Youth Conference

 

The HuJews Conclave is an annual North American teen and college conference sponsored by the Society for Humanistic Judaism. A most anticipated event, conclave brings together teens who are in grades 8 through 12 and college students from across the United States and Canada for a weekend of fun, service, insight, and discovery. Conclave enables young Humanistic Jews to connect with their peers, discover more about Humanism and strengthen their Jewish identity. Conclaves may include thought-provoking discussions, fun-filled workshops, a rewarding community service activity, Humanistic Shabbat and Havdala services, and much more.

 

2015 HuJews Teen and College Conclave

The 2015 HuJews Conclave will take place March 20-22, 2015, at one of our favorite locations – the Butzel Conference Center in suburban Detroit.  For years, attendees have benefited from the closeknit community this beautiful wooded setting provides. HuJews from across the country and Canada will come together to celebrate and learn from one another. The theme of the 2015 Conclave will be Identities as we explore together the many identities that we assume and that are assigned to us. What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be Jewish? What does it mean to be a humanist? How do we define ourselves? And how do others define us? These questions and others will be examined in both formal workshops and informal discussions as well as through the experiences we will share.

 

Register for the 2015 HuJews Conclave here. Registration deadline is February 9, 2015. Conclave fees are:

 

• Teens/College Students: $235
• Chaperones: $290

 

A late fee of $25 will be charged on all registrations received after February 9.

 

There are no refunds after March 9, 2015. A $50 cancellation fee will be charged on all refunds.

 

Scholarships

Through the Helen R. Bennet Memorial Youth Scholarship Fund, the Phillip Gould Memorial Youth Scholarship Fund and the generosity of SHJ members, we are pleased to offer several full registration scholarships ($235) and partial registration scholarships ($115) for conclave fees. We also are able to offer a limited number of Transportation Subsidies (up to $75) for the HuJews Conclave. Applications must be completed by the participant. Scholarship applications are due January 19, 2015. Download scholarship application here.

 

Required Forms

All conclave participants must submit several forms in addition to their online registration form. These forms may be downloaded:

 

• Teens Conclave 2015 Forms (to be completed by all participants under age 18)
• Adult Conclave 2015 Forms (to be completed by all participants age 18 and over, including chaperones)

 

All Conclave participants are asked to provide their travel information. Download form here.

 

Questions, contact: SHJ Conclave Coordinator or SHJ.

 

Comments from Past Participants

“I was a little nervous for my first conclave because I didn’t know how many of my friends would come or what exactly to expect. But I went, and I had a RIDICULOUS amount of fun. My friends were there, plus I made a bunch of new ones. I can’t wait until the next one!”

- Carly

 

“I met new people and got closer to the friends I came with. This year will be my fifth conclave. I wouldn’t stop going if you paid me.”

- Zak

 

“I was sort of pushed into my first conclave by a multitude of different sources – my parents, teachers, friends and was tentative about going my first time. But I had an AMAZING time. For the first time, I was able to meet other Humanistic Jews my own age and we had a great experience. It is because of conclave that we were able to start a youth group at my temple and keep that momentum going.”

- Callie

 

“Of course traveling around the U.S. and Canada is fun and getting to see new places is always a perk, but the real reason I come back every year is for the relationships that are made. To be with other HUJEWS when it felt like you were the only one out there is a huge deal, and I love it time and time again.”

- Nina

 

“I really liked getting to know everyone and having deep conversations late into the night. Connecting with people you’ve just met was really cool, and the outdoor team building activities were fun, too.”

- Catie

 

“The best part of the conclave for me was seeing Aley enjoy it so much. Aley is new to the movement, and this was her first conclave so she didn’t know very many of the kids there. She’s really outgoing, though, so she met people quickly. She must have liked it a lot because when I came home, Aley was the first person to email me. All she could talk about was how much she enjoyed the weekend, and how sad she was that it ended. Conclave does that to people. It makes them crazy about being part of Humanistic Judaism.”

- Jody

 

“I loved conclave and met so many friends that I will keep forever. The talent show, although lame at some points, was such a good experience that used the whole group and made us all that much closer. The fact that I’m on the board is nice to know; it means the kids are not discriminatory towards new kids. I made the board because I was voted onto it, not because the conclave advisor chose me. This summer we’re all going to meet in Michigan again because it’s too hard to stay apart for a full year.”

- Aley