Chapter Founders make up BBYO and allow this organization to be what it is now. During my time in BBYO, I have been lucky to be a chapter founder, rebuilding my home chapter from nothing to now thriving on its own. Last year, I attended the first-ever Chapter Founders Summit as a person who knew very little about BBYO. Now, a year later, I went back to steer it. Seeing 52 new Chapter Founders meet and start to learn about BBYO was truly inspiring.

So, what is the Chapter Founders Summit? This isn’t your average convention for any teen. It is for those teens in communities with smaller Jewish populations who have just started BBYO. They weren’t just starting it for themselves; instead, they were starting it for the future of their Jewish communities. This convention helps introduce people to BBYO. When I first went last year, I was in the same position, still unsure of BBYO. Now, I can say the experiences of CFS have helped my BBYO journey.

At CFS, you are not just learning about BBYO. I learned about various Jewish communities across the US as well as the people within them. At this convention, you have the opportunity to connect with teens in similar experiences to yourself. This experience has given me some of my closest BBYO friends as well!

Outside of the connections and BBYO, I got the unique opportunity to hear from various guest speakers. First, Mo Pittle of JewBoy Burgers spoke with us about what it is like to be Jewish in today’s world. We also learned about what it is like to own a restaurant! Then, we got to hear from Jennifer Troice, the founder of Hope Foundry. She discussed her experience of being kidnapped at 17. After this, she used artwork to tell her story. She has specifically focused on helping families affected by October 7th.

Overall, the convention was such an amazing experience. It showed me that no matter where you are from, you can always make a home for yourself in BBYO!