IC is a four-day convention for BBYO members in grades 9–12, held in a different city each year. This year, IC took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. About ten members from my chapter, Atz’ Chaim BBG along with around 120 teens from Central Region West were in attendance. Here is a look at our trip.
Wednesday
For most U.S. delegates, the convention started on Thursday, but many members from the West Coast, including me, flew out Wednesday night. I arrived at the airport around 9 p.m. and spent time with other people from my region before boarding the seven-hour red-eye flight and getting about two hours of sleep.
Thursday
Thursday morning, we arrived in Philadelphia around 7:30 a.m., and the buses to the hotel did not start running until about 10:30, so we had a few hours to wait in the airport. Later, I found out that some people left to explore the city before heading to the hotel, which probably would have been fun, but I was so tired that staying put was for the best.
Once we arrived at the hotel, we checked in, picked up our swag, and waited for our rooms to be ready. While we waited, we explored BBYO Boulevard, a large area filled with booths from Jewish organizations and sponsors. One of our first stops was the Hillel table, where seniors received crewnecks. Other popular booths had games, giveaways, and activities, so there was always something to do.
That evening we had our first delegation meeting, followed by opening ceremonies. This is one of the main opportunities for regions to earn spirit points, which go toward winning the Spirit Cup at the end of the convention. We also listened to speeches, including one from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, before the night ended.
Friday
Friday began with LEADS, a program where members choose different activities based on their interests. I went to a session called Lights Up with my friends Romy and Hannah. During dismissal, we met teens from South Africa and England, who jokingly asked if all American boys were “like that.”
Our session included a Q&A with members of the current New York cast of Hamilton, who talked about their careers and how they built their identities beyond their work.
After LEADS, we had chofesh (free time), which most people used to get ready for Shabbat. After changing my outfit, fixing my hair, and redoing my makeup more times than I can count, my friends and I were finally ready to take pictures. Everyone had the same idea to take photos on the bridge between the hotel and the convention center, and it got so crowded that staff had to tell us to leave.
That night, we attended Shabbat services. IC offers many different service options based on level of observance and personal interest. I chose the camp-style service, which was fun, though it was a bit noisy at times.
Saturday
Because the camp-style service had been loud, my friend Talia and I decided to try something different on Saturday morning. We found a service just for seniors, which ended up being much more meaningful. We chanted some prayers, sang others, and spent time reflecting together. It was one of my favorite parts of the weekend.
Later, during limmud (learning sessions), Talia and I went to an Israeli folk dance workshop led by Eagles cheerleader Elana Horowitz. She even used part of the dance in her final audition for the team, which made it even cooler to learn. It reminded me of learning the hora in religious school when I was younger. Everyone had great energy, and Horowitz stayed afterward to take pictures and sign cards.
After lunch, we went to another limmud where we learned belly dancing and different Mizrahi dance styles. It was fun, but the room got so crowded that we kept stepping on each other, so we left early.
Sunday
Sunday was sightseeing day, which is similar to LEADS but lasts all day. My group went to the Philadelphia Zoo and then rock climbing. Not many animals were out because of the cold weather, but the meerkats were fun to watch, and lunch was one of the best meals of the weekend.
Rock climbing was my favorite part. It was crowded, but I still got to do several climbs, including a few V4s, and I even finished one with a dyno, which I was proud of.
That night was the concert and block party. Natasha Bedingfield, Quavo, and Ian Asher performed, though I was most excited for Natasha Bedingfield because “Unwritten” is both an amazing song and my induction song. After her set, we went to the block party, visited the shuk (market), and played cards with friends before heading back to the hotel.
Monday
On Monday morning, most of my roommates left early for their flights, so I had time to pack slowly and relax before heading downstairs. On the bus, some people thought I was in the wrong place because I was from California, but going to the train station. I was actually traveling to Lancaster to visit a friend before going home.
Overall, International Convention was an unforgettable experience, and I am really glad I went. Since I am a senior, I will not be able to attend Baltimore 2027, but I would highly recommend IC to any BBYO member who has the chance to go.