BBYO: Programs & Events

Atlanta Council Conventions

Atlanta Council Conventions are weekend programs designed with a specific theme in mind. During the conventions, teens do BBYO-related activities focused around the AZA and BBG folds and traditions. Each convention is staffed with volunteer adult advisors as well as MJCCA teen department staff. We have five conventions during our programming year.

The conventions are:

Leadership Training Institute (LTI): This weekend convention focuses on basic leadership training and other information needed for current and future leaders on the council and chapter levels. During the weekend, we also have a variety of other social, educational, and Judaic activities. LTI is held in August and is open to 10-12th graders.

New Member Convention (NMC): A convention geared specifically for new members of BBYO. New BBG members, also know as MITs (Members in Training) and new AZA members also knows as AITs (Alephs in Training), receive comprehensive training about BBYO and how it operates. The sessions will focus on every aspect of AZA and BBG, including BBYO history, philosophy and terminology, rituals and traditions, songs, structures, who’s who among the youth leadership and the staff. The program is run by the Council Moreh and Morah (membership vice-presidents). NMC is held in September and is open to all 9th graders and steering committee members.

Kallah: A weekend focused on Judaism, social action, and community service and is open to all members who are interested in an opportunity to further connect to Judaism, learn how to be an advocate for Israel, get involved in their community, and have fun with their BBYO friends. Kallah is held in November and open to all 9-12th graders.

Southern Region Convention (SRC): A weekend held with Dixie Council (Charleston, Columbia, Augusta, and Savannah) that includes council elections, business meetings, the state of the council address, showing chapter spirit through activities and a variety of social, educational, and Judaic activities. SRC is held in January and open to all 9-12th graders. Check out the video from SRC 2011

Atlanta Council Spring Convention (ACSC): A weekend filled with 5 and 6 fold programming. This is where the annual BBYO life ceremony is held for seniors. ACSC takes place in March and open to all 9-12th graders.

Atlanta Council Events

Atlanta Council Events occur throughout the year and can be a social gathering, community service program, family event, dance, or more!

Atlanta Council Kickoff: A social event in August that welcomes BBYO members back from the summer. Kickoff is open to all Jewish 9-12th graders; they do not need to be BBYO members to attend.

Atlanta Council Dance: BBYO’s formal dance in December where the Council King and Queen are elected. Many teens attend the dance without a date and enjoy and evening with good music and great friends. More than 250 teens come to this event and any Jewish 9-12th grader is welcome to attend.

Beau/Sweetheart Dance: BBYO’s casual-themed dance in February where the chapters elect their beau or sweetheart. Any Jewish 9-12th grader is welcome to attend.

BBYO Annual Family Shabbat: BBYO’s Annual Family Shabbat dinner is held in the spring. Eighth graders and their families are invited to this event as well as all BBYO members and their families. The Shabbat service and dinner takes place at the MJCCA, and there is always a special guest to lead our Shabbat service. It is chaired by BBYO parents and many families are involved as hosts.

J-Serve: A National Day of Community Service held in April. Teens from all over the nation and Atlanta participate in different service projects. Atlanta usually engages more than 400 teens in J-Serve each year. Past projects include cleaning up local parks, going to the Sandy Springs Recycling Center, helping to package medical supplies at MedShare, and more.

8th Grade Party: A social event held each May to introduce 8th graders to BBYO. Eighth graders and BBYO members attend the event. A parent meeting for "new member parents" is held at the same time during the event.

Community Service Opportunities: BBYO chapters participate in their own community service projects throughout the year. They also will work in conjunction with the MJCCA’s Teen Community Service program to find projects to participate in as an AZA or BBG chapter.

BBYO Basketball League: Chapters participate in our winter basketball league from January – April. Each team is comprised of 10 teens and many chapters have multiple teams. Our basketball league is not competitive - just another fun, athletic, and social way to get involved.