Rick Richter Celebrates 85, and We Celebrate Rick

One cannot think of Camp Rising Sun without thinking of Rick Richter. First a CRS counselor in 1950-1953, Rick has been a frequent visitor to Camp for 65 years. Each summer he returns to share the history of Camp and build connections with the next generation of Rising Suns. So many of us had the privilege of walking the grounds and talking with Rick. He is our history; he is Camp Rising Sun.

On May 21, 2015, Rick celebrated his 85th birthday, just as this year marked the 85th season of Camp Rising Sun. Your gift today is for Rising Sun’s history and bright future.

Throughout a long and successful career in academia, Rick has always made time for Rising Sun. His “History of Camp” instruction is famous among campers and alumni for being informative, engaging, and inspiring. During his visits to Camp, Rick really takes the time to get to know the campers, and his circle of CRS alumni friends numbers in the thousands.

As part of the 2015 Alumni Weekend at Camp, several alumni offered tributes to Rick. Steve Yuniver ’01,’02 remarked that at home, “Rick would sit by his window and see the cargo ships pass by. He would find those ships online and find out where they were coming from and where they were going. In life, each one of us are the ships. And Rick helps us pass through the tumultuous waters of life.”

Marlene Losier ’94 shared that Rick showed her the “commitment it takes to nourish and do one’s part in fostering an institution from which we have benefited so much, so that it can continue to serve others.” Rick’s generosity is demonstrated in his willingness to help in any way he could to help foster one’s goals. Over the years, Rick has been what  has anchored her to the Louis August Jonas Foundation. “Without my relationship with Rick, I do not know if I would have felt such a tie to an institution that has given me so much, or would have felt a sense of devotion and loyalty to want to give back, like he has, throughout the course of my lifetime.”

Justin Shin ’10, ’14, ’15 described how, 65 years after Rick first spent a summer at Rising Sun, he continues to take a keen interest in the lives of the campers he meets each year. “Once you agree to a visit with Rick, you get a little package to help you on your journey. For me, he sent through the mail a handdrawn map to his home, newspaper clippings about Manhattan Project Scientists in Leonia, my hometown, that he thought I’d enjoy, and a note with his telephone number telling me to call before I left so he could tell me whether or not the bridge to his home had traffic on it.” Over the years, Justin and Rick became friends, and Rick eventually helped Justin secure a full Math and Science scholarship to Bard College, one of Rick’s alma maters.

Rick embodies Camp Rising Sun. His commitment to the ideals of multiculturalism, lifelong friendship, and service send a message to each new set of campers: this is what it means to be an alumnus/a of CRS. As Rick celebrates this milestone birthday, we’d like to thank him for the years of service he has given to Camp. From serving on the Board and multiple committees, to serving as the Camp historian, he seeks to foster success in every member of our alumni community, and for that we are all grateful.

Today, we invite you to join us in thanking and celebrating Rick for his lifetime of passionate service to Camp Rising Sun.

Click here to download the recently updated “History of Camp Rising Sun 1929-2015”

The world needs Camp Rising Sun

There is great need for developing promising leaders when our global community is faced with great uncertainty.

At Camp Rising Sun, we answer that need by inspiring our campers to imagine, achieve their utmost potential and rise boldly to the challenges of the times.

For 85 years, Rising Suns have received a full scholarship to attend Camp. It is your support today that allows this to continue.

It’s not enough to love Camp Rising Sun, you’ve got to support it.

To make an online gift, click the "Donate" button at the top of this page. For other gift options, including check securities and wire transfers, click on this link for more information.

Your gift of…

$10,000 sponsors a camper for the summer
$5,000 feeds a camp for one week
$2,500 builds a new tent for 5 campers
$1,000 funds a camper Project
$500 supplies materials for Instructions
$250 treats all 120 campers to ice cream at Holy Cow

Your generous gift is appreciated in any amount.

Camp Rising Sun isn't just a summer camp - it is an investment.
In 2016 we will be opening doors, and tent flaps, for 120 young men and women from around the world. They will learn from one another while learning about themselves. They will lead and they will follow. They will continue the CRS traditions and values.

Your gift today will make it possible for all 120 campers to receive full scholarships to Camp in 2016 for seven weeks. 

To make an online gift, click the "Donate" button at the top of this page. For other gift options, including check securities and wire transfers, click on this link for more information.