Ruach! Singing! Chizuk! Over 400 girls from 32 cities!
That was Bnos Convention 5782, this past Shabbos at Camp Malka in upstate New York.
If you remember past conventions, you know that this was a big change. Until now, a rotation of cities hosted the Bnos Convention, but this year we moved (to the) mountains.
Camp Malka has beautiful facilities and amenities: eruv, indoor gym, oversized dining room, nature trails, machanayim courts, and so much more. We could host more girls than we could ever accommodate in a community. And being in our own space, without the distractions of a city, would bring us closer together.
Before Convention, we were excited about our new venue but nervous, too. Moving the convention to a camp brought a slew of new logistics. We had to bring EVERYTHING in from the city, including a cook, a minyan, speakers, entertainment, and even extra shampoo and linens. Despite our many years of experience running Convention, it was as if we were doing it for the first time!
We shouldn't have worried. With Hashem's help and the untiring work of a supercharged volunteer corps, Bnos Convention 5782 was our best yet!
Right away we could see that interest in Convention was off the charts. Registration filled up days before the deadline. From Las Vegas to Lakewood and Minneapolis to Miami, girls traveled from all over the country to join us. In Camp Malka, we were all "out-of-town," creating an incredible ruach together.
Our theme was ומצדיקי הרבים ככוכבים לעולם ועד – those who inspire others will shine like stars forever and ever. It's a possuk from Sefer Doniel, which refers to those who teach Torah to children.
Our Bnos leaders don't think of themselves as teachers, but they should! Every story they tell, every compliment they give, even every game they play makes a lasting impression on their Bnosers. They're part of the chinuch of the next generation, and we want them to appreciate who they are.
From Friday noon to Sunday noon, our schedule was jam-packed with events and speakers emphasizing this theme. Highlights included "The Art of Telling a Story," by Mrs. Tziri Frank, "When Opportunities Call Your Name," by R' Avi Frank, and an unbelievable Game Expo hosted by Boston Bnos.
Being on our own grounds meant we could fine-tune every aspect of the program. And our attendees felt more connected – after all, there was nowhere else to go! – and participated with extra enthusiasm.
"Shabbos was full of inspiration and aliyah," says Mrs. Chana Baila Hass, National Director of Bnos Agudas Yisroel. "Our Bnos leaders could appreciate that they're part of a larger whole, impacting Klal Yisroel together."
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