Second year applications for the 2025 season are now closed
Each year, we welcome back a handful of individuals from the previous season as second year participants (2YC) at both Camp Rising Sun and The Ethical Leadership Experience (TELE). As a second year camper, you will remain first and foremost a participant, but you will have distinct leadership responsibilities and will be looked to as role models from the first days of your program. 2YCs receive training from staff members to prepare you for your new role as mentors.
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We welcome campers of all gender identities and we invite you to apply to whatever session you would feel most comfortable in.
Camp Rising Sun
Boys and Non-Binary Session: June 24th - July 22nd, 2025
Second year training starts June 22nd, 2025
Girls and Non-Binary Session: July 28th - August 25th, 2025
Second year training starts July 26th, 2025
The Ethical Leadership Experience
Session 1: June 30th - July 11th, 2025
Session 2: July 21st - August 4th, 2025
Second year training dates will be planned for a time convenient for all second years. Expect 2-3 meetings before July as part of the training.
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In a single application you will be able to apply to both CRS and The Ethical Leadership Experience, or one of the two. Please ensure you apply by the correct deadline.
There may be an interview as part of the second year selection process.
For Camp Rising Sun applications, we expect to share our admissions decisions by February 5th, 2025.
For The Ethical Leadership Experience applications, we expect to share our admissions decision by the same date.
You could be invited to be a second year in one or both of our programs.
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Applications to be a second-year camper at CRS or in TELE are due on January 15th, 2025.
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You must be able to attend the full season for which you are applying, including second year training.
You can apply to be a second year camper at CRS 2025 or at TELE 2025 if you attended either CRS 2024 or TELE 2024. This means that TELE ‘24 participants can be 2YC at CRS '25, and that CRS '24 can be 2YC at TELE '25.
For Camp Rising Sun only: International campers will require a valid passport and visa (if required), Campers living in the United States do not need a passport to apply, register, or attend the program. . Campers 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 may be granted in some cases.
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You will have to fill out an application form. No references are required.
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Camp Rising Sun is a full scholarship program. Admitted campers pay no tuition to attend our program. When families or local alumni associations cannot afford travel costs to and from camp, LAJF will provide need-based financial assistance to cover travel costs. If you are accepted as a second-year camper, you will be asked to fill out a donation equity worksheet which will help you to get a sense of what might be a reasonable contribution based on your financial position relative to our global community.
The fee for The Ethical Leadership Experience will be announced shortly. We offer generous scholarships (partial and full) and no selected candidate will be turned away for financial reasons.
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As a second year camper, you will remain first and foremost a participant, but you will have distinct leadership responsibilities and will be looked to as role models from the first days of your program. 2YCs receive training from staff members to prepare you for your new role as mentors.
It is central to the leadership of 2YCs to model productive and thoughtful behavior in alignment with the program values and to also be aware of how and when to step back in different situations, making it possible for first years to gain valuable leadership experiences and shape the trajectory of the season.
Throughout the program, 2YCs continue to develop their mentorship skills and are continuously looked to for advice and support. Based on their experience with CRS, 2YCs provide support by:
Checking in with youth leaders on logistical questions about planning activities.
Answering questions related to peers’ social adjustment to the international program setting
Passing down traditions from past seasons
Because of your unique duality as participants and mentors, 2YCs collaborate closely with staff to identify the unique needs of their peers and play a critical role in the development of a cohesive group identity.
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We will be hosting an info session for 2024 participants who are interested in being second years. Date to be announced.
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Get in touch with us with any questions or to just let us know how you are doing since summer 2024! Please email Jackson at jschneider@lajf.org.
