Camp Rising Sun is proud to introduce our Second Year Campers for 2019. Read about the role of a second year and get to know some of our returning leaders. Each summer, a handful of campers are selected to return to CRS for a second year, where they work with the CRS Staff to set the tone for an unforgettable summer experience for the first-year campers. This week, you’ll have the opportunity to meet six and stay tuned to next Friday to meet more of our second year campers.

Second-year campers serve in a variety of capacities, including as an older sibling-like figure, providing guidance to the first years, teaching a variety of CRS traditions, including songs, the traditions of Council, and more.They role model the Rising Sun philosophies of our program and set the tone for a healthy community. Second-years are and remain campers with the distinction being that they are looked to as role models from the first days of camp. To help them step into this new role at Camp, second-years arrive to Camp for a few days of training with staff members before the arrival of the first year campers. Theirs is a great responsibility and many feel it is an honor to serve in this capacity. We thank them in advance for their leadership to our community.

David (Colombia)

Hi I'm David, and I'm from Bogotá, Colombia. I love law and international affairs. I hope we will create a great environment for all! I want this new Camp experience to be fulfilling to everyone that comes, and I hope we can connect with everyone. I want to be a person who can be approachable and kind, so never be afraid to talk to me. If anything comes up, know that I'll be there to help! I enjoy cinnamon candy, MUNs and music, so feel free to talk to me about these, or any other topics you feel we could bond over! I applied to be a second year, to both give back to the community that made me be happier, and to be able to help the developing of leaders who will change the world.

Bernadett “Bibi” (Hungary)

My name is Bibi, I'm 17 years old, and I'm from Hungary. I love to sing, read and spend time with my friends and family. I like cooking and I love kids. In Camp I always felt like I have another home, and I still can't believe that I got the opportunity to go back. I'm looking forward to meet the first-year campers and also my friends. I'm excited about everything, especially council, projects, singing songs and just being in Camp. Last year was amazing and I'm sure this season will be wonderful too, because being in a special place like Camp just makes me happy.

Johan (Sweden)

My name is Johan and I’m 17 years old. I live in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. I go to a music school that focuses on singing solo in the afro/jazz genre. On my free time I play soccer 4 days a week and I also play the piano once a week. My hopes for this year at Camp is that I want to develop as a person but also as a leader. I want to help the first years to experience Camp in its best way possible and spread joy in the camp community. I want everyone to feel at home and that they feel included just like I did. One thing that is going to be different this year is that I’ll be more secure stepping in to Camp. To relive the experience is also one of the things that I’m most excited about!

Anamika (New Jersey, USA)

My name is Anamika from Ridgewood, New Jersey. I am currently a senior and I’ll be going to university this upcoming September! I’m ecstatic to return to Camp this summer because I know that I’ll be able to add on to my already impressive collection of amazing Rising Sun memories. I’ve learned so many things, how to work with people from other cultures, how to contribute to a community in a meaningful way, and how to start a fire in the woods! I’m proud to say that I will be a 2nd year camper, and I cannot wait for the new adventures to come!

Briana (Peru)

My name is Briana, and I’m a 15-year-old girl from Perú. If I’m not traveling, I either spend my time relaxing at the beach, unsuccessfully trying to play Rex Orange County songs on my ukulele or just doing basic schoolwork. I applied as a second year mainly because the thought of introducing 60 new girls into the CRS community seemed really interesting to me and I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity of going back. Even though I know this year’s experience will be totally different, I’m sure it will be as special as the last!

Jackson (Louisiana, USA)

My name is Jackson, I am 17 years old, and I live in Lafayette, Louisiana (a quick drive from New Orleans). Last year was so transformative for me. It allowed me to meet people who I otherwise would never have had the chance to meet, all while learning more about myself. This year, I’m so excited and grateful for the opportunity to meet a whole new group of incredible guys from all around the world. I hope to provide to the first years what the second years provided me, that is to say a warm, welcoming environment that encourages self-expression and connection. It’s an absolute honor to be coming back.