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Dear LAJF Community,
September always brings a bittersweet energy to the campgrounds. Our 203 campers (from both CRS and TELE – our largest cohort ever!) have returned to their regular lives, yet the spirit of the summer lingers in their stories, their laughter, and the friendships they carry back into the world. Here at LAJF, we shift from the rhythm of campfires, instructions, and projects to the work of building for the future. For us, the quiet after Camp is not an ending but a beginning. It’s the moment when reflection turns into action, when we take the lessons of the summer and channel them into how we can move forward.
This year, that future feels especially bright. In the months ahead, we will embark on a strategic planning process to chart the course for the next chapter of CRS, TELE and LAJF. Together, we will ask bold questions about how we can expand our impact, strengthen our community, and ensure that Freddie’s vision of ethical, compassionate leadership continues to thrive for the next generation.
Before we look forward, though, we will pause to celebrate all that has brought us here. In just a few short weeks, from October 24-26th, our community will gather for the 95th Anniversary Reunion and Gala, a celebration of community, leadership and legacy.
The Reunion schedule is shaping up beautifully: thought-provoking Instructions, meaningful opportunities for connection and introspection, and of course, time to simply enjoy each other’s company over good food in the unforgettable setting of the TWA Hotel. Then, we’ll step into the Gala itself, an evening to honor our past, celebrate our present, and look boldly toward the future. I hope you’ll join us. Please reserve your seat using this link: lajf.org/crs95.
And before all of this, we have two opportunities for even more connection. On September 28th, tri-state area alums can join us for the annual New York Alumni Association Picnic in Central Park. The picnic is always a perfect kickoff to the season, with good food and friends, old and new. Then, October5th brings with it one of my favorite new traditions, our Global Alumni Assembly during which we invite you to hear directly from the extraordinary 2025 campers. Their voices are the truest reminder of why CRS and TELE exist. In their honor, I invite you to consider making a gift hereto help us meet our fundraising goals for this year and to ensure that the same light they carry forward will continue to shine for future generations.
Finally, as I look beyond October, my goal is to host small regional alumni gatherings. These will be opportunities to informally connect with me and other alumni. If you would be interested in helping me to host an event in your city or town, I would love to hear from you.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. Together, we are not just celebrating 95 years, we are writing the next chapter of a story built on resilience, vision, and hope. I hope you will join us at one or all of our upcoming events, not only to honor where we’ve been, but to stand with us as we imagine what’s next for Freddie’s vision.
We’re just one month away from the CRS 95th Anniversary Reunion Weekend and Charitable Gala—a unique opportunity to celebrate the thousands of lives impacted by Camp Rising Sun over the past 95 years.
This special evening will honor two pillars of our community—Bill Dubey and Helene Mattera—for their decades of heart, leadership, and service to LAJF and CRS. The gala will be hosted by comedian Shannon Hedvat, and will feature inspiring speakers from across our global community.
Join us to reflect on our shared legacy and raise vital support to ensure the next 95 years of Camp Rising Sun. Your presence and generosity will help us continue offering this transformative experience to future generations of campers from around the world.
Let’s come together to honor the past, fuel the future, and celebrate all that LAJF makes possible.
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Reunion Weekend | Friday, October 24 - Sunday October 26
Join the Camp Rising Sun New York Alumni Association in Central Park this Sunday, September 28th for a day of community and connection with fellow alums! Come enjoy the beautiful fall weather with us.
You're invited to our special virtual Annual Global Alumni Assembly on Sunday, October 5th—a gathering to hear first hand from our 2025 Camp Rising Sun and TELE participants. Whether you're tuning in from near or far, the theme is all about connection—celebrating the incredible spirit of Camp and the people who make it unforgettable.
Campers from the 2025 season will highlight their favorite moments at Camp, the impact the program had on them, and how they plan to stay connected and take the lessons from CRS and TELE forward in their own communities.
At the 95th Anniversary Gala, we’ll be honoring members of our community who are no longer with us through a special In Memoriam tribute. If you’d like to recognize someone, please submit their name and photo via this Google form. Email our team at celebration95@lajf.org if you have any questions.
At CRS, friendships cross borders and last a lifetime. In this video, campers from the Netherlands and Germany share their journey of becoming close friends: how they met, what they learned from each other's cultures, and their advice for future CRS participants on building meaningful connections.
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