Fallcon: my last first convention of the year in BBYO. It was an amazing weekend that the GAR Morim worked super hard on, so here’s a quick recap of all that happened over the weekend!

Friday

This convention was so big that there had to be two rounds of buses, and it was the first GAR convention that I’ve attended that sold out! I went on the late bus and talked with new and old friends from my chapter and region. Once we arrived, there was a Shabbat service themed around relaxation, so each of us received goodie bags and face masks. The service was led by our Schlichim and Micheal, who some may know from CLTC. After services were dinner with pizza and lemonade. It was then time to head to separates and spirit circles. Once that was over, we all headed to the fire pits for s’more making and a super fun song session in front of the lake. After the song session, it was time to say goodnight, and we all headed to our cabins. At the cabin, my chapter and the chapter sharing with us did some chapter bonding and then went to bed.

Saturday

Every chapter on Saturday had a chapter theme. Mine was party animals, so my whole chapter had on animal print and party hats. Breakfast was extra special because we were each assigned a different color team and sat with that team to prepare for a race later in the day. After that was Shabbat services, and I had the nature walk, which was nice to see the whole property while it was still nice out. Then was grade-level programming. The senior program was supposed to be Capture the Pumpkin, but we all ended up just sitting in the grass and hanging out instead. After that, there was a guest speaker we heard from, and we learned about the idea of “tarp pulling,” aka helping out even if we think the job is too good for us. Next were rotations, where I talked with the guest speaker again and got to decorate candles. After lunch was underclassmen and upperclassmen programming. As a chapter Morah, I helped lead the underclassmen program and taught them all the cheers for a spirit circle. Then was the big race where each color team competed in a series of challenges, and my team won (go orange)! After Chofesh, all the seniors ate a fun dinner together, outside on the porch, with super fun decorations. There were then regional inductions followed by a fair with a silent disco, hot cocoa bar, and live football game. It was then time to sleep for the last night of the convention.

Sunday

After Sunday morning breakfast, there was a quick talk about attending BBYO summer programs and then a business meeting. At the meeting, a regional MIT rep was elected, and then we wrapped up. We all said goodbye and got on our buses to make our way home from an amazing weekend. I can’t wait for my last two conventions of the year.