-26T16:27:00.000-07:00

GIG Network: GET INTO GIVING

A new way to learn about philanthropy and support The Moyer Foundation's Camp Erin - bereavement camps for children and teens

The Moyer Foundation will host a variety of networking events in 2010 at some of Seattle’s premier hot spots - providing opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and share common interests with your peers in a fun environment. Plus- you’ll hear the latest updates on Camp Erin and get the inside scoop on upcoming events and opportunities where you can get involved and give back -- in ways that work for YOU and your busy lifestyle.

Find out more about GIG!

UPCOMING GIG EVENTS:
First GIG HAPPY HOUR THURSDAY JUNE 3rd
ENJOY FREE APPETIZERS & GREAT DRINK SPECIALS
Meet new people and learn more about GIG and Camp Erin
There is no charge to attend
TINI BIGS Martini Bar!
100 Denny Way · Seattle (lower Queen Anne)
4:00 -7:00pm
Show up or RSVP in advance to rachel@moyerfoundation.org

Cool website just for bereaved kids!

2010-05-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Winston's Wish is an excellent website resource for all aspects of bereavement for adults and children.

They also have a special webpage just for bereaved kids! Here they can be apart of a community of other kids experiencing loss, and watch dvd's, ask questions, express their feelings, and so much more.

Check it out!

For YOUnG pEOPLE!

A guide to supporting young people through bereavement

2010-05-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

Cruse Bereavement Care offers information for parents, caretakers, teachers, and military families facing all aspects of bereavement. Loss from a child's perspective, funeral homes, and activities are just some of the topics discussed on this website to help you address key concerns.

Supporting Children and Young People

more sources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

2010-05-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives. Their website offers vast resources and information regarding the various issues bereaved people deal with.

Here is their fact sheet and resources on helping children cope with loss.

Overcoming grief step by step

2010-05-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

A mother discovered a great way to cope with grief is to get outside and exercise to help restore balance.

She also turned it into a way to help others.

Here is her motivating story!

Doctor hopes mother's suicide story helps others

2010-04-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

As a child, the death of a parent can leave effects that last into adulthood. Coping with the loss of a parent by suicide can bring up different thoughts, feelings and questions for surviving family members of any age.

Here is the story of Dr. Nancy Rappaport, child psychiatrist who hopes sharing the story of her mother's suicide that she faced as a young child will help others facing a similar circumstance.

"Doctor hopes mother's suicide story helps others"

Helping the grieving child in school

2010-04-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

This is an informative article about the various processes children might experience when they go back to school after the loss of a loved one.

Linda Goldman, Certified Grief Therapist and Grief Educator, explains that

"Children's grief should be seen as an ongoing process that is approachable through words, activities and non-verbal communication."

She discusses each of these aspects, how they might appear, and how parents and teachers should approach them. Great visual examples are given, and an extensive book resource is listed!

Helping the grieving child in school, by Linda Goldman

Fun springtime activities to help bereaved kids and families!

2010-04-21T23:12:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! And it's a reminder of life and rebuilding as trees and flowers start to bloom. This new season can bring fun opportunities to incorporate activities for the whole family to help with the grieving process. These activities help preserve memories, aid in closure, and give a way for children to control the way they choose to honor their loved ones.

Take these activities outdoors for a new twist on family time and support, or let kids express their emotions in their own environment. Either way, these activities allow a healthy outlet for feelings at a time when kids need multiple ways to navigate bereavement.

These two websites offer great activities for bereaved children, so be prepared to get crafty and enjoy the beautiful springtime!

The Center for Grieving Children

Winston's Wish

Some favorites are:

Making a Memory Box

Collecting items that remind children of their loss loved one is therapeutic and a great way to remember the good times they shared together.

Get outdoors! Collect items or take photos of the backyard, beach, park, or other outdoor areas where memorable times were spent. The outdoors provide wonderful scents, and scent is our most powerful memory tool!

Clay Sculpting

Get some clay and have fun shaping it. The process can be relaxing and a good medium to express anger and frustration.

Telling a Story

Whether it's through art or talking, it's important for kids to understand what happened to their loved one, and telling a story allows a dialogue to open up. Younger children might respond better to dolls or puppets, and older kids might prefer drawing to tell their story.

Scream Box

Sometimes a good scream to release tension and get those feelings out is refreshing!

NEW edition of the Camp Erin Alumni Newsletter!

2010-04-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Camp Erin team at The Moyer Foundation recently completed the Spring/Summer edition of the Camp Erin Alumni newsletter, the Blue Heron Reporter! This is a great edition packed with helpful hints and activities for enjoying the spring/summer months, additional resources and stories of inspiration for when times get tough. The goal of every Blue Heron Reporter is to keep Camp Erin campers feeling connected to the larger Camp Erin community by sharing camp highlights and stories from across the country while also offering fun resources and sources for support. Enjoy!

Jamie Moyer and Wa Wa celebrate the life of late Phillies' announcer Harry Kalas!

2010-04-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Jamie joined Kalas' family members, and Wawa executives and associates at the festive, baseball themed picnic held in Kalas' honor on April 13th. Kalas passed away one year ago, and Wawa honored Kalas in June 2009 by exclusively selling a book honoring his life: "Remembering Harry Kalas: Wonderful Stories from Friends Celebrating a Great Life."

During the celebration, Wawa presented a $15,000 check to Moyer and Kalas family member Julie Vanwey, which will be donated to Camp Erin!

Read more HERE!

Thanks WaWa for your dedication to helping grieving children in Harry Kalas' memory! We are so grateful!

Camp Erin in the Spotlight!

2010-04-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

The Moyer Foundation's fabulous PR team at Baltimore-based Maroon PR is continuously doing outreach for The Moyer Foundation and Camp Erin on a national level. Here is a listing of recent Camp Erin media hitting all across the country. Whether city-specific coverage or from a major national outlet, all mentions of Camp Erin are helping raise nationwide awareness for the program, children’s bereavement and the important work being accomplised through Camp Erin in commuinities all across the country!

BIG thanks to John and team at MAROON PR! We appreciate all you do!

Camp Erin and TMF media are also posted in real time HERE! Stay tuned!

3/1/10: Denver Daily News

3/2/10: MASNSports.com – “So, do you like…stuff?”

3/3/10: BaltimoreSun.com – Sports Digest

3/3/10: PressBoxOnline.com – “Moyer gives back”

3/4/10: Daily Record Business Blog

3/6/10: Sporting News Today – Quick Hits

3/22/10: KansasCity.com – Sport Buzz

3/22/10: KRKO-AM “Health Matters”
CLICK HERE for interview

3/25/10: ESPN.com “Open Mike” Podcast
CLICK HERE for interview

4/11/2010: Baltimore Sun – Good Works

4/12/2010: Fox Sports Radio with Meyers, Hartman and Jacobs
CLICK HERE for interview

The first Camp Erin of the year is here!!

2010-04-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

Best of luck to Camp Erin Tampa Bay as they finalize plans for camp this weekend! All of us at The Moyer Foundation are thinking of you and all the grieving kids and teens you will help this weekend!

Thank you for all of your hard work!

Are you a parent/guardian struggling with your grief and don't know where to turn?

2010-04-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

As a parent or guardian that is grieving a significant loss, its important to take care of yourself and reach out for support during difficult times. Your local agency that provides Camp Erin is a great place to start when seeking out additional resources.

Web forums and discussion boards can also be a great way to anonymously seek advice and validation when you feel alone. I came across The Daily Strength which is a great website with discussion boards focused on offering support during difficult times.

Children - The Forgotten Grievers by grief expert David Kessler

2010-04-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

Beginning in April 2010, grief expert David Kessler is publishing a bi-monthly column, "Kessler Grief Corner".

"Welcome to my column. I hope to provide you with information, comfort, tips and maybe a few touching stories about twice a month. You may be facing some of the most difficult times of your life and dealing with the unfamiliar terrain that death and grief can bring. I hope these words help."

— David Kessler

Children - The Forgotten Grievers is an insightful article about children and how to address the grief they feel when a loved one dies.
READ HERE!

New Video from Camp Erin San Diego!

2010-03-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Check it out! Great job to all!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDEKoXDa95g

The Hardest Truth: Telling Kids the Truth About Death

2010-03-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

Talking to kids about death is never an easy thing to do. For a mother, telling her young children their father committed suicide and took his own life can raise questions no mother feels prepared to answer.

I came aross this compelling article that tells the story of one mom's struggle and triumph when telling her kids "the hardest truth."

Check it out...

Seattle Children's Theatre production of "Getting Near to Baby"

2010-03-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

We were invited to the production of "Getting Near to Baby" at the Seattle Children's Theatre. The show is about a family who is suddenly dealing with the death of their infant sister. We often hear from Camp Erin alumni many of the common themes seen in the production - from the little sister thinking her actions caused her younger sister to die, the older sister protecting the family or the reactions of the adults who are thinking they are helping without realizing people deal with grief in their own way. It was an amazing production where you are laughing and crying, it truly was a magical evening. The show runs until April 18th, for more information go to: http://www.sct.org/browse/Production.aspx?prod=5919.

2010 National Bereavement Camp Conference - Cleveland, OH

2010-03-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

Time to register for the first annual National Bereavement Camp Conference!

The Moyer Foundation is holding it first 2010 National Bereavement Camp Conference on June 26 in Cleveland, Ohio. The conference will provide an overall view of bereavement camp structures and best practices across the country by creating a forum of exchange, learning and collaboration through sharing of timely clinical information, programs, advances in research and successful ideas for new or existing bereavement camps.

Learn more about this exciting new conference and register at http://moyerfoundation.givezooks.com/events/national-bereavement-camp-conference

Please contact Lynette Moore at lynette@moyerfoundation.org with any questions.

Camp Erin - Hawaii new video!

2010-03-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPd1aLqMZTg&feature=youtube_gdata

Great job Camp Erin - Hawaii!

Skating through Grief

2010-03-01T13:50:00.000-08:00

With the 2010 Vancouver Olympics complete, we find ourselves looking back at the memorable moments from the games. Perhaps one of the most compelling moments came during the women's figure skating competition when Canadian skater Joannie Rochette took to the ice after the tragic death of her mother and biggest fan just 2 days prior. Joannie skated with amazing grace and a quiet strength that could be felt by all who watched.

Pamela Gabbay writes of the tragedy in her recent article "Skating for Her Mother" for Open to Hope. Click here to read more! Pamela is a nationally recognized bereavement expert as well as the Director of Camp Erin Palm Srings and Program Director of the Mourning Star Center for Grieving Children in Palm Desert, CA.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rochette family during this difficult time. May you find peace in your memories.

Camp Erin dates are SET

2010-02-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

All dates for the 2010 Camp Erin season are confirmed! To find out the dates for a Camp Erin near you, check out the "Find Your Camp" section of the TMF website. Click here!

Super Brunch is a HUGE success!

2010-02-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

Below are some great links from the first annual Super Brunch event in Miami, FL! Filled with food, fun and great people, everyone in attendance had a fabulous time.

Official TMF Press Release with event details.

GREAT video montage of the event produced by PlumTV captures all the highlights of the day!

To our suprise and delight, Jimmy Fallon, event co-chair, hopped on stage with former NYY turned musician Bernie Williams for a rendition of "Light My Fire." Check it out!

Many thanks to all who attended, supported and contributed to the success of an unbeatable event to support TMF's Camp Erin and the Mario Batali Foundation!

Haiti Earthquake Helping Hearts Campaign

2010-01-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday January 12, a devastating earthquake hit Haiti, just 15km from the capital. The worst earthquake Haiti has experienced in 200 years. The devastation of this event is beyond comprehension - especially for its youngest victims.

• More than half of the Haitian people are less than 18 yrs old

• More than 2 million children have been affected already

At this moment, the people of Haiti need the support of the global community now more than ever, especially the children. The Moyer Foundation has created a partnership with Free the Children to aid in the immediate emergency relief efforts as well as the long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts required in the months and years ahead.

The Moyer Foundation has made a commitment to match ALL donations up to $50,000!

To read more about our relationship with Free the Children and DONATE NOW, click HERE!

Photo Credit: UN Photo - Logan Abassi

Join us for Super Brunch!

2010-01-21T11:18:00.000-08:00

The ULTIMATE celebrity Super Bowl party in Miami – bringing together culinary, sports and entertainment super stars! This exclusive VIP event is hosted by Chef Mario Batali, MLB pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife, Karen, together with friends Emeril Lagasse, artist and musician Jimmy Buffett AND comedian, actor and talk-show host, Jimmy Fallon!

All proceeds from the event will benefit TMF's Camp Erin and the Mario Batali Foundation.

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Club 50, Viceroy Hotel - Miami, FL

11AM- 2PM - Poolside

Gourmet brunch, cocktails - menu designed by Mario Batali
Food demos with Mario and Emeril Lagasse!
LIVE entertainment by Bernie Williams former NY Yankee turned star Musician!
Auctions

Get your ticket now as there are going FAST! Contact Katie Hamilton at katie@moyerfoundation.org or visit www.moyerfoundation.org/events for more info.

The National Bereavement Camp Conference is coming soon!

2010-01-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

The Moyer Foundation is excited to announce that planning for the first annual National Bereavement Camp Conference is in full force! Below is more information about the conference.

Date: Saturday, June 26, 2010
Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Mission:
Provide an overall view of bereavement camp structures and best practices across the country by creating a forum of exchange, learning and collaboration through sharing of timely clinical information, programs, advances in research and successful ideas for new or existing bereavement camps.

Goals:
• Provide information on current topics and ideas for implementation related to childhood bereavement camps such as
       - innovative program models
       - resident camp activities
       - overall camp structures
       - fun/unique ideas for activities and camp sessions
       - fundraising, PR and marketing
• Promote networking among attendees - including health caregivers, counselors, educators, researchers, as well as volunteers and parent advocates who work with bereaved families across North America.

Strategy:
Bring together nationally recognized bereavement professionals along with leading bereavement and resident camp professionals across diverse fields of expertise, providing participants with a rich and interactive learning environment and networking opportunities.

Logistics:
One day conference, with 3-5 breakout sessions – each focused on specific bereavement camp topics. CEUs will be offered. Registration will open in March.

Please contact Lynette Moore for more information: lynette@moyerfoundation.org or 206.298.1217

Learn about TMF from the inside!

2009-12-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

A local blogger wrote a great piece about The Moyer Foundation and everything we are all about. Includes an interview from TMF Executive Director Gary Pollock.

Check it out!

Climbing Mountains for Camp Erin!

2009-12-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

The passion of a local Seattle-area man who has a personal connection to Camp Erin, has been inspired to take on a challenge many don't even dream of - to climb the world's 5 highest peaks over the next 3 years! A mission that he is calling "From Zero to Everest."

Skylar Givens of Edmonds, WA is currently training to accomplish what seems to most as an impossible task. Throughout his journey he will be raising funds and awareness to support the Camp Erin program. Check out the FZTE website http://www.fzte.com/ where you can follow him on Twitter or fan him on Facebook.

You can read more about Skylar's journey in a recent article in the Edmonds Beacon.

Best of luck Skylar! We are cheering for you!

More bereavement tips for the holidays - from Gloria Lintermans and Dr. Marilyn Stolzman

2009-12-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

A few more helpful tips for bereavement and the holidays:

GRATITUDE - When we are grateful for life's blessings and for what we have, we distract ourselves from what is wrong with our lives. We fixate and ruminate less on what is missing. Being thankful for our children, our healthy minds and bodies. Being willing to be appreciative all the small things in our lives that make up the big things. Our ability to see, to hear, to think, to reflect, to notice, to enjoy and to feel deeply increases our sensitivity and awareness of the world around us.

EXERCISE - Exercise is a good antidote for stress through the holidays and stress at other times as well. Enjoying exercise on a regular basis is something good to include in our lives. Whether we walk, swim, bike ride or hike, moving our bodies allows us to be outdoors and observe nature. It often takes us out of ourselves and into the world. It may distract the griever from the constant state of anxiety which often accompanies early grieving. We release endorphins in our brain when we exercise that give our mood a lift. Exercise is often prescribed for depression and depressive thoughts.

NUTRITION - The bereaved often cannot eat, do not enjoy food, or may be inclined to eat too much or eat junk foods. Often the grieving person loses interest in food shopping because they don't know how to shop for one, or they don't want to cook for themselves. Appropriate nutritional habits are important through the grieving period because the immune system is down due to stress. Everything one can do to stay healthy is helpful. One of the signs that the bereaved is doing better is the indication that they care again about proper nutrition and make the effort to eat more than cheese and crackers. If a bereaved person was a caregiver and spent a lot of time cooking for an ill spouse they would have to learn to slowly convert this energy and give themselves permission to take good care of themselves. This is appropriate and not an indulgence. It is not selfish; it is good self-nurturing.

ADEQUATE REST - Sleep often gets disturbed during times of extreme stress. Being mindful of getting enough sleep is a good idea since sleep patterns can be interrupted. People often report that they may fall asleep but have trouble staying asleep. If one was used to sleeping in a bed with their spouse, there is an increased awareness of the empty bed. People tend to oversleep or not sleep enough during high stress times. Listening to soothing music before bedtime is relaxing; not listening to the news before going to bed is a good idea. It is important to not over stimulate the mind at least an hour before bedtime.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS - Reaching out to family and friends is particularly helpful at holiday time. Calling and making arrangements for activities and having plans are useful for getting through the holidays. Friends and family can provide comfort, safely, warmth and love. Surround yourself with the people that bring out the best in you. Talk to your friends and allow them to include you in their plans. Accept invitations, try to laugh and see funny movies. Be less attached to being a third wheel and more attached to how wonderful it is to have people in your life that care and want to be with you. Initiate a dinner or a movie or some activity to share. Be with friends or family members that help you decrease your stress not increase it and look forward to the fact that next year will be easier for you. It is the first experience of holidays that is the most difficult to get through. Encourage yourself to participate. Hopefully, next year will be easier and you will have more events to look forward to that bring you joy.

Fun, Easy and Yummy Holiday Recipe!

2009-11-24T10:58:00.000-08:00

Making fun holiday treats is a great way to start new family traditions and creating times for bonding over the holidays, especially when you are missing someone and times are hard. Below is a fun, easy and inexpensive recipe any age can enjoy!

Ingredients

- 1 bag of Holiday Ring Pretzels (Old Dutch square pretzel’s recommended)

- 1 bag of Hershey Kisses

- 1 bag of plain M&M's

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place pretzels on wax paper on cookie sheet. Place one un-wrapped Hershey Kiss on top of each pretzel. Place in oven for 3-4 minutes or until chocolate is soft. Watch close, chocolate melts quickly! Remove from the oven and press one M&M into the center of the chocolate kiss. Place in fridge until hardened and enjoy!

Get creative with all the fun striped Kisses and Hugs that are out there!

Helpful Hints for Grieving Families to Get Through the Holidays

2009-11-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

The holidays can be a difficult time for those grieving the death of someone close to them. Whether starting a new family ritual of continuing your favorite tradition, it's important to recognize this time of year can be hard and to prepare yourself for what lies ahead. Here are a few ideas to help you get through while remembering and honoring the person you held dear:

Talk with your parent or guardian about ways that you are going to remember your special loved one during the holidays.
Start a new family ritual. Go for a walk to look at holiday lights, light a special candle, set a place for your loved one.

Visit a local ceramic shop and customize special holiday cups, plates, or dishes to use during the holidays.
Write memories of your loved one on scraps of colorful wrapping paper then place them in a clear jar or bowl to put out for a colorful display with meaning.

Create a support chain with memories of loved ones written on each link.

Above all, do your best to enjoy the holiday season and take time to appreciate all the wonderful things you have to be thankful for!

(Thanks to contributing members of the NAGC Griefinar: "Strategies for Helping Families Through the Holidays.")

New TMF website officially LAUNCHED!

2009-11-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

Time to celebrate!! :) After months and months of hard work and creative thinking, the Foundation's new and improved website is available for all to see!

TMF's Sandy Hawley led a team of web designers and IT experts in creating a modern, sophisticated and user friendly site that really showcases the many aspects of the Foundation. The site was created with the future of the Foundation in mind and will be a staple in commuinicating our mission to the world for years to come. Nice work Sandy!

Take a few minutes to peruse the new site! Satisfaction guaranteed!

http://www.moyerfoundation.org/

Dream Catchers - A HUGE success!

2009-11-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

Dream Catchers was even more incredible than we anticipated!! $1.25 million raised to benefit Camp Erins all across the country!! In addition to the amazing Dreams offered to the highest bidder, guests in attendance were blown away by the energetic atmosphere, amazing food and new memories created with new friends dedicated to helping grieving kids and teens by supporting Camp Erin.

The thank you's are endless when an event like this comes together flawlessly. From the countless Moyer Foundation staff hours to the Dream Makers across the country who made all the dreams possible to TMF's donors, the new and the loyal, to Karen and Jamie Moyer's unending inspiration and support, the dedication of many led to the nights great success!

To help put things into perspective, $1.25 million will help send more than 2,500 kids and teens to Camp Erin! Pretty awesome!

Click here to read more!

Click here to check out some pictures!

Camp Erin Orange County is the first of the new 10!!

2009-10-21T10:37:00.001-07:00

The Moyer Foundation is excited to announce our first Camp Erin partner for the 2010 camp season! Spencer Hospice Foundation of Santa Ana, CA impressed Gary and Lesa during their on-site visit in October. They are a unique organization with an incredible amount of community support.

Many congrats! We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership!

All hands on deck for DREAM CATCHERS!

2009-10-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Dream Catchers is coming soon!! The Moyer Foundation staff is all hands on deck to bring together all the details for an unforgettable night. We are still dreaming and have added experiences with Tim McGraw, American Idol and the world renowned IMG sports academy! Full dream details are listed at http://www.dreamcatchersinfo.com/.

REMEMBER - You don't have to attend to BID LIVE! The date is November 7th! Don't miss out!

Less than one month until Dream Catchers!

2009-10-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

The time is winding down to the Foundation's biggest event benefiting Camp Erin! Our Dream Catchers event provides guests with a unique opportunity to bid on once-in-a-lifetime Dream experiences. From the decor to the venue to the auction items up for bid, this is not your typical gala. Up for bid are Dreams that can take you from the pits of Nascar racing to the international stage at the 2010 Olympics with Bob Costas to the beauty of Jackson Hole Wyoming. Also included are experiences with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, the Aspen Food and Wine Classic with Mario Batali and an appearance on TOP CHEF!

To see a complete list of Dreams up for bid and more event info, visit http://www.dreamcatchersinfo.com/.

Don't miss your chance to be a part of this magical evening to raise funds for grieving kids and teens!

Awesome article on Camp Erin San Diego!

2009-09-28T12:54:00.001-07:00

Check out a great article on Camp Erin San Diego! Fantastic job to all!

2009 Camp Erin Season Comes to a Close!

2009-09-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

With the completion of Camp Erin San Diego, Albany and Anchorage this past weekend, we have officially concluded the 2009 Camp Erin season!!! 28 camps with 32 sessions in 18 cities across the country and our first international camp in Toronto helped nearly 2,000 campers along their grief journey.

Thousands of hours and hardworking hearts and hands go into making each Camp Erin an unforgettable and healing experience for the campers, volunteers and staff. The Moyer Foundation is extremely fortunate to work with an amazing team of bereavement experts dedicated to creating a safe place for kids and teens to grieve, heal, and most importantly, have fun again! No words can describe our thanks and gratitude to these amazing people.

Now we are in the final stages of identifying the next Camp Erin partners for 2010! Lesa and Gary are traveling as we speak and throughout October to meet with potential partner organizations. Stay tuned for more details!

From Seattle to Hawaii!

2009-09-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Gary Pollock, TMF Executive Director, took some time out of his family vacation in Kona, HI visit the team at Hospice of Kona, our Camp Erin Hawaii partner. Gary truly enjoyed his visit with the staff and was amazed at the beauty that surrounds their facility and all they do! They were able to share stories all of the wonderful things that happened at Camp Erin Hawaii as well as strategize on some ideas for next year. They shared a fantastic video made from still photos and narrated in the words of campers, volunteers and staff. (Stay tuned for a link to the video!)

Thank you Laura, Janette and team at Camp Erin Hawaii for your dedication to helping grieving children!

The Moyer Foundation helps Catch a Cure for Cancer!

2009-09-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

This past week The Moyer Foundation held its annual Catch A Cure for Cancer radiothon to benefit early cancer detection research at the world renowned Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Over $47,000 raised! Many thanks to the dedication of the wonderful staff at Warm 106.9, volunteers from TMF and Fred Hutch, as well as, those who shared their stories of cancer survival and loss.

To the many donors from Seattle to Philadelphia who took the time to make a phone call and donate, thank you for doing your part to help find a cure! The doctors and researchers at Fred Hutch are making huge strides towards finding a cure for cancer, but they can't do it without the support of a giving community.

Thanks to all who participated for doing your part in helping The Moyer Foundation Catch a Cure for Cancer!

A great reminder of why Camp Erin is so special!

2009-09-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

As the Camp Erin team at The Moyer Foundation work with each camp across the country, we always hear about the different ways Erin Metcalf's (Camp Erin namesake) is felt at every camp. Whether its a timely shooting star, blue heron sighting or a warm presence felt by all, each camp has their story.

Until visiting Camp Erin Portland, I didn't have my story. As the campers participated in the special luminary ceremony on Saturday night remembering the important person who died, a big and beautiful blue heron flew overhead. The goosebumps came as did tears to my eyes. Such a special reminder that Erin's wish of helping other kids is coming true and is the reason behind so many grieving kids and teens getting the help and support they need.

Erin, thank you for your warm spirit and compassionate heart that has helped so many grieving kids and teens across the country see they are not alone and continue on thier journey of hope and healing!

Rachel Chiechi
Camp Erin Community Relations Coordinator

September Bereavement Resources for kids, teens and parents

2009-09-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

YOUTH
Sad Isn’t Bad – A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing With Loss

By: Michaelene Mundy
Sad Isn't Bad is a special book to help children who have lost a loved one or will be facing the loss of a loved one. The reader joins Elf as he guides children through the process of grieving and teaches them that the emotions they are feeling are perfectly normal. Sad Isn’t Bad allows children to cope with their loss while providing a safe environment to grieve and grow.

WEBSITE:
http://kidsaid.com/
Is a safe place where kids can come together and help each other go through the process of grief and dealing with a loss. Kidssaid.com provides kids with a secure place to express their feelings, stories and share artwork with others who are going through a similar loss.

TEEN

The Grieving Teen: A Guide for Teenagers and Their Friends
By: Helen Fitzgerald

In this guide, Fitzgerald focuses on the unique needs of adolescents struggling with loss and gives them the tools they need to work through their pain and grief. Fitzgerald covers a broad range of situations in which teens may find themselves grieving a death, and helps teens address the difficult emotions they will experience along the way.

PARENTS

How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies
By: Therese A. Rando

Regardless if death is sudden or anticipated, few of us are prepared for it or for the grief it brings. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and each person will respond differently. Rando leads you gently through the painful but necessary process of grieving and helps you find the best way for yourself to handle the loss of a loved one.

Peer bonding makes a difference at every Camp Erin!

2009-09-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

At a recent Camp Erin, there was a great example of why peer-to-peer bonding is so important during the Camp Erin weekend.

As the teens began to share their stories during a Friday night circle-up activity, one teen told her story about the tragic drug related death she was dealing with. The face of a girl teen from across the circle immediately lit up. She had never met anyone her age who had also had someone die of the SAME drug related death. Once the sharing time was complete, these two girls formed an immediate common bond around their stories. Until this fateful moment of sharing, these two girls had felt alone. As the camp weekend continued, these girls were able to share more about thier feelings and experiences which helped them realize they are not alone.

The focus of peer-to-peer interaction allows stories like this to happen at every Camp Erin.

Stay tuned for more stories of peer-to-peer bonding!

Helpful Back to School Hints for grieving kids and teens

2009-09-03T10:54:00.001-07:00

Helpful Tips for Back to School

Going back to school after the death of a loved one can be very difficult. It is normal to feel nervous about returning to school. Below are some ideas to help you transition back to school and stay healthy.

* Talk to your teacher. Meet with your new teacher before school starts, and tell them in your own words about the death of your loved one and how you feel. Also, let your teacher know if you would like them to share the information with your class.

* Sweet Dreams. Grieving is tiring, and it is very important that you get plenty of sleep when you go back to school. Kids age 6-12 need 10-11 hours of sleep each night, and teens age 13-18 need 8-9½ hours of sleep each night. Sleep tight!

* Express Yourself. Even if you don’t feel like talking there are a lot of ways to express

your emotions and honor the memory of your loved one. You can start writing in a journal about the memories you have about the person you lost and how you are feeling.

* Exercise. Exercise makes you feel good and can actually put you in a better m

ood! Being active helps reduce anxiety, cope with stress, and strengthens self-esteem. So ride you bike, join a sports team, dance, go for a hike, and play with your friends!

* Eat right. You may not feel hungry or want to skip meals, but your body needs nutritious foods. Make your lunch with your parent or guardian and fill your lunch box with lots of yummy fruits and vegetables!

* Ask for help if you need it. Sometimes it's hard to ask for help because we worry about burdening others. Chances are your family and friends are looking for ways to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask! Also, remember the Camp Erin staff is there for you! Your parent or guardian can help you get in touch with them if you need support.

COLDPLAY Donates $10,000 to Camp Erin

2009-09-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

A giant thank you to the memebers of COLDPLAY for their generous donation to The Moyer Foundation and our Camp Erin bereavement camps. We're thrilled they believe in the importance of helping support grieving kids and teens through the Camp Erin program. Cheers!

Congrats Camp Erin LA, Portland and Everett!

2009-09-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

" I really didn't even want to come to this camp. I didn't think I'd have fun or learn anything...now here I am loving it and so happy to have made so many new friends." -Kelly, 16

More than 1/2 way through the 2009 Camp Erin season

2009-08-19T10:09:00.001-07:00

More than 1,200 new Camp Erin Alumni so far this summer! Welcome to our team!

TOP CHEF Executive Producer goes to camp!

2009-08-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dave Serwatka is an Executive Producer for Bravo and works on fun shows like Top Chef. He recently spent a weekend at Camp Erin learning about the importance of helping kids and teens learn to grieve and heal. Thanks Dave for your time! We look forward to working with Bravo and Top Chef in the future to help kids in distress!

Phillies Nation Contest

2009-08-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

A huge thank you to Phillies Nation for their support of Camp Erin and The Moyer Foundation! They are running a contest for Phillies fans that will finish August 20th. Here is additional information for any of you that are itnersted in winning:

"First up is your chance to win a Raul Ibanez autographed ball or a ticket stub from Jamie Moyer's 250th win signed by the legend himself. Thursday will be your absolute last day to enter with a $10 donation. You can enter as many times as you'd like and the three people with the most entries will be able to ask Jamie an interview question. Click here for your chance to win!"

CNN reports on Camp Erin!

2009-07-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

Check out this amazing piece on Camp Erin! After months of work, its finally complete and being shared with the public! Many thanks to Rene and the team at Camp Erin Atlanta for inviting CNN into your camp and helping share this amazing experience with thousands! Another great representation of why we do what we do. Great work to all!

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/sports/2009/07/31/weigel.camp.erin.cnn?iref=videosearch

Congrats to Camp Erin Palm Springs!

2009-07-28T10:32:00.001-07:00

Many congratulations to the team at Camp Erin Palm Springs for completing their 3rd Camp Erin! 66 campers enjoyed camp and began their process of hope and healing! Great work to all!

Want to read more? Check out this article!

http://www.pe.com/rss/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_E_camp26.446e8a1.html

Want a glimpse into preparing for camp? Watch this local news coverage as Pamela and team prepare for camp!

http://www.kpsplocal2.com/global/story.asp?S=10763888

Support Camp Erin and Win Great Prizes!

2009-07-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

Check out the GREAT contest The Moyer Foundation is holding with the Phillies Nation blog! Win great prizes like: An autographed Jamie Moyer 250th win game ticket! An autographed Raul Ibanez baseball! And the top 3 people with the most entries will be able to ask Jamie a question!

Check it out: www.philliesnation.com/archives/2009/07/win-an-autographed-game-ticket-from-jamie-moyers-250th-win/

Jamie and the Phillies travel to Toronto!

2009-06-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

Listen to a great interview with Jamie as he and the Phillies traveled to Toronto to play the Toronto Blue Jays for some interleague action! What a great opportunity to raise awareness for our first international Camp Erin location opening this summer! Thanks to Amanda and Mitchell, future Camp Erin Toronto campers, who threw out the first pitch at Friday nights game! Great job guys!

Congrats Camp Erin - Boston!!

2009-06-29T10:00:00.001-07:00

A giant congratulations to the Camp Erin - Boston team for a successful second year of camp! We're so proud you are helping kids and teens learn to grieve and heal!

Video Messages Coming Soon!!!

2009-06-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

Want to see your favorite Philadelphia Phillies talking about The Moyer Foundation and Camp Erin?? Go Phils!

***Stay tuned for video messages from your favorite Philadelphia Phillies including Cole Hamels and Chase Utley!!!***

Camp Erin Whirl Wind National Tour!

2009-06-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

WOW! 5 events in 2 weeks!

Starting June 6th in Los Angeles, CA and ending on June 17th in Minneapolis, MN, The Moyer Foundation completed 5 events to raise funds and awareness for Camp Erins across the country! Each one was unique and different, but all had one thing in common - a group of people coming together to learn more about Camp Erin in their community! Here is a quick recap of each event...

June 6th, Los Angeles, CA - Home of Robbie and Mike Tollin
The Tollin's graciously hosted over 100 of their closest friends and family for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The evening included a silent auction where items such a Hank Aaron autographed baseball were auctioned off! Karen and Jamie spoke from the heart about Camp Erin and all in attendance are still talking about what they heard that night.

June 8th, New York - MLB Network Studios
The Moyer Foundation partnered up with the MLB Network Studios to host a unique opportunity to get behind the scenes and tour the studios. The evening included a Q&A with MLB Network on-air talent as well as with Karen and Jamie. Much excitement was generated around the expansion of Camp Erin to NYC in 2010!

June 10th, Atlanta, GA - Luxury Suite at Atlanta Braves' Turner Field
An action packed evening at Turner Field began with a pre-game reception for Camp Erin Atlanta campers graciously hosted by Atlanta Braves wives Kim Hudson and Jaena Norton. Guests in the suite enjoyed an on-field check presentation from The Moyer Foundation to Camp Magik to fund Camp Erin Atlanta. For the remainder of the game, guests enjoyed good food, great company and had the chance to learn more about The Moyer Foundation and Camp Erin!

June 15th, Philadelphia, PA - Celebrity Waiters Dinner and Auction
The third annual Celebrity Waiters Dinner and Auction was held at the Phillies' ball park, Citizens Bank Park. Over 360 guests enjoyed the stadium's beautiful Diamond Club area and had the chance to bid on incredible silent and live auction items all in support of Camp Erin and other local charities helping children in distress. Many of the World Series Winning Phillies players performed flawlessly as the waiters for the evening. Many thanks to the celebrities who made this night unforgettable for all in attendance!

June 17th, Minneapolis, MN - Home of Shauna and Merrill Ferguson
The final stop for the Camp Erin Whirl Wind Tour was in Minneapolis, MN. Shauna and Merrill Ferguson opened up their home to close friends and family - some new, some old. The evening was a great success and all were touched by a special camper testimonial from a future Camp Erin - Minneapolis camper during the program portion of the evening.

Whew! So many great things have happened over the last few weeks and there are countless people that helped make everything happen. The thank you's are ENDLESS!! We are so grateful for every single person who plays an important role on The Moyer Foundation and Camp Erin Team!

***Pictures to come!***

Great Camp Erin - St. Louis coverage!

2009-05-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, Camp Erin - St. Louis had a great news story with Fox Channel 2 about Annie's Hope, The Moyer Foundation and of course, Camp Erin! One of the many great opportunities to raise awareness that are happening all across the country!

Check out the video link below:

http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-moyer-annies-hope-05102009,0,556207.story

Congratulations Becky and everyone at Annie's Hope and Camp Erin - St. Louis!

Camp Erin Advocate - Greg Norton, Atlanta Braves

2009-05-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

MLB.com wrote an article about Atlanta Braves outfielder Greg Norton, a Camp Erin advocate, who's mother was tragically murdered by his dad when he was in his teens. The article mentions the support he and his wife Jaena give to Camp Erin.

"Through his foundation, Phillies left-handed pitcher Jamie Moyer created Camp Erin, a bereavement camp created for children who have lost a loved one. Jaena helped raised funds for this charity over the course of the past three years and accompanied Braves pitcher Tim Hudson's wife, Kim, to a camp that was held in Hampton, Ga., earlier this year. [Camp Erin] is something that I want to get involved with. I just want to help somebody or at least make them feel like there's light at the end of the tunnel. I have a story that shows that things can work out."

Here's the link to the complete article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090505&content_id=4580286&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Happy May! Updates from the Program Coordinator

2009-05-05T14:09:00.001-07:00

We are gearing up for the start of The Moyer Foundation special events season and of course for Lesa’s wedding on May 24th! To say things are busy around here is an understatement. :-)

Here’s the scoop:
We are currently seeking RFP’s for new Camp Erin locations for 2010. We are expanding to the following cities: Anaheim, Dallas/Ft Worth, Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, New York and Eastern Washington. If you have any referrals of organizations that would be great additions to our Camp Erin network, please let me know and we’ll contact them regarding Camp Erin. RFP’s are due June 15th.

Camp Erin – Philadelphia will be occurring May 15th-17th, good luck and have a wonderful weekend!

Have you visited the National Camp Erin Network blog lately? Better yet…have you posted a comment or subject? Camp Erin – Portland has posted a question to other camps regarding a challenge course, great time to leave a comment and help the Camp Erin team!

The Classic Baseball games are currently being shipped or have been shipped if you requested to receive one. The company that donated them to us is very excited to be able to provide a fun activity for kids and teens. If you have any pictures of kids/teens playing the game, I would love to share them with our contact.

Jamie has interviewed with different ESPN programs in the last few weeks, which has been great exposure for Camp Erin. Last week after one interview, we received over 30 inquiries in a 5 minute period. We had calls and emails from all over the U.S. from people interested in volunteering or wanting to get applications for children they though would benefit from Camp Erin. We hope you have had some great volunteers or prospective campers contact you.

Hope all is well with everyone!

Lynette McCampbell

First Camp Erin of the season completed!

2009-04-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Camp Erin - Miami! This last weekend Camp Erins debuted in Miami, where a group of kids and teens spent the weekend at Camp Owaissa Bauer! A great time was had by all including Karen Moyer who was able to attend the first 2009 camp. Thanks Camp Erin - Miami team for a exciting and successful start of the camp season!

Nice write-up in the The Washington Times!

2009-04-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Washington Time's Thom Loverro who writes the sports blog "Lovey Land" shares his thoughts about Jamie Moyer and the DC fundraiser to support Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC! Check it out!

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/lovey-land/2009/apr/15/jamie-moyer-has-a-good-heart/

April 14th Washington, DC fundraiser a great success!

2009-04-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, April 14th, The Moyer Foundation teamed up with international law firm Jones Day to raise funds and awareness for Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC. Over 100 guests joined Karen and Jamie Moyer at Jones Day's beautiful roof top terrace facilities. Good food and cocktails were shared among the guests who had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and one live auction item auctioned off by Jamie Moyer himself! Nearly $25,000 was raised to support the expansion of Camp Erin to DC that will serve over 50 grieving kids and teens in the DC area in 2009! The Moyer Foundation is thrilled to partner with DC's own Wendt Center and their Camp Forget-Me-Not program to continue providing this much needed service to youth grieving the death of a loved one in the DC community.

Many thanks to Jones Day for donating space, food and drink for the event. A heartfelt thanks to Mike Gurdak for his dedication and support in bringing this night together!

Pictures coming soon!

2009 Spring Training Event in Clearwater, FL!

2009-03-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

Jamie Moyer and Raul Ibanez reporting from Clearwater, FL.

Players and fans raise over $36,000 at Spring Training “PHUN-raiser”Clearwater, FL. – March 17, 2009– The Moyer Foundation, founded by Major League All-Star pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen, hosted a fundraising event at Bright House Field, home of the Phillies Spring Training, immediately following the Phillies win over Cincinnati on Tuesday, March 17. More than 12 MLB teammates attended the St. Patrick’s Day-themed evening event including Chase Utley, Geoff Jenkins, Greg Dobbs, Brad Lidge and Raul Ibanez who joined over 180 fans and Foundation supporters.

Guests enjoyed a barbeque and live entertainment while helping to raise funds through a silent and a live auction, emceed by Phillies own Scott Palmer. The event raised over $36,000 to support the Foundation’s Camp Erin™ program – bereavement camps for children and teens.

“It means a lot to me to have my teammates here and the support of the Phillies organization. Having an event at Spring Training is a great opportunity for people to come together with their families to have fun, and at the same time, learn about and support an important cause like childhood bereavement. Everyone who was at this event – from fans to fellow players – is helping to send more grieving kids and teens to Camp Erin in communities all across the country, and that is pretty cool.” said Jamie Moyer, Co-founder of The Moyer Foundation.

"Moyer's Biggest Pitch Not On Mound" - Tampa Bay Online

2009-03-06T08:28:00.001-08:00

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/mar/06/sp-moyers-biggest-pitch-not-on-mound/

Campers Own Words

2009-03-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

Camper Memory - Palm Springs

2009-02-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

"My favorite part of camp was the talent show. We rocked the other groups! I also liked the trust fall and staying up late with my cabin buddies."

Spring Training Event - One Lucky Night

2009-02-24T10:15:00.001-08:00

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with The Moyer Foundation at the Phillies Spring Training ballpark and help raise funds for Camp Erin! Immediately following the Phillies vs. Reds game. Join Karen and Jamie Moyer and a number of other World Champion Phillies players for green drinks, southern BBQ, the live band LUCKY PENNY and silent and live auctions.

3.17.09 4:30 - 7:00pm $250 person

RSVP and Questions: katie@moyerfoundation.org

Note from a camper

2009-02-18T10:26:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share a great note we recieved from a 2008 camper:

"These are the words I would use to describe Camp Erin...FUN, COOL, AMAZING, WOW, FRIENDS and EMOTIONAL....and a lot of others that I can't spell! Thanks for letting me be a part of camp....it was great!"

A few group shots of campers and volunteers from 2008!

2009-02-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

Camps and locations SET for 2009!

2009-02-18T09:57:00.001-08:00

It's confirmed! All 28 camps and locations have been set for Camp Erin 2009. Our first camp will be held in April and the last the end of September. Congratulations to all new camps as they work hard in planning camp! For more information go to:

http://www.moyerfoundation.org/events/erin_registration.aspx

2008 World Series Champions team up off the field to support Camp Erin!

2009-02-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

On January 28, we were excited to team up with Jamie Moyer's teammate Geoff Jenkins from the Philadelphia Phillies to host the 2nd Annual Geoff Jenkins Celebrity Poker Tournament at the W Scottsdale in Arizona. More than $65,000 was raised with all proceeds from the event to benefit Camp Erin! More than 200 attendees and 100 players turned out for the event, including over 40 professional athletes and celebrities such as Phillies’ Shane Victorino, Cleveland Indians Grady Sizemore, LA Dodger’s Russell Martin and Noah Lowry of the San Francisco Giants.

“The event was amazing, everyone had a good time,” said Jenkins who makes his off-season home in Phoenix, AZ. “It was a great opportunity to bring my friends together and have a lot of fun while supporting an important cause like The Moyer Foundation’s Camp Erin.”

The W Scottsdale donated the DJ, food and venue for the event. Their were great prizes for the top players who were able to keep their poker faces on including a 63" flat screen donated by Design First for the first prize winner. Congratulations Bill Hall of the Milwaukee Brewers!

The Moyer Foundation and Camp Erin team send our many thanks to Geoff, his event planning team and the W Scottsdale staff for all their hard work to make this event such a huge success. We are so grateful!

Photos: Left: Tournament winner Bill Hall - Milwaukee Brewers, tournament host Geoff Jenkins - Philadelphia Phillies and Grady Sizemore - Cleveland Indians. Right: Karen and Jamie Moyer (left) and Cathy and Jeff Fassero (right) former Mariner teammates and long time friends of the Moyer's.

Good news from St. Louis!

2008-12-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Camp Erin - St. Louis agency Annie's Hope. Their existing Camp Courage program has won the American Camp Association's Eleanor P. Eels Award for Program Excellence. Hole in the Wall camp created by Paul Newman won it a few years ago. They will travel to Florida to accept the award in February. Great job Becky and team!

November Updates

2008-11-26T13:17:00.000-08:00

I am extremely pleased to announce that this year’s Evening for Erin in Seattle was a total success, raising over $300,000! In this economy it’s very difficult to predict the affect it will have on special events – on philanthropy in general. But, as one of the patrons told Gary Pollock, “when people really understand the mission, have the confidence they do in The Moyer Foundation and can feel the passion for a program like Camp Erin, they find a way to step up”. It just reinforced to us just how passionate people feel locally and nationally about these camps.
We’ve continued to receive coverage of Camp Erin across the country. Camp Erin – Albany did a fantastic job of running with the initial story and getting a second one written in their largest newspaper. They promoted their partnership with The Moyer Foundation as well as many of their local community advocates and supporters. Well done!

Congratulations Camp Erin – San Diego on the final results of your successful golf tournament! We were thrilled to work with your team and your board in raising awareness and funds for your camp. What a great model to establish for other camps across the country.

New Camp Erin PSA!

2008-11-26T12:41:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our fantastic Board member Brad Brotherton, The Moyer Foundation was thrilled to partner with award winning Women in Film to produce the new Camp Erin PSA: