Louis August Jonas Foundation Inc

“We do this by operating camp rising sun, our full-scholarship, summer leadership program for teenagers from more than 30 different countries and 15 u.s. States.”

“With a full-time staff of only 10 including one facilities manager, lajf relies heavily on volunteers to accomplish the complex business of operating our programs. We have documented board of directors volunteer time commitment and have roughly estimated the time spent by our other volunteers. The total volunteer hours for the year are 6,125.”

“Program continued lajf offers both in-person and virtual opportunities for young people to practice leadership skills, challenge themselves, and join a global network of ethical leaders. Participants from more than 30 countries lead and follow their peers and learn by doing in a safe, supportive space. Our highly interactive programs allow young people to explore issues of cultural identity, social justice and action, sustainability, the arts, science, and technology. Our flagship program, camp rising sun crs, is an in-person experience held each summer in upstate new york where young people lead. Typically, there are two 4-week camp sessions - one for approximately 65 boys and non-binary youths, and the other for approximately 65 girls and non-binary youths. Selection is highly competitive and is based on intellect demonstrated academic achievement and an ability to think critically, character honesty, compassion, integrity, leadership potential self-confidence, openness and fairness in dealing with others, and individuality developed abilities and interests. A special focus of the camp experience is the nurturing of ethical leadership skills. The ethical leadership experience tele is a virtual, two-week summer program. Two tele sessions are offered each summer with a total of approximately 100 campers participating in the programs. Tele provides a space for discussion and learning surrounding the crs mission and values. While this program does not aim to substitute for the traditional in-person program, the program shares many well-loved aspects of camp, including instructions, leadership roles, and a focus on curriculum that reflects the crs pedagogy of reflection and experiential learning. Campers attend rising sun programs for only one or two summers. Although, many campers return to crs to work as counselors. The crs program is meant to serve as a watershed in the development of an individuals identity. Its success lies in encouraging in each camper the fullest realization of their intellectual, cultural artistic, musical, and literary, humanistic and ethical capabilities. In the shorter term, through the camp experience, campers can develop new self-awareness, increased self-confidence, and enhanced perceptions and understanding of the world around them. Many campers do not feel the full impact of the program until well after the end of the camp season. After camp rising sun has ended, alumni continue to develop their leadership skills through serving on camper selection and board committees and alumni associations. The camp rising sun alumni community is vibrant, with a worldwide network that hosts numerous regional gatherings each year. The foundation awards scholarships to support alumni pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees through the george e. Jonas scholarship program and, in 2015, started to offer fellowship positions in a variety of areas related to non-profit management and program development. With the one exception noted below, there is no tuition associated with participation in the crss overnight camp. Teens ages 15 - 16 are selected to participate in our camp program independently of financial means. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded full scholarships to over 6,600 students representing 30 countries and 15 states. Legacy campers -- the children and grandchildren of crs alumni -- pay tuition to attend crs. Approximately 5-10 legacy campers attend crs each session. Campers who participate in crs virtual programming are also charged tuition, but eligible virtual campers may receive full scholarships or tuition assistance. The mission of the foundation is supported through annual withdrawals from the portfolio and solicitation of contributions from alumni, parents of alumni, and other outside sources.”