Applications are open for the Camp Rising Sun Summer Program 2025. Camp Rising Sun is a full-scholarship, summer leadership program for teenagers from more than 30 different countries and 10 U.S. states. Each summer, 60 young men and 60 young women practice leadership skills in a supportive community of peers and counselors.

At the Camp Rising Sun, young people practice compassionate leadership skills, learn from each other, and build community. You’ll return home with a better understanding of yourself, the world, and how you can make change in your own community. CRS is four-weeks long and there are two sessions—one in July and one in August.

The mission of the Louis August Jonas Foundation (LAJF) is to develop in promising young people from around the world a lifelong commitment to compassionate and responsible leadership for the betterment of their communities and the world.

Scholarship

• Camp Rising Sun is a full scholarship program. Admitted campers pay no tuition to attend the 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. 

Eligibility

• 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 (your date of birth should be between August 25, 2008 and June 24, 2010).
• 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. 
• 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.

Application

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

• A completed 2025 CRS application.
• 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.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Camp Rising Sun Summer Program.