This year has definitely been crazy! After reflecting on my year in BBYO, here are the spotlights of the events I attended in 2020. ‍

JANUARY:

The start of the year! Our Regional Board had RLTI to plan all the events for the year 2020. We never imagined that just 2 months after planning, our world would be turned upside down.

FEBRUARY:

The International Convention was literally one of the best experiences of my life! I was so amazed to spend the weekend with over 6,000 Jewish teens just like me from all over the world. I was able to party, meet new friends, attend some great lectures, and even meet Holocaust survivors. During the day trip, my group and I also got stuck in an elevator and were rescued by the Dallas fire department.

MARCH:

COVID hit the US. Although it was upsetting to watch my world fall apart around me, BBYO meetings were a constant. Without missing a beat, we went into online mode with Saturday Night programming to entertain our members.  

APRIL:

J-Serve was in April! My region packed medical supplies for people in need. It was a great bonding experience for all of us to recognize how much we were able to help others by coming together.

MAY:

May was Hudson Valley Region’s first-ever online Spring Convention. Learning to steer online was uncharted territory. I ran a successful whipped coffee program! Although it was definitely weird being remote, the whole convention ran smoothly. I learned a lot about being a leader and working collaboratively with others.

JUNE:

June was my chapter’s election. I ran for S’ganit for Eden BBG #103 and won the position. Being S’ganit meant a lot to me, and I learned a lot about time management, leadership skills, and working creatively. I’m still holding the position and currently love planning meetings and working with my board every other week.

JULY:

In July I attended a CLTC connect program. I made so many good friends who I still talk to almost every day. Even though the program was virtual, I learned a lot about being a leader and how to run a successful chapter. I also went out of my comfort zone throughout the activities and participated.

AUGUST:

Although I didn’t attend any official events in August, I was busy thinking of ideas for my chapter meetings. I made mood boards, wrote scripts, and met with my board for bonding experiences.

SEPTEMBER:

September was my chapter’s kickoff. It was also my first time running a program on board. I was very nervous. However, to my surprise, the program was very successful! We wrote down our goals and ideas for the school year to come, it was a great bonding experience for my chapter.

OCTOBER:

October was Hudson Valley Region’s kickoff. Since it was still warm out, my region got together (socially distanced of course), and we had a giant relay race!! It was a great way to jumpstart the year with everyone.

NOVEMBER:  

Hudson Valley Region had its first virtual Winter Convention in November. I ran a Murder Mystery program and a virtual party. Both were very well received, and we had a great turnout. Although it was only our second online convention, the programs ran smoothly and we were able to think creatively.

DECEMBER:  

In December, my region hosted a December Extravaganza! We played Hanukkah-themed activities, baked food on Zoom, and had morning services. It was a great way to close out the year!