What are the important dates we need to know?

• Monday August 26th: Early Bird Registration ($285) and Scholarship applications open, you can also email [email protected] for informaton on payment plans. Scholarship link: https://form.jotform.com/92176021361146
• Monday September 9th: Early Bird Registration Ends, after the convention costs $335
• Friday September 13th Scholarship applications due by 11:59pm.
• Wednesday, October 9th: Registration closes at 11:59pm. No refunds will be given after this date. No late registrations will be accepted.  (See full cancellation/refund policy below). Final payment is due.

What is the scholarship process?

1. By September 13th at 11:59pm: Complete the scholarship application
   • Late applications will not be accepted for any reason.
   • Your most recent tax information must be uploaded if you’re requesting more than 25% of the convention cost.
   • Note that we do not typically award more than 50% of the convention cost.
2. Each family will be contacted via email with scholarship allocation information and next steps.
3. Accept/deny your scholarship award- directions will be provided via email on how to accept/deny. If you do not accept/deny your scholarship award by this time, your scholarship will be released.
4. Register for convention.
   • IMPORTANT: By applying for scholarship you are NOT guaranteed a spot at convention. You must register as detailed above using the same email address you use for the scholarship application. When you register for convention the website will automatically deduct your scholarship award from the total cost.  If convention fills and you are placed on the waitlist your scholarship will be put on hold until if/when space becomes available.
   • All convention fees must be paid by the final registration deadline unless the family has had a conversation with the Senior Regional Director.

Can I register after the registration deadline?  Registration closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday, October 9th. If a teen wishes to register after this date he/she should not expect to be able to attend convention. We do our best to accommodate but it can’t always work. Once registration closes, we send our numbers to camps and hotels for food and rooming, and it can be difficult to make changes.  

What is the cancellation/refund policy?  The deadline to cancel with a full program refund is the final registration deadline for this program. Until that date, full refunds will be granted for cancellations in writing (e-mail is acceptable), for any reason. After the registration deadline, partial refunds may be available based on convention expenses already paid (hotel/camp, transportation, etc.). “No shows” will not receive a refund.

Are there an unlimited number of convention spots? No. Our space is limited based on program and rooming space. We have a limited number of spots and will move to a waitlist once we have reached our maximum. We encourage all participants to register as early as possible.

CONVENTION BACKGROUND                                                                                                                                                   .

Who is convention for? Fall Convention is for every Jewish teen involved with BBYO and any teen interested in becoming more involved in BBYO. Chapter leaders, chapter members, new members, freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are all invited. 8th graders will be welcome to join us starting with Winter Spirit Convention in January. No leadership role or prior program participation is required to participate. Teens must be registered members of BBYO to attend convention.

Why should I attend convention? BBYO conventions are one of the things that teens look most forward to during the school year. Conventions are planned and led by teens, and they are an opportunity for our region to come together as a community. Conventions provide teens with meaningful Jewish experiences and friendships that they will remember for years to come.

Where will I be? Will I be leaving the hotel/camp? Teens will be staying at Camp Stein in Prescott, AZ and will remain on-site for the duration of convention. Teens should not leave the camp under any circumstances unless parents/families have been in communication with the Regional staff. 

What does programming look like? We like to keep some things a surprise! Here are some program highlights:

• Friday
  • Shabbat Experiences
  • AZA/BBG Separates
• Saturday
  • Shabbat Experiences
  • AZAA/BBGG Activities
  • Havdallah and Song Session
  • Social

PREPARING FOR CONVENTION                                                                                                                                               .

What medical form does BBYO need? Within a week of registering for convention you’ll receive an email from CampDoc.com and will be able to fill out the form electronically. Please note that if you have attended another BBYO convention or will be attending International Convention you will use the same login and only need to update your information. You do not need a physical for this convention.

What if I take medication? Teens will be responsible for keeping and taking their own medications. These medications should be noted on your Campdoc medical form. We will not have a professional nurse on staff. We will have over the counter medicines if need be (Tylenol, Tums, Advil, etc.) and we do keep track of when teens are taking these meds from us.

What is the recommended dress? Stay tuned for a complete packing list. You’ll want to check in with your teen’s chapter if they are expecting members to bring additional items. Teens will be at camp, so pack accordingly. Teens are not permitted to wear clothing that is revealing, such as short skirts, cut off tank-tops, see-through tops, and may be asked to change clothes if necessary. Clothing that is profane or references to drugs or alcohol is also not permitted. We do not permit any wear that is potentially offensive to any race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, etc.

What should I pack? The recommended packing list includes:

• BBYO regional or chapter clothing
• Toiletries
• Jeans/slacks
• Casual shirts/blouses
• T-shirts
• Sweatshirts/sweaters
• Shabbat appropriate attire- Friday evening Shabbat attire should be nicer than typical casual clothes. Slacks and khakis with a polo shirt or button-down shirt are appropriate for Alephs, and slacks, khakis, skirts, blouses or dresses are appropriate for BBGs. 
• Sneakers/casual shoes/dress shoes
• Pajamas
• Kippah, Tallit and Tefillin (if desired)
• AZA and BBG pins
• *BBYO is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please leave all unnecessary valuables at home.

Will I need spending money? Teens are advised to bring a small amount of spending money to Convention (we will be in touch if we able to accept credit/debit cards).  During free time, teens may be given the option to purchase snacks with cash in addition to the snacks provided to them by BBYO. Also, teens may choose to purchase items at the Shuk (marketplace), showcasing BBYO ‘swag’ and apparel from chapters across the region.  BBYO is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please leave all unnecessary valuables at home.

Need Extra Care? Conventions and overnights have their challenges for teens, especially our younger members. If your teen needs extra care during the Convention, either socially, physically or otherwise (anxiety, shyness, etc.), please reach out to MTN Senior Regional Director, Jeff Hast at [email protected]. For the safety and well-being of all our members, only our professional staff is able to arrange and/or provide extra care.

ON-SITE LOGISTICS              

How do I get to convention?

• Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tucson, East Valley, West Valley:  Bus transportation to convention is provided. Bus timing and locations will be sent after registration.
• Salt Lake City: Flight times will be provided and a bus will pick teens up and drop them off at the Phoenix Skyharbor Airport.
• Please direct any travel questions to Jeff at [email protected].
• Teens may NOT drive themselves to/from convention. There are no exceptions to this policy. If a teen drives to convention, they will not be allowed to participate in the program. Their parent/guardian will be called to come pick up them and the vehicle immediately.
• What if I have to come late or leave early? No problem! If you have other commitments throughout the event that you’re unable to miss- don't worry! We will work with you so can attend. Late arrivals and early departures are typically no problem as long as we know in advance. Teens may not drive themselves to/from convention. Prorated convention costs are not available. Please email Jeff by October 9 at 11:59pm if you have late arrival or early departure needs.

What are the meals like? What if I have a dietary restriction? Camp Stein provides Kosher food, so we will have meat and vegetarian meals. We will have vegan or glatt kosher options for teens who specify this need on their medical forms. We ask for allergy information and food needs on the online medical form and we appreciate you sharing information as soon as possible so that we can accommodate specific food needs and limitations. All BBYO conventions are peanut and tree nut-free.

What is BBYO's supervision policy? BBYO has a minimum supervision ratio of 15 teens to every adult. All of BBYO’s professional staff have had background checks and are trained to work with your teens and keep them safe. The staff and advisors help to supervise teens before, during, and after programming. Teen safety is our #1 priority.

What is BBYO’s discipline policy? As a reminder, when you registered for membership you signed BBYO’s Code of Conduct, which outlines our policies for substance abuse, property damage, and behavior guidelines with the full understanding of our behavioral expectations as a member of BBYO. Rules and guidelines will be made clear to all participants upon their arrival at convention opening. Should one of our teens choose to act outside of our Code of Conduct, the incident will be addressed by the appropriate staff members. We have a zero-tolerance approach to any violation of the Code of Conduct and any discipline matter that comes to the attention of staff. If you are (or your teen is) dismissed from Kehillah for disciplinary reasons or Code of Conduct violations, BBYO staff will arrange for travel home immediately, at your family’s expense and without a refund.

Other FAQs:

1) Do I need to bring sleeping bag and pillow/bedding? 

Yes! You need to bring sleeping bag and a pillow, or bed sheets, blanket and a pillow 

2) Do I need to bring my own toiletries and towel? 

Yes! The camp and BBYO will not be providing toiletries or a towel 

3) What should I wear? 

A packing list will be sent out after registration closes, but we will be at a camp with lots of dirt, walking, and uneven pavement, so walking shoes are a must! 

4) Will there be wifi?

BBYO staff will have access to wifi for programming needs, but general access to wifi is not provided. There will be so many fun and exciting activities planned out and so many memories being made, that you won't even be on your phone! 

5) Do I need to bring a swimsuit or will there be swimming available? 

You do not need to bring a swimsuit. The camp does not allow swimming in their lake and we will not be using the camp pool during our session.