Luminari

As the prevalence of AI continues to grow, Luminari Contributing Writer Beth Dolinar reflects on the benefits & fun that can be found in more analog activities. Visit our website to read her latest blog post: https://www.luminari.org/2026/09/21/staying-real-in-an-artificial-world/

What's your favorite activity? Reading, taking a walk, creating art, something else? Let us know in the comments!

Fall means cooler weather, changing leaves, & plenty of opportunities to try something new. 🍁

If you could take a class in anything this fall, what would you choose?

As September comes to a close, we're feeling a little nostalgic for summer camp. ☀️📸 Here are a few memories from Summer 2026!

Living in an uncertain world can lead to a lot of anxiety, especially in kids. Luminari Contributing Writer Don Laird provides some suggestions on how to help with that in his latest blog post.

Head over to our website to read it: https://www.luminari.org/2026/09/21/breathing-room-for-families/

If you could spend a day learning from any expert in the world, who would you choose?

A chef? Musician? Scientist? World leader? Someone else entirely?

We’re excited to welcome Heather Schirra into her new role as Luminari Operations Manager!!

Heather was on‑site Camp Administrator in 2024 & has nearly two decades experience in special education, a passion for community connection, and a genuine love for helping young adults discover life‑changing opportunities.

Visit our website to learn more about Heather & her plans for taking on this role: https://www.luminari.org/2026/09/21/leading-with-heart/

Imagine you could have dinner with any historical figure. Who would you invite & what’s the first question you’d ask?

Friday’s are even better with a few summer memories! 📸

Let's check in with another one of our 2026 ! Here's what Carter had to say about this year's camp experience:

"I want to thank everyone for being here, especially those who have worked so hard and supported this camp. This was an experience not many people get, and I did not know what to expect coming into it. But let me say this, it was worth it.

From speakers going over body language and presentation to scenarios like the Cuban Missile Crisis, we learned so many valuable skills that we can not only use if we become diplomats but also use in our everyday lives as we grow and move past high school and into college. Visiting embassies and meeting real diplomats gave me a sense of what really goes on, what ideas are focused upon, and how relations between different countries are established and secured.

Overall, this camp was fun, exciting, and a good learning experience. Thank you."

Would you rather…

🎵 Write a song
🍴 Create a new recipe
🌍 Travel to a country you've never visited

Let us know in the comments!