Annual LAJF Board of Directors Retreat at CRS!

From October 18-20, LAJF welcomed our incredible Board of Directors to campus for the 2024 Board Retreat. The annual Retreat is a special opportunity for our Board to return to or visit Camp, connect with each other, and ensure the successful operations and sustainable future of LAJF and Camp Rising Sun.

Beautiful fall weather graced the Hudson Valley for a spectacular weekend of connection, spirited discussions, renewed dedication to our mission, nostalgic moments, and fun outings to nearby Rhinebeck and Burger Hill, where the Board led their own Wisdom Circles.

The Retreat is also our chance to thank outgoing Board members and welcome new members to our community. We would like to introduce our new members: Joseph Carrese (‘73, ‘74), Peter Giacone (‘83), Mary Lockhart, Charelle Shaw, Steven Yuniver (‘01, ‘02), and Sasha Zolley (‘98). We’re excited to have their talents and energy on this incredible team.

Over breakfast one morning, everyone described their passions for Camp Rising Sun and shared why they serve on the Board. It was a wonderful snapshot of our talented and committed leadership, a group of self-described “deep listeners,” “storytellers,” and “problem-solvers.” Here is just a bit of what they said:

Mary Lockhart shared how she had witnessed the lifelong “bonding” among campers and alumni, and Peter Giacone (‘83) emphasized the need to “perpetuate the experience” for future generations.

Andrea Alexander (‘99, ‘00) praised how Camp helps us “tap into the silly and the serious” and embrace our vulnerability. Joseph Carrese (‘73, ‘74) described the “profound change” that campers can go through, and Steven Yuniver (‘01, ‘02) echoed those “formative moments” at Camp and how they teach “empathy and kindness.”

Janine Rubitski talked about how campers are “helping the world become a better place,” and Hooman Yaghoobzadeh (‘87, ‘88) recalled how Camp helps us “see the human” in each other and connect on a deeper level.

Pete Comas (‘89) talked about how “meeting the new campers” was always an inspiring experience for an alum, and Inna Kuvich (‘01, ‘02) remarked on “seeing the impact… over decades” that CRS can have on us.

Some highlights of the weekend included:

• A pitch-perfect demonstration of the Assembly Bell by Barry Fulton (‘99, ‘00) as he led a tour of Clinton campus

• A special preview of 2025 programs and events, as we celebrate the 95th anniversary of CRS (stay tuned for more info!)

• Hiking up Burger Hill together to catch a stupendous sunset

• Sharing pictures and stories from the World Reunion 2024 in Poland

• The chance to write a new Vigil Letter, just like back at Camp (except this time we didn’t have to stay up all night)

• Visiting Red Hook to see the many improvements recently made at the old Camp

We thank the Board for traveling from near and far to attend the Retreat and for their passionate leadership of LAJF and CRS. We are also grateful to our LAJF staff who worked hard to make the Retreat a great and generative experience for all.

Special thanks to Patrick Riggs, student at the Culinary Institute of America and former Assistant Chef at CRS, for catering the Retreat with his exceptional cuisine!

Check out photos from the Retreat below: