Youth and family Support
As Minnesota’s leading experts in youth grief care, Brighter Days Family Grief Center strengthened its impact through two major acquisitions from Minnesota’s most established health systems. In 2020, we acquired M Health Fairview’s Youth Grief Services, a trusted 20‑year program known for its Family Grief Support Series and Camp Erin, a nationally renowned bereavement camp for youth and families. In 2025, we expanded our reach again by acquiring Park Nicollet’s Growing Through Grief, bringing expert grief training and support services to students, educators, and districts across the state.
These programs, combined with our no-cost grief counseling, support groups, and family‑friendly events, reflect the full breadth of our dedicated advocacy for grieving youth. Our comprehensive approach supports not only children and teens, but also the parents and caregivers who walk alongside them, ensuring the entire family receives compassionate guidance, education, and tools to navigate their grief.
Connection remains central to our model of care. When young people meet others who have experienced a similar loss, and when their caregivers feel supported and informed, the isolation of grief begins to lift, creating space for understanding, comfort, and HOPE.
Family Grief Support Series
Our no-cost Family Grief Support Series is offered quarterly for families who have experienced the death of a loved one. Offered since 2020, this series is an evidence-based and trauma-informed program led by our master level grief counselors, staff, and professionally trained volunteers. The first week starts with a beautiful welcoming ceremony for the family and the last week ends with a meaningful closing ceremony, both providing the opportunity for connection and healing. Activities are hands-on and age appropriate, and each week focuses on specific content. Our Family Series has in-person and virtual options to accommodate as many families as possible.
Register for Spring Series HERE.
Camp Erin® - minnesota
Brighter Days is proud to be a partner of the Eluna Network and will offer Camp Erin® bereavement camps up to three times per year. Led by our master-level grief counselors, experienced staff, and professionally trained volunteers, both Youth and Family Camp options give parents/caregivers an opportunity to choose what is the best fit for their family. Camp activities embed grief support and education in fun yet instructive ways that creates an atmosphere to facilitate safe expression of grief both physically and emotionally. Lasting friendships develop out of the camp experience creating an extended support community. Visit our Camp page for more details.
Watch our Camp Erin-Minnesota video below!
Activities and Special Events
Whether it is through our partners or one of our special events, we are committed to providing healthy and positive engagement for the children and families of Brighter Days Family Grief Center. Aside from grief support, camps and retreats, we will continue to provide virtual and in-person activities and events to remind children that they are not alone. Keep an eye out for events like our Run/Walk to Remember, Family Mini-Camp Days, tickets to sporting events, craft making, wellness workshops, and holiday themed memorial events. All created with the intention to connect children and families to each other.
children's grief awareness day
Brighter Days is proud to be the catalyst in bringing Children’s Grief Awareness Day to the state of Minnesota. Please visit our page HERE to learn more about our efforts and read the proclamation signed by our Governor. Whether we are educating schools, organizations, or families, we will continue to advocate on behalf of all grieving children and families to create a more compassionate society. If you would like to place a complimentary yard sign at your home or place of business, please contact us at info@bdgc.us
