by Margot Callahan, contributing writer You’ve been persuading and being persuaded your entire life. From your first cries at birth to something you likely did or will do today, you’ve “urged (someone) successfully to do something” or you’ve at least …
Stay Connected With Luminari As we prepare for this summer’s I Want to be an Ambassador! camp June 9-17,2026, we’re exploring new ways to bring our incredible alumni back into the fold. Many former campers have reached out recently about …
by Dana Wineland O’Rourke, contributing writer The real sign that spring had arrived wasn’t the sunshine. It was sidewalk chalk. Our youngest son’s driveway was covered in it – colorful drawings, arrows, and instructions perfectly framed by a few inches …
Luminari is proud to announce the 2026 Luminari Award recipients, selected through our annual essay competition that anchors the “I Want to be an Ambassador!” summer camp. Open to students in grades 7-11 in south western Pennsylvania, the competition challenges young people to …
by Tom Berich, Operations Manager One of the lesser known (but exciting) challenges of being the Operations Manager is getting the opportunity to select an intern for the summer Luminari season. With as many moving parts as Luminari has, it’s …
Apply for the 2026 Luminari Award Today! Every year, the Luminari Award invites students across our region to pause, reflect, and imagine a better world not in abstract terms, but through the power of their own lived experience. What began …
At Luminari, every summer is shaped by the people who lead our camps: creators, educators, chefs, musicians, and global thinkers who love helping young people stretch their imaginations. As we open registration for our 2026 Summer Camps, here’s a quick …
Meet the Luminari Team and Get Ready for Summer 2026 Read More »
by Dana Wineland O’Rourke, contributing writer There was nothing extraordinary about her. I can’t remember her face, but I do recall her hair was blond, her gown was baby- blue, her wings were white, and she was plastic. There was …
by Don Laird, contributing writer The promise of a new year can often arrive quietly, carrying equal parts hope and uncertainty. In a world that feels increasingly turbulent, shaped by rapid change, global conflict, and personal pressures, the idea of “new …
Wellness, Growth, and Flourishing in the New Year Read More »
On Tuesday, December 2, Luminari will join millions around the world in celebrating Giving Tuesday, a global movement that reminds us that generosity is not just about making a donation, but about making a difference. Whether it’s a kind word, …
