Summer’s here — the sun is out, school’s out, and your phone is (let’s be real) glued to your hand. But as we dive into beach days, late-night hangouts, and campfires, there’s one thing we shouldn’t leave behind: our Jewish friends from around the world.

Whether you met at a convention, a summer camp, or one of the BBYO programs, those friendships are real, and they deserve more than just a double-tap on Instagram.

So… Why Should We Even Stay Connected?

Because we understand each other, we get it. We share stories, songs, values, and vibes that go beyond borders. Being a part of the global Jewish teen community means never feeling alone, even if you’re thousands of miles away. These connections can become your second family. Your home away from home.

Okay, But How Do We Stay Connected?

We got you. Here are some easy & fun ways to stay in touch (even from different time zones):

💬 Weekly Check-ins

Pick one day a week. Text. Call. Send a voice note. Just say hi and catch up on life.

 📸 Summer Photo Dump Chats

Start a shared album or Snapchat group. Post beach pics, soccer game, bonfires, or even your shopping hauls — it’s a window into your summer.

🌍 Virtual Shabbat

Set aside a time once a month for a brief Zoom Havdalah or a quick Shabbat check-in. Light candles together. Sing. Laugh. Feel the connection.

🎶 Shared Playlists

Make a Spotify playlist together — add songs that remind you of each other, Jewish bangers, camp hits, or inside jokes.

✈️ Plan a Future Meetup

Maybe it’s next year’s BBYO IC. Maybe it’s visiting Israel. Having something to look forward to keeps the friendship going strong.

BBYO summer programs and International Conventions are more than just fun — they’re life-changing. You meet people from everywhere, and somehow it feels like you’ve known them forever. These are the moments where friendships go deep.

So, if you’re at CLTC, ILTC, International Kallah, or BBYO passport trips— take it all in. Soak up every second. And then? Keep it alive.

Bottom line?

Jewish teens are everywhere — New York, Tel Aviv, Sydney, Paris. But we’re all part of one big family. Summer doesn’t have to mean goodbye. It can mean let’s keep this going. So go send that text. Tag your friend in that meme. Hop on FaceTime. Keep the spark alive