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Dear Emily,
We wrapped up the first session of Camp Rising Sun last week! We’re writing to share just a glimpse of the beauty, growth, and community the campers from the Boys/Non-Binary session created. The last week was a culmination of everything that’s been building over the month—a deep sense of connection, reflection, and joy.
One of the most powerful moments was Vigil Night, a core tradition that’s been part of Camp Rising Sun for 95 years. Each camper selected a spot in the forest during the day, cleared it, gathered wood and water, and prepared to spend the night alone with their fire and their thoughts. In silence, they walked into the woods at dusk, tended their fires, and wrote letters to their future selves. It was a night of introspection, stillness, and strength — and for many, it was the highlight of the summer.
We were deeply moved by the kindness, empathy, and compassion we witnessed—campers taking care of one another, encouraging each other, and laughing together. Their friendships deepened, and their confidence grew. They’ve come to know themselves—and each other—in profound and lasting ways.
Our days were filled with camper-led instructions—from art and music to languages, sports, and more. Many wanted to share their passions and skills before Camp ended, and it was beautiful to witness the generosity of peer-to-peer learning and the joy of giving and receiving.
We ended our four weeks together, with the Ghost Stone Council, our closing circle, where nearly every camper chose to speak. They shared stories, encouragement, and heartfelt gratitude for each other and this place—offering their words “unto the stars.”
The end of Camp always brings a mix of feelings, but what’s most clear is that something meaningful has taken root. We feel so grateful to have walked alongside this incredible group of young leaders this summer.
With warmth and gratitude,
Raven Joakims and Nick Basalyga Camp Rising Sun Co-Directors
"Heartfelt and dynamic": CRS Session I in Photos
What a way to start the summer season! Help us give a warm welcome to the campers from our Boys/Non-Binary session, who are now a part of our CRS global community. Check out the photo gallery from Session I on our blog!
This summer's first session of The Ethical Leadership Experience (TELE) was led by an inspiring group of participants from around the globe. Over the course of the program, participants engaged in interactive leadership discussions, creative projects, intensives led by guest presenters, and thoughtful explorations of global issues—from community storytelling to cultural heritage and the impact of conflict.
TELE’s innovative virtual format mirrors the adaptability of today's younger generations, who are eager to connect across borders and time zones. TELE continues to demonstrate how bringing together engaging tech tools, expert facilitation, and inspired participation can create a vibrant online camp environment.
The session closed with a strong sense of community, with campers forming lasting friendships through their screens, just as campers do in our in-person program.
We can’t wait to see how these participants continue to bring CRS values into their schools, neighborhoods, and communities around the world.
Big thank you to our TELE facilitators—Weronika Dwornik, Lilly O'Toole, and Autumn Rose—and our guest intensive presenters—Elizabeth Hudak, Emilia Laine, and Kuba Orlowski.
We invite you to join us for our 95th Anniversary Charitable Gala on Saturday, October 25th as we honor Bill Dubey and Helene Mattera for their decades of vision, care, and leadership. Help us celebrate their remarkable impact on Camp Rising Sun and the global community we’ve built together.
Bill Dubey(CRS 1940-1942; LAJF Executive Director 1977-1986)
Beloved former Executive Director, CRS alumnus, and lifelong champion of Camp Rising Sun. From his Navy service to his decades in business, education, and community leadership, Bill has carried CRS values wherever he goes.
Helene Mattera(CRS '97, '00-'01; LAJF Executive Director 2015-2025)
Helene’s journey from CRS camper to counselor, Director of Programs, and Executive Director has shaped generations of campers. Her unwavering dedication to building compassionate leaders around the world continues to inspire all who are part of the Camp Rising Sun community.
95th Anniversary Gala
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport
A Warm Hello from Executive Director, Barry Fulton
As a CRS '99-'00 alum, former Camp Director, and dedicated board member, Barry’s journey with CRS comes full circle in his new role as Executive Director. Hear more about what stepping back into the organization feels like from Barry in his own words:
For me, this role is far more than just a new job. It truly feels like coming home.
My journey with Camp Rising Sun started decades ago when I first stepped onto these magical grounds as a camper in 1999. Like so many, my summers at CRS changed the course of my life. They shaped how I see the world, how I lead, and the kind of person I aspire to be.
Over the years, I’ve had the joy and privilege of serving in various leadership roles here, as a Camp Director, as a board member, and now, returning in this new capacity. Each step has only deepened my love for our mission and my belief in its power...
As part of our ongoing commitment to honoring the people who make up our remarkable global community, we are introducing this space in our newsletter as a place to remember and celebrate the lives of alumni who have passed.
This section will serve as a place to reflect on their impact, share memories, and acknowledge the lasting light they brought to the CRS community. The warmth of their legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives they touched.
Richard "Rick" Charles Luis, September 4, 1945 ~ June 28, 2025
Rick was born on September 4, 1945 as the son of Carlos W. Luis & Lillian Barofsky Luis, who met & married while both were serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II - he as an officer on a minesweeper in the Pacific and she in the first class of WAVES stationed on Treasure Island, CA. When she became pregnant, she was discharged from the Navy and returned to live with her family in Elkton, MD, with Rick being born in a nearby DE hospital. His father was assigned to some clean-up in China after WWII and did not meet his son until Rick was over one year old.
When Rick was 15 years old he was selected to represent Minnesota at Camp Rising Sun, a summer camp in Upstate New York with campers from all around the world. It inspired him to take an international view of life, continue making friends from around the world and support the LAJF foundation enabling it.
Rick attended Yale University, where he was active in the student radio station until he graduated with a history major in 1967. He started at the University of Minnesota Law School until he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as an Atomic Demolitions specialist in Germany. After that, he held several jobs with the State of Minnesota before returning to the U of MN Law School and graduating in 1974.
He met his future wife, Juanita (Nita) Bolland at a party of State employees in April 1974, with him scheduled to graduate from Law School in June and her starting that Fall. They were married in August 1977. They had a wonderful Honeymoon in September 1977, as he introduced her to the wonders of Europe - and they've been traveling ever since to over 130 countries.
Read the full obituary for Rick Luis here, which includes information on memorial services. Please email our team at development@lajf.org if you have any questions. On behalf of Nita Luis, Rick's wife, gifts to LAJF in Rick's honor are always welcome.
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