International Kallah is where BBYO members from across the globe come together to explore their Jewish identity and learn about their shared Jewish heritage, all while enjoying adventures in a beautiful camp setting. It takes place for 20 days during the summer at the B’nai B’rith Perlman Camp in Lake Como, Pa.
Along with peers from every corner of the world, attendees discover what it means to shape Jewish life in their own way, through courage, creativity, and connection. Beyond the learning, everyone shares unforgettable experiences, from late-night conversations to electives such as music, cooking, photography, and sports. Kallah is where Jewish leadership is born, and where tomorrow’s voices find their strength today.
Tidewater BBYO member and current Godol (president) of Old Dominion AZA, Logan Hoffman, attended International Kallah this past summer. As many camps and summer experiences are starting to open enrollment for summer 2026, he says he is excited to share his experiences with the Tidewater community in his own words in hopes to inspire other local teens to seek meaningful experiences that explore Judaism, connect with other Jewish teens, or help Tidewater’s Jewish community learn, grow, and move forward.
For more information about local Tidewater BBYO chapters, visit jewishva.org/BBYO or contact Courtney Krutoy, city director, at ckrutoy@bbyo.org. For more information about BBYO summer programs, visit bbyosummer.org.
First Person
All in for BBYO
by Logan Hoffman
This past summer, I decided to go all in for BBYO. I started my BBYO journey and knew that I didn’t have much time. One of my biggest goals was to get everything that I could out of my short time in this movement. I had heard stories from my friends and my own sister who attended Kallah about how magical the experience really is. I had heard crazy stories about Perlman camp and wanted to see it for myself. I was fresh off of the high from IC which was truly the best feeling. The day after I got home, I registered for Kallah.
When it finally rolled around, I didn’t really know what to feel. It was my first summer camp and one of my only times traveling alone. I knew I had friends that were going to Kallah and friends that were already there from ILTC. I never could have imagined the time that I had would live up to what it was.
This experience was truly life changing. I now know people from all over the USA along with people in so many different countries. The phrase “the people make the place” is one of the best ways to describe it. It brought me closer to my Jewish identity along with helping me grow into the person I’m supposed to become and help me make connections I honestly see lasting a lifetime. I also had the opportunity to be able to get a Hebrew name along with getting bar mitzvahed. This was a big deal because I hadn’t yet gotten either. Being able to have that experience was genuinely amazing, and to do it in a place like Kallah was even better.
The people and memories you make are beyond amazing. I highly encourage kids who want to get more into BBYO to give it a try and open all the doors that are there for us to open!