When you support LAJF and Camp Rising Sun, change happens. The past year has reaffirmed just how important our work is, and with supporters like you, we can do anything. By making a gift to LAJF and CRS, you'll be making a difference in the lives of our alumni like Haadia. Please read her story and donate to LAJF and CRS this holiday season.
Building a social enterprise
Haadia K., CRS ‘18, Punjab, Pakistan
Haadia’s summer at Camp Rising Sun taught her how to be adaptable and to dive into new endeavors without fear. As all of our campers do, she spent one night camping alone in the woods. She had to build a fire on her own and when she was successful, it lit a fire of determination within her. This experience was an opportunity to step far outside of her comfort zone and discover what she is truly capable of. After that night, she was inspired to help other young people get outside of their comfort zones too.
When she returned home to Pakistan after CRS, she took these lessons and found a way to make an impact in her community. With her new fearless attitude and excitement to guide others, she developed a program for children with disabilities called Be A Friend. Be a Friend is an organization of volunteers who engage with participants through knowledge exchange, art, sports, and other activities. Haadia’s organization led a summer camp for blind children, and she was able to apply aspects of the teaching methodology from CRS to the camp curriculum she created.
Using the knowledge and confidence she gained from CRS, Haadia has built a successful social enterprise that allows people to connect with each other in authentic and meaningful ways. Her time at Camp Rising Sun has helped to inform her everyday actions and is helping to strengthen her community.