The Louis August Jonas Foundation

• Attend an information session (optional).

• Submit your complete application by the deadline for your region. (See deadline section below.)

• Applicants selected for the interview phase will be invited to an interview by the selection committee of their region. Expect this invitation between January 15th and March 1st.

• Prepare for your interview, relax, and be ready to talk about yourself, your passions, and why you are interested in attending Camp Rising Sun.

• Interviews will take place between January and March. Specific dates will depend on our selection committee.

• LAJF will begin to send out admissions decisions (admitted, waitlisted, rejected) in March. The exact date depends on where you are applying from.

• We will host an admitted students and families information session (date TBD) with recent campers and their families.

• If you are admitted, you must register to confirm your place within a week of being admitted.

• We will accept candidates from the waitlist starting in April.

• Your selection committee will be available to offer you support before and after the program.

2027 deadlines to be determined.

• You can apply from anywhere in the world.

• You should be at least 15 years old when your camp session starts and you cannot have turned 17 by the end of your camp session.

• You must be available for the whole four-week in-person session in upstate New York. 

• You must be able to speak English. English is essential for understanding safety instructions and for maximizing the benefits of the CRS experience.

• Children or grandchildren of any previous Camp Rising Sun alumni interested in participating in CRS must apply as legacy campers. Please follow this link.  

• International campers will require a valid passport and visa (if applicable). Campers living in the United States do not need a passport to apply, register, or attend the program. 

• Accepted applicants must complete a full medical (physical and mental health) evaluation prior to arrival and provide proof of vaccination, including being fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  Exemptions will be granted.

You will have to submit the following materials by the application deadline for your region.

1) A completed CRS application.

2) One (1) reference. This reference should be an adult who knows you well (teacher, guidance counselor, principal, a coach, club leader, religious adviser, or scoutmaster, etc.) References must be adults who are not members of your family.

The references are due by the application deadline for your region.

Campers of all gender identities are welcome and encouraged to submit an application for whichever session would be most comfortable for them to attend.

Please note campers are expected to stay with an LAJF provided host family one to two days before camp starts. You can also make your own arrangements to arrive at the meeting point in New York City on the first day of camp.

Girls and Non-Binary Session: June 28th - July 25th, 2026

Boys and Non-Binary Session: July 31st - August 27th, 2026

Camp Rising Sun is a full scholarship program. Admitted campers pay no tuition to attend our program. When families or local alumni associations cannot afford travel costs to and from camp, LAJF has some funds to provide need-based financial assistance to cover travel costs. These funds are limited. 

Please check out our frequently asked questions sections here: lajf.org/programs-faq

LAJF will host information sessions during the application cycle. Fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

We’d love to see you!

Local selection committees will also host information sessions. Please check with them to find dates and locations.