Parent Pulse

Parent Pulse is a bi-monthly newsletter for BBYO member parents to help keep up to date with goings on across the Order. For a century, parents have trusted us to provide a safe space in which their teens can thrive, and Parent Pulse offers an insider’s glimpse into those spaces every other month. Take a look through our past issues here!

Issue 33 | August 2025

WELCOME NOTE

Dear Parents,

Going into summer, there was uncertainty about how the war between Israel and Iran would affect our trips. Rather than let it define the season, BBYO’s Summer Team worked tirelessly to create safe, meaningful alternatives for families. Their dedication made this summer possible.

As Summer 2025 comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude. I recently staffed our Central Europe Discovery program, and it was nothing short of incredible. While our trips are designed to connect Jewish teens from around the world with one another and the communities they visit, I was equally inspired by the magic of a BBYO Summer. In just two weeks, I watched as 30 teens formed an unbreakable bond while tracing Holocaust history through five countries. We laughed, cried, celebrated, and grew as a mishpacha—miles away from home yet somehow still finding comfort in one another.

I’ll never forget the moment we walked into Auschwitz II-Birkenau. As the rain fell, we stood together at the crematoria and then sang Hatikvah just as the rain stopped and sun came out, before hearing teens share their families’ stories of survival. Walking freely out of that space and then celebrating Shabbat together later that evening was profoundly moving.

Of course, the trip wasn’t only about history—it was also filled with adventure. From rafting and hiking through national parks to riding alpine coasters and paddleboarding on the Vltava River, the joy was just as present as the reflection. What struck me most was the teens’ curiosity, their openness to learning from one another, and their ability to embrace every moment.

I am grateful BBYO can offer these life-changing experiences, and I hope your teen has the chance to be part of one in the years ahead.

With gratitude,
Terry Hugo
Senior Manager, Marketing Communications

AROUND THE ORDER

Back to School = Back to BBYO | A new BBYO year is here, and communities everywhere are starting strong with celebrations that bring teens together and energize leaders for what’s ahead. From roller coasters and bowling to yacht parties and beach days, Kickoffs are all about fun, friendship, and welcoming new members. At the same time, regions are equipping chapter leaders with the skills and inspiration to make this year the best yet. Don’t let your teen miss the excitement—find your local event and get them signed up today!

The Countdown to #BBYOSummer2026 is On | Summer 2025 may have just wrapped up, but we’re already dreaming big for Summer 2026, and you should be, too! Whether your teen is ready to explore the world with BBYO Passport or realize their leadership potential at one of our summer leadership programs, there is something unforgettable waiting for them. Mark your calendar for September 30 when registration opens, and you can lock in the lowest early bird rate of the year. Want to be first to know what’s ahead and secure your teen’s spot at their top choice? Fill out our quick Interest Form today.

Save the Date for International Convention (IC) 2026 Launch Night | Every year over U.S. Presidents ' Day weekend in February, more than 5,000 of the Jewish community's top teen leaders, educators, professionals, and influencers gather for the most epic Jewish youth event of the year! Teens get an experience filled with leadership development, incredible speakers, community service, music performances, and memorable Shabbat celebrations with their best friends. Registration for IC 2026, which will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, kicks off on September 17 worldwide, and we anticipate another sold out year. Check out the IC website in advance so your teen is ready to snag their spot!

JEWISH PRIDE

The summer remains one of the premier times for making important connections and exploring Jewish identity, and 2025 was no exception. Despite being unable to host summer programs in Israel, we were able to foster connections between teens and their Israeli peers. Thanks to a special partnership with RootOne—an initiative that typically funds North American teens traveling to Israel—26 Israelis joined International Kallah, a BBYO Leadership Experience which focuses on building Jewish identity in a fun and relaxed camp setting.

For these teens, the experience was both empowering and transformative. They described stepping outside their comfort zones, discovering new perspectives on Judaism, and exploring life in the Diaspora alongside Jewish peers from dozens of countries. They also shared their own stories, helping others to better understand the challenges facing Israel and the pride that comes with representing their homeland. With our Summer Team hard at work navigating travel delays and last−minute approvals, the delegation quickly acclimated—arriving in two groups and immediately joining the immersive Israel 360 activity at camp, where they played a meaningful role.

As Maayan A. from our Israeli sister movement, Maccabi Tzair, reflected, “Every day, I learned so much about different cultures and customs, new perspectives, and how we are truly one people from many places.” Her words echoed the highlights of the summer:

New Perspectives: Teens explored diverse Jewish customs and beliefs, building bridges across the globe.
Global Friendships: Delegates formed lifelong bonds, celebrating the unity of the Jewish people.
Sharing Israel’s Story: Teens spoke openly about life in Israel, strengthening solidarity.
A Powerful Closing: At the final fire ceremony, the delegation stood together to sing the Maccabi anthem—a moving symbol of resilience and pride.

This summer gave the Israeli delegation an unforgettable journey and left a lasting impact on everyone at Kallah—strengthening Jewish pride across borders.

DEAR DREW

Drew Fidler, LCSW-C, is the Senior Director of the BBYO Center for Adolescent Wellness, where she helps ensure that BBYO and other youth-serving organizations are places where teens can thrive through best practices in health and wellness. Email your burning questions to Drew and she’ll select questions to answer in future Parent Pulse issues.

Dear Drew: Our family recently relocated to a new city and my daughter will be starting high school in a totally different environment than she’s used to. Any tips to help smooth the transition and set her up for success? —Mark A.

Dear Mark: The back-to-school transition can feel like a lot. New classes. New teachers. Maybe even new friends or a whole new school. It’s normal for teens to have a mix of nerves and excitement, to feel stressed, or to get a little quieter.

Here are a few tips to help your teen start the year smoothly:

Remember the ABCs of self-care: sleep, rest, proper diet, exercise, and time away from school.

Take time to set and practice routines: Routines help teens feel safe and comfortable. Sit down and walk through the day and get their feedback on how much time they need in the morning, their study schedule, etc.

Create a study space: Having a clear space where a teen knows they can sit down, do homework, and focus helps reduce stress and foster a positive learning environment.

Plan for the unknown: Things happen unexpectedly and it’s always okay to reach out for support. Talk about who and where your teen can seek out support—whether it’s a trusted adult, a friend, or someone else on their bench.

For them and you, it's important to remember: You don’t have to have it all figured out on day one. Transitions take time, let yourself ease in. And don’t forget if its feeling beyond what you might consider your teen’s normal you can always reach out for help.

Wishing you and everyone a safe and healthy start to the year.

IN THEIR WORDS

Each August, representatives from across the Order gather for a meeting of the Executive Body. This year, the 101st Grand Board of the Aleph Zadik Aleph and the 81st International Board of the B’nai B’rith Girls were officially installed in Fairfax, Virginia under the theme “For the Future.”

Teen leaders from around the world participated in workshops, collaborative planning, and meaningful conversations about strengthening chapters, elevating teen leadership, and expanding BBYO’s global impact. The conference also offered moments of reflection and connection, highlighting the responsibility and opportunity of guiding our Movement into its next century.

Mercedes Benzaquen and Logan Reich, BBYO’s 81^st Anita M. Perlman International Nsiah and 101^st Grand Aleph Godol, remarked in their inaugural address:

“We refuse to be defined by fear. We will answer hate with community, ignorance with education, and isolation with belonging. Together, we are building spaces where every Jewish teen can show up fully—unapologetically themselves—where our songs are loud, our rituals joyful, and our community is invited to stand alongside peers of all faiths, cultures, and movements in warm partnership to make this world a better place for the future.”

You can watch their full remarks and see the installations here.

GRAB BAG

BBYO International Convention (IC) 2026 is just around the corner—and the experience isn’t only for teens! There are a number of ways parents can join in for this fun, transformative, and epic weekend. Check them out below and explore the IC website to learn more.

JOIN US AT THE IC ADULT EXPERIENCE
All parents, alumni, and friends of BBYO are invited to experience IC 2026 alongside hundreds of adults across our global community. A variety of registration packages are available throughout IC weekend, including a 24-hour Stakeholder Experience from Thursday to Friday, featuring exclusive adult-only sessions with world-class speakers; and an IC Alumni Shabbat package from Friday to Saturday. Registration for the IC Adult Experience opens on Wednesday, September 17.

APPLY TO STAFF
The IC 2026 Staff Application is now open—and all BBYO parents are encouraged to join the incredible team who makes IC possible each year. Whether local to Philadelphia or from around the Movement, staff attend for six full days, experiencing this extraordinary weekend to its fullest and making a powerful impact on the experience of thousands of BBYO teens. For those who live in the U.S. and Canada, you can apply below apply to staff here.

SPEAK AT IC
Are you a proud alum of BBYO? We're seeking out lifetime Alephs and BBGs who want to speak to teen or adult audiences at IC this year as alumni, and share their wisdom, knowledge, and insights with the BBYO community. Topics may include Jewish identity today, leadership development, experience in entrepreneurship, or powerful life lessons and perspectives. If you have an inspiring story to share at IC, we’d love to hear from you; you can apply to speak here.

BBYO Parent Webinar: What It Really Takes to Stand Out in College Admissions

With Stephen Friedfeld, Co-founder, COO of AcceptU and Former Admissions Officer, Cornell University; and Andrew Reich, Former Admissions Officer, New York University

Thursday, September 11 at 8:00 PM ET

Grades and test scores are just the start. In this webinar, we’ll break down how students can stand out in a competitive admissions process—while staying true to their Jewish identity. Learn what colleges value most, how to build a strong academic and extracurricular foundation and how to thoughtfully incorporate Jewish experiences like BBYO into your story.