MARTINSBURG, W.VA. — For many West Virginia children, grief arrives far earlier than most people imagine.
About one in seven children in the Mountain State will experience the death of a parent or sibling before reaching adulthood—the second-highest rate in the nation. Behind that statistic are thousands of young people navigating profound loss while trying to keep up with school, friendships, and the ordinary challenges of growing up.
Yet grief in children often goes unnoticed. While adults may expect sadness and tears, children frequently express grief in other ways. They may become withdrawn, struggle in school, grow anxious, have difficulty concentrating, or even act out in ways that mask the pain they are carrying.
Mental health professionals say having opportunities to process that grief alongside peers who have experienced similar losses can make a lasting difference.
Childhood Grief Is More Common Than Many Realize
This fall, West Virginia families will have access to a new resource designed specifically for that purpose.
Blue Ridge Care has announced the launch of Camp Erin West Virginia, the state’s first program in the national Camp Erin network. The free, one-day camp will be held Sept. 12 in Martinsburg for children and teens ages 6 to 17 who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives.
The program combines traditional camp activities with guided grief support led by licensed professionals and trained volunteers. Through games, creative activities, small-group discussions, and time outdoors, participants are encouraged to understand their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and connect with others who understand what they are experiencing.
“Grief can feel isolating for children and teens,” said Tina Thomas, Camp Erin director for Blue Ridge Care’s Center for Hope & Healing. “Camp Erin creates a safe, welcoming space where youth can connect with others who understand, learn healthy ways to cope, and experience moments of joy alongside their grief.”
Why West Virginia Families Face Unique Challenges
The need is especially acute in West Virginia. The state’s high rates of chronic disease, workplace fatalities, traffic crashes, and substance-related deaths have left many children mourning parents, siblings, grandparents, and other close family members. Although overdose deaths have declined significantly in recent years, the emotional impact of losses experienced over the past decade continues to affect families across the state.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Virginia has long recorded one of the nation’s highest overdose death rates, contributing to the number of children growing up after the loss of a parent or caregiver.
“Too often, children and teens are navigating profound loss without consistent access to support,” said Jason Parsons, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Care. “Camp Erin helps close that gap, especially in rural West Virginia, by offering free, structured, and community-centered grief care.”
Helping Children Heal Through Shared Experiences
While the camp is being hosted in Martinsburg, organizers hope to serve families from throughout the region and raise awareness that childhood grief deserves the same attention as physical health.
Experts say one of the most important things adults can do is recognize that children do not simply “get over” the death of someone they love. Their understanding of loss changes as they mature, meaning grief often resurfaces at different stages of life. Supportive adults, honest conversations, and opportunities to connect with peers can all help young people build resilience while honoring the memory of those they have lost.
Camp Erin is part of Eluna’s national network of free bereavement camps serving children and families across the United States and Canada. Blue Ridge Care was selected as West Virginia’s first partner organization to offer the program.
How to Apply for Camp Erin West Virginia
Participation is free, but advance registration is required. Applications are due Aug. 1 for the Sept. 12 camp.
Families interested in learning more or applying may visit BlueRidgeCare.org/CampErin or contact Blue Ridge Care’s Center for Hope & Healing at (540) 313-9275 or GriefSupport@BlueRidgeCare.org.