History of Camp Rising Sun (New York) in Timeline

Camp Rising Sun, operated by the Louis August Jonas Foundation (LAJF), is an international, full-scholarship leadership program for 14-16 year olds. Founded by George E. Jonas, the seven-week summer program takes place in Red Hook and Clinton, New York. Participants are selected based on merit from around the world. Instead of tuition, campers are encouraged to share their acquired knowledge and benefits with others.

1929: Camp Rising Sun Founded

In 1929, following the stock market crash, philanthropist George E. Jonas founded Camp Rising Sun (CRS) on 176 acres in Upstate New York. His aim was to cultivate promising young individuals from diverse backgrounds, instilling in them a lifelong dedication to sensitive and responsible leadership for the betterment of their communities and the world.

1947: Integration of African American Youth

In 1947, Camp Rising Sun expanded its program to include international youth, and notably, the first two African American boys were invited to attend, marking a step towards diversity and inclusion.

1978: Death of George E. Jonas

George E. Jonas, the founder of Camp Rising Sun, remained closely associated with the program until his death in 1978.

1989: Establishment of Girls' Program

In 1989, Camp Rising Sun established a dedicated program specifically for girls, expanding its reach and impact to young women.

1996: Founding of Camp Rising Sun Europe

In 1996, a group of Danish and other European alumni established Camp Rising Sun Europe specifically for young women. The George E. Jonas Foundation and the Camp Rising Sun Alumni Association of Denmark organized and maintained the program, locating it in Stendis, Region Midtjylland, Denmark.

2007: Start of Worldwide Financial Crisis

The worldwide financial crisis began in 2007, eventually impacting the Camp Rising Sun program.

2009: Camp Program Cancelled in the US

Due to the worldwide financial crisis, the Camp Rising Sun program in the United States was cancelled in 2009.

2010: European Program Cancelled

In 2010, the European program of Camp Rising Sun was cancelled due to the ongoing worldwide financial crisis.

September 10, 2014: LAJF Board Outlines Need for Increased Endowment

On September 10, 2014, the Louis August Jonas Foundation (LAJF) Board outlined its need for a $10 million predicted increase in its endowment to meet current and future needs.

September 2014: LAJF Summit Presentation

In September 2014, the LAJF Board made available on its website a presentation from a summit, providing additional details regarding the need for an increased endowment.

October 3, 2014: Announcement of "New Dawn for Rising Sun" Program

On October 3, 2014, as part of its “New Dawn for Rising Sun” program, the LAJF board unanimously voted to put up for sale both the Red Hook and Clinton campuses to improve the fiscal health of the organization. They also announced plans to secure a new site for an undisclosed new program(s).

October 20, 2014: Postponement of Red Hook Campus Sale

On October 20, 2014, the LAJF Board announced that the sale of the Red Hook campus was to be postponed for six months. They committed to engaging more with CRS alumni, including providing electronic Town Hall meetings and other increased communications on its New Dawn plan.

2015: Consolidated Camp Season at Clinton Campus

In 2015, the LAJF Board announced that the camp season would consist of two 4-week sessions each for boys and girls, both taking place at the Clinton campus, alongside a new $4 million fundraising campaign.

2015: Consideration of Reopening Red Hook Campus

In mid-2015, the LAJF Board agreed to consider reopening the Red Hook campus if alumni raised $550,000 by early September. While the alumni successfully raised the funds, a subsequent survey revealed that septic system repairs would exceed the amount raised, leading Camp Rising Sun to run its summer program from the Clinton campus, alternating Boys and Girls sessions.

2018: Change in Leadership Terminology

In 2018, campers at Camp Rising Sun decided to discontinue the use of the term "sachem" for the camper in charge, deeming it an unjust appropriation from Native American culture. They replaced it with "Leader(s) of the Day".