The Louis August Jonas Foundation
Camp Rising Sun
Overview of Camp Rising Sun
Camp Rising Sun is a four-week in-person summer program in upstate New York for high school students from around the world. It focuses on fostering leadership, self-discovery, and global understanding through shared experiences and challenges. Campers engage in activities like Teamworks, discussions on global issues, and outdoor adventures, all while living in a diverse community built on trust and respect. The program emphasizes servant leadership and encourages campers to step outside their comfort zones and make a positive impact.
📍Location
In-Person, New Bremen, NY, US🇺🇸
📅 Application deadlines
- Dec 31
Campers are expected to stay with an LAJF provided host family one to two days before camp starts and one or two days after camp ends. Alternatively, campers can make their own arrangements to arrive at the meeting point in New York City on the first day of camp.
💸 Costs & Aid
- Free
- Camp Rising Sun is a full scholarship program, meaning admitted campers pay no tuition. Need-based financial assistance for travel costs may be available, though funds are limited. Families are asked to consider a voluntary contribution based on their financial position.
Eligibility Requirements
📋 General Requirements
Applicants must be able to speak English fluently to understand safety instructions and maximize program benefits. Accepted applicants need to complete a full medical evaluation and provide proof of vaccination, including for COVID-19 (exemptions granted).
👥 Age Requirements
Applicants must be at least 15 years old when their camp session starts and cannot have turned 17 by the end of their camp session (date of birth between August 25th, 2008 and June 24th, 2010).
🌍 Eligible Countries
Worldwide
Application Process
Applications open on November 27th, 2024. The process includes submitting a completed application and one reference from a non-family adult (teacher, counselor, coach, etc.). Selected applicants will be invited for an interview. Admissions decisions are sent out starting in March, with registration required within a week of admission. International campers will need a valid passport and visa if applicable.
📅 Campers are expected to stay with an LAJF provided host family one to two days before camp starts and one or two days after camp ends. Alternatively, campers can make their own arrangements to arrive at the meeting point in New York City on the first day of camp.
Duration
4 weeks
Program Dates
Jun 24, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025
Application Deadlines
- Jan 7 — Ecuador
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Jan 15 — Israel, Netherlands
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Jan 22 — All other countries/regions
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 1 — South Africa, Greece, Spain, USA-Nebraska, USA-Nevada, USA-DC/Maryland
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 5 — USA-California
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 8 — Germany
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 9 — USA-New York, USA-New Jersey, USA-Connecticut
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 15 — Greenland, Finland, Hungary, Denmark, Norway, Latvia, USA-Colorado
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 23 — Palestine
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 28 — USA-Minnesota, Poland
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Mar 2 — France
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Mar 28 — South Korea
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Apr 13 — Japan
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Dec 31 — Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
📅 Campers are expected to stay with an LAJF provided host family one to two days before camp starts and one or two days after camp ends. Alternatively, campers can make their own arrangements to arrive at the meeting point in New York City on the first day of camp.
Duration
4 weeks
Program Dates
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025
Application Deadlines
- Jan 7 — Ecuador
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Jan 15 — Israel, Netherlands
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Jan 22 — All other countries/regions
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 1 — South Africa, Greece, Spain, USA-Nebraska, USA-Nevada, USA-DC/Maryland
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 5 — USA-California
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 8 — Germany
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 9 — USA-New York, USA-New Jersey, USA-Connecticut
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 15 — Greenland, Finland, Hungary, Denmark, Norway, Latvia, USA-Colorado
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 23 — Palestine
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Feb 28 — USA-Minnesota, Poland
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Mar 2 — France
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Mar 28 — South Korea
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Apr 13 — Japan
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.
- Dec 31 — Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan
Regional deadline
Application Fee: FreeFull scholarship program, no tuition fee.