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The Louis August Jonas Foundation

About Us
Our Mission and History
Our Staff
Board of Directors
Financial Reports
Strategic Plan
Contact Us
Work With Us
Programs
Our Programs
Camp Rising Sun
The Ethical Leadership Experience
Curriculum
Apply
Apply
Apply to be a Second Year
Legacy Campers at CRS
Summer Staff
Frequently Asked Questions
Alumni
Get Involved
Our Global Community
CRS Alumni Directory
Alumni Networks
Alumni Scholarships
Alumni Opportunities
Alumni Publications
Events
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Media
Blog
Podcast
Newsletter
Why Give
Give to Summer 2026
Why Give?
Ways to Give
CRS Sustainers
Planned Giving
Matching Gifts
Donate
June 24, 2026
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
June 24, 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.

June 24, 2026
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
June 17, 2026
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
May 12, 2026
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
Emily Barnard
June 25, 2024

CRS Staff Training 2024 Recap

Emily Barnard
June 25, 2024
CRS Staff Training 2024 Recap

These past few weeks have been nothing short of transformative as Summer Staff have prepared diligently to welcome 120+ young people to an incredible summer. Click to read more about our staff training!

Emily Barnard
June 21, 2024

CRS Summer Reception 2024

Emily Barnard
June 21, 2024
CRS Summer Reception 2024

Thank you to all of our friends and neighbors who helped us kick off Summer at our inaugural Summer Reception! Click to view a photo gallery from the June 15th event.

Emily Barnard
May 20, 2024

Alumni Weekend 2024

Emily Barnard
May 20, 2024
Alumni Weekend 2024

What an incredible Alumni Weekend of Community + Connection at Camp Rising Sun! Thank you to everyone who traveled back to CRS to join us. Click for photos!

Emily Barnard
May 17, 2024

Homestays 2024—Host a Camper!

Emily Barnard
May 17, 2024
Homestays 2024—Host a Camper!

Support CRS this summer by hosting a 2024 camper for a homestay before the sessions begin! Click to read more and contact us if you are interested!

Emily Barnard
March 18, 2024

Winter Camp Day 2024 - A Sweet Day at CRS

Emily Barnard
March 18, 2024
Winter Camp Day 2024 - A Sweet Day at CRS

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a super sweet, maple-syrup filled day at Camp Rising Sun over the weekend! Click for photos from this year’s Winter Camp Day.

Emily Barnard
September 6, 2023

We Are All Connected - Vidita's CRS 2023 Story

Emily Barnard
September 6, 2023
We Are All Connected - Vidita's CRS 2023 Story

One of our program goals is to bridge the gap between people across cultural barriers. CRS camper Vidita learned a powerful lesson that reflects the impact of creating a feeling of interconnectedness between people.

Emily Barnard
September 6, 2023

A Place to be Genuine and Open - Aiden's CRS 2023 Story

Emily Barnard
September 6, 2023
A Place to be Genuine and Open - Aiden's CRS 2023 Story

Our hope is that campers will carry forward the lessons they learn while they are here. Aiden realized that our process of growing takes time— it doesn’t just happen overnight. It is continuous, and like a seed that we plant, it is something we will continue to nurture.

Emily Barnard
August 30, 2023

Facing My Fears - Diyora's TELE 2023 Story

Emily Barnard
August 30, 2023
Facing My Fears - Diyora's TELE 2023 Story

Before attending Camp Rising Sun’s virtual program, Diyora wanted to find a way to help develop her confidence. She was looking forward to learn new skills and to have an outlet for her newfound interests in philosophy and economics.

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Featured
A Closer Look at Summer Staff Training 2026
June 24, 2026
A Closer Look at Summer Staff Training 2026
June 24, 2026
June 24, 2026
Welcome Jenn Zanger-1.png
June 24, 2026
Announcing Our New Director of Programs: Jenn Zanger
June 24, 2026
June 24, 2026
"Courage is Contagious" — A Letter from CRS Camp Director, Sonia Wargacka
June 24, 2026
"Courage is Contagious" — A Letter from CRS Camp Director, Sonia Wargacka
June 24, 2026
June 24, 2026
LAJF Pride Event 2026: For All of Us
June 17, 2026
LAJF Pride Event 2026: For All of Us
June 17, 2026
June 17, 2026
A Farewell Letter from Elyem
May 12, 2026
A Farewell Letter from Elyem
May 12, 2026
May 12, 2026
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. 

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Louis August Jonas Foundation, 6 Rising Sun Lane, Rhinebeck, NY, 12572, United States(212) 686-1930contact@lajf.org