Great activities kick off new year at South Jersey Region BBYO

BBYO BLOCK


Enjoying Dafna BBG’s kickoff were Rebecca Sady, Lisa Gorbati, and Alexa Segal.

Enjoying Dafna BBG’s kickoff were Rebecca Sady, Lisa Gorbati, and Alexa Segal.

South Jersey Region (SJR) BBYO’s 2019-2020 programming year is in full swing, as its chapters have spent the last few weeks planning, promoting, and executing stellar chapter kickoffs! From engaging programming to food trucks to sports games to new friends, these kickoffs were the perfect way to start the new year. Every chapter achieved success this year at kickoff, having recruited so many new members and setting a precedent for terms to come.

One such kickoff, hosted by Marlcrest AZA, occurred on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Big League Dreams in Medford. Members and prospects alike had the opportunity to meet one another and make new friends while participating in games of wiffle-ball and home run derby throughout the night. The event was a success, with many of the prospects who attended quickly turning into members afterwards. Nadav Warszawski, a senior of Marlcrest AZA, says that the event was “classic Marlcrest feel” and made him happy that everyone was “having fun, being active, and connecting.” Warszawski, like other members of Marlcrest, are looking forward to the rest of the year and other events much like this one.

Another kickoff, held by Neshef BBG, was on September 14. Held at one of their member’s houses, the Skittles of Neshef BBG had so much fun participating in engaging programs all revolving around a Western theme. They spent the night having an amazing time with dances, competitions, strong programming, and even a piñata! Sloane Sirota, junior of Neshef BBG and chapter N’siah (president), said that “the environment was super welcoming” and that “it was an amazing way to kick off the year!” Sirota is looking forward to continuing with instilling an inviting and welcoming atmosphere into each and every one of Neshef’s events this term, as their kickoff allowed for prospects and new members to leave feeling inspired, engaged, and excited!

Other chapters, like Chapel AZA, Chevrah BBG, and Woodcrest AZA, held pool party kickoffs for members and prospects to attend. Some highlights of each were the Kona Ice truck at both Chapel and Woodcrest’s kickoffs, an inflatable movie screen at Chapel’s, and friendship bracelets and backyard games at Chevrah’s. In addition, Masada AZA’s Minute-to-Win-It kickoff, as well as Otzma AZA’s kickoff, enticed new prospects with fun athletic programming and a warm atmosphere. Galim BBG’s spa-and-face-mask kickoff reached new heights, as did Tovah BBG’s carnival-themed kickoff. Lastly, Ohev BBG and Dafna BBG’s kickoffs transported their members to far-reaching places, following awesome New York City and road-trip themes, respectively. With each of these chapters breaking new records in both chapter and prospect attendance, these events certainly engaged those in attendance, and SJR BBYO looks forward for what’s to come!

As for what’s next, SJR BBYO’s AZA and BBG Regional Board is currently making the final preparations for the region’s first convention of the year, Execs Conference (EC)! This year will be the first year that EC will occur, as the convention is replacing the region’s Regional Leadership Training Institute (RLTI) from years past. Occurring the weekend of Sept. 27-29 at Camp Saginaw, EC will consist of groundbreaking leadership-based programs, a one-of-a-kind social, meaningful Onegs, and an amazing guest speaker. SJR BBYO is excited to announce that Justine Siegal, current MLB professional coach, will be the keynote speaker for EC 2019! Siegal, the first ever woman to coach an American Major League Baseball team, will speak on behalf of her experiences as a woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry. SJR BBYO feels very lucky to have the opportunity to host someone like Siegal and looks forward to hearing her perspective on how we as teens and as Jews can follow our dreams and break barriers on a daily basis.

We cannot wait for the convention to start and are excited to spearhead the first ever launch of an event like EC! EC, much like the chapter kickoffs described above, is the perfect way to start the new programming year on a high note, and SJR is looking forward to helping empower our members to impact their local communities in as many ways as possible!

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