More than 100 Jewish teens from throughout Connecticut and Western MA came together in late August at Camp Shalom in Windsor for B’Yachad, BBYO Connecticut Valley Region’s (CVR) leadership convention. The weekend of activities aimed at honing members’ leadership skills and kicking off another year of inspiring and informative programs, began on Friday, Aug. 23 with Adam Issadore from Path to Rhythm leading a drum circle with all those in attendance, working together to create one cohesive sound together. The “one band, one sound” theme carried with it a message of working together and supporting one another.

On Saturday, teens continued learning and training at the Mandell JCC’s Camp Shalom in Windsor, covering topics such as how to plan and implement engaging and meaningful programs and how to elevate Judaic content. 

On Saturday evening, close to 50 teens from Greater Hartford joined the convention to experience CVRs Summer Kickoff. The evening opened with Havdalah on the beach and a laser light show reflecting off the trees, they then enjoyed the sound of two live bands featuring performances by BBYO members. 

Next up for BBYO is Fall Kickoff for Jewish teen in grades 8 – 12 at Quassy Amusement Park, which will be closed for the evening for the exclusive use of Fall Kickoff attendees. Registration is at bit.ly/cvrkickoff. For more info, contact Regional Director Jennifer Kruzansky at JKruzansky@bbyo.org.

Main Photo: The regional board of BBYO Connecticut Valley Region at the group’s leadership convention held at Camp Shalom in Windsor the weekend of Aug. 23.