If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online.
Dear Ryan,
There’s excitement in the air here at LAJF—we’re thrilled to announce that applications for the 2025 summer season will soon be open! Each year, the prospect of welcoming a new cohort of incredible young leaders fills us with hope and anticipation.
Behind the scenes, our team is busy with preparations. From revisiting past programs to brainstorming new ideas, we’re always in motion, ensuring that each CRS and TELE season builds on the legacy of those before it.
We continue to work with our network of more than 40 selection teams across the world who are getting ready to review camper applications, conduct interviews, and offer support to applicants. We can’t wait to receive applications from the prospective campers whose unique talents and perspectives will shape the 2025 sessions.
This past summer, our CRS and TELE campers impressed us with their thoughtful leadership, creativity, and compassion. Their dedication to making an impact in their communities left us feeling optimistic for what’s to come. They’ve joined a growing network of engaged and forward-thinking young alumni, and we’re eager to see how next summer’s campers will carry this torch forward.
Our community continues to thrive because of your support and enthusiasm. Thank you for being part of this journey—we look forward to sharing more updates as we gear up for another unforgettable summer.
Sincerely,
Elyem Chej, Director of Programs
2025 APPLICATIONS OPEN TOMORROW!
It's almost go-time for the 2025 season! Applications for Camp Rising Sun and The Ethical Leadership Experience (TELE) open tomorrow, November 27th.
Here's what YOU can do to support the launch for next summer:
SHARE this news with the young people in your life. Do you know a young leader who would be perfect for CRS or TELE? Send them the link to apply.
APPLYto be a second year camper. If you already participated this past year, you might qualify to be able to apply for a second year at CRS or TELE.
SPREAD THE WORD about CRSwith schools, organizations, and more. If you believe in the transformative power of Camp, please share widely with your networks and local communities. Reach out to us at alumni@lajf.org if you would like to help us and we can share materials and resources with you.
On November 16th, over 50 CRS alums from across the globe reunited for a Global Alumni Assembly! Campers from the 2024 Camp Rising Sun and TELE seasons shared their stories and experiences. These gatherings grow the strength of our community. We get to reunite with friends and meet other people who have shared in the CRS or TELE experience.
"One of my favorite parts about The Ethical Leadership Experience was the people I met. Despite coming from different parts of the world, with some of us speaking different languages or living in different timezones, we all came together to form one unified community. I am so grateful to have met some of the kindest and brightest people at TELE...TELE really gifted me the opportunity to hear other people's stories and to also share my own." - Roshan D., TELE '24
Working for Camp Rising Sun or TELE is more than just a job–it's a journey of cultural exchange, personal growth, and unforgettable memories.
If you or someone you know is passionate about leadership development, working with young change-makers, arts & culture, nature exploration, and more—please consider applying or sharing this opportunity! Watch the video below to hear from CRS counselors on what they learned by working with us.
We would like to take this time to recognize and honor the inspiring Camp Rising Sun alumni who have passed this year.
We are grateful for the contributions they made to CRS and our community during their summers at Camp and beyond. Each stayed active and engaged with CRS—joining as staff members, serving as Camp Directors and board members, and continuing to live out the values of Camp. We have all been impacted by the legacy of their leadership at LAJF. Their generation shaped the program we know today. Each one of these alums have made legacy gifts to the organization, meaning their generosity lives on and will continue to support the future of LAJF and Camp Rising Sun. It is now the next generation's opportunity to carry on and be leaders.
Please join us in remembering(click the links for obituary):
"He received a scholarship to attend Camp Rising Sun in Rhinebeck, New York, where he loved living with teens from around the world, learning about community service and outdoor leadership skills, as well as foreign languages and folk songs, and building friendships with his easygoing and accepting personality. Irwin was active on the Board of Camp Rising Sun throughout his life, giving back as one of the original alum by raising money, recruiting new campers, and volunteering as the Camp’s doctor."
- An excerpt from Irwin Nydick's obituary
UPCOMING EVENTS
Save the Date! NYC LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Social Event:
Join us for a relaxed gathering in an LGBTQIA+ friendly space in New York City to connect, brainstorm, and build our amazing CRS LGBTQIA+ community. We will meet on either Saturday, January 18th (5-8pm) or Sunday, January 19th (4-7pm). Final date and time to be decided and shared soon.
Join us for Happy Hour at Célon Bar & Lounge in New York City, starting at 6pm on February 17, 2025! More details to come.
GIVING TUESDAY IN ONE WEEK! 🗓
Join us for Giving Tuesday in one week on December 3rd!
Our goal this year is to grow our community of CRS Sustainers—our dedicated donors who give monthly or annually!
When you automate your giving by setting up a recurring gift—any amount helps, even $5/month!—you not only ensure LAJF and Camp Rising Sun are supported consistently year-round, butyou also allow our team the time and capacity tofocus even more energy on developing our programs.
"I had a really impactful experience at Camp Rising Sun and the reason I started donating monthly was because I know how helpful it is for nonprofits like LAJF to be able to point to the number of alumni that donate as a way of indicating that this is a meaningful program. If LAJF has a solid percentage of alumni that are regular donors, it shows to the broader community how much alumni value this program." - Evan Schwartz, CRS Sustainer, CRS '05-'07, '24
.png)
