Camp Erin Beginnings

Camp Erin is named in memory of Erin Metcalf, a remarkable young woman who developed liver cancer at age 15. Through the Make-a-Wish foundation, Seattle Mariners pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen Phelps Moyer met Erin and were immediately drawn into a friendship with Erin and her family. Erin had a compassionate heart and often expressed concern for other children in the hospital as well as her sisters.

When Erin died at age 17, Jamie and Karen wished to honor Erin’s memory and her caring spirit – they felt that a grief camp for children would be a fitting tribute. The first Camp Erin was established by Eluna (formerly The Moyer Foundation) in 2002 to honor Erin’s passion for life and her desire to help other children and teens. Since the first Camp Erin in 2002, the program has grown to 46 locations across the country.

In partnership with Providence Hospice, Camp Erin Portland was established in 2005 with seed money from The Eluna Network. Camp Erin is currently funded through donations to the Providence Willamette Falls Medical Foundation, the Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation, the Providence Portland Medical Foundation, and the Providence Children’s Health Foundation.