Emily Barnard
A Closer Look at Summer Staff Training 2026

We have an incredible team of summer staff who build the foundation for the life-changing experiences our campers have each year! For two weeks before the season starts, the team goes through a Staff Training that deepens their understanding of Camp and lays the groundwork for the weeks to come. Click to learn more and see a photo gallery from the training.

A Closer Look at Summer Staff Training 2026
Emily Barnard
Announcing Our New Director of Programs: Jenn ...

Announcing our new Director of Programs, Jenn Zanger! Read on for a welcome letter from our Executive Director, Barry Fulton, and from Jenn herself.

Emily Barnard
"Courage is Contagious" — A Letter from CRS ...

“Camp Rising Sun, with its more than 95-year legacy, is built on courage. It takes courage to set up a place that receives 120 campers from all over the world every year on a need-blind scholarship. It takes courage for every camper, from 1930 to 2026, to pack their bags and leave their home for the unknown. It takes courage to invite hope and profound sense of purpose into one’s heart, and to open up in a multicultural community. It takes courage to work through conflict when it occurs, and to grow exponentially as a young leader.” Click to read the full letter from CRS Camp Director, Sonia Wargacka.

"Courage is Contagious" — A Letter from CRS Camp Director, Sonia Wargacka
Emily Barnard
LAJF Pride Event 2026: For All of Us

What an incredible event celebrating Pride with the LAJF community! Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to making this gathering such a huge success. Please click to see a photo gallery from the event.

LAJF Pride Event 2026: For All of Us
Emily Barnard
A Farewell Letter from Elyem

Please click to read a letter of farewell from LAJF’s Director of Programs, Elyem Chej.

A Farewell Letter from Elyem

CRS alumnus recognized for dedication to supporting students as a high school principal

CRS alumnus recognized for dedication to supporting students as a high school principal

CRS alumnus Carl Manalo (‘95 ‘96 ‘11), has been featured in several articles describing how he creates a culture of caring at his school. "CRS and LAJF are probably the reasons why I’m in the field of Education, working with this age group. My experiences at CRS are key to my educational philosophy."

The College Network

The College Network

Read about LAJF’s newest initiative The Camp Rising Sun College Student Network (CRS CSN). The CRS CSN brings together alumni who are currently applying for, enrolled in, interested in, or knowledgeable about the U.S. College system. It is a place for sharing experiences in the admissions process, financial aid, study habits, choice of studies, career opportunities and everything else college related.

CRS Alumni Directory

LOUIS AUGUST JONAS FOUNDATION
6 RISING SUN LANE
RHINEBECK, NY, 12572, UNITED STATES
+1 (212) 686-1930
CONTACT@LAJF.ORG

The Louis August Jonas Foundation (LAJF) and Camp Rising Sun (CRS) have a long-held commitment to the principles of diversity, stemming from our mission. In that spirit, LAJF and CRS do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, nation of origin, gender, sex, or gender identity.