BBYO International Convention 2026

Thank you for expressing interest in hosting international delegates in advance of BBYO International Convention 2026! 

 International Convention 2026 kicks off in Philadelphia on February 12th, 2026, but the global pre-IC program, Global Ambassadors Week, will take place in the Philadelphia area beforehand. We're looking for families from across the community to host hundreds of international teen delegates before IC 2026 officially kicks off! This special opportunity, from approximately Thursday afternoon, February 5th through Wednesday morning, February 11th, is a unique cross-cultural experience that will allow you to connect with BBYO's global network and Jewish life around the world! 

You'll need to be able to provide the following to qualify as a Global Ambassadors Week home host: 

• Comfortable housing with safe, clean and appropriate sleeping arrangements. Teens can share a full bed or larger, including quality pull-out beds. 
• Transportation (adult drivers only) to our pick-up and drop-off locations each day, except during Shabbat. The days begin early in the morning and end in the evening. All Philadelphia area teens can easily go to school, and adult hosts will have uninterrupted work days. Pick-up points for bussing will be mapped to make the distances as short as possible. 
• All host families will need to greet their international delegates at Philadelphia International Airport on their day of arrival. Most international delegations will likely arrive in the later part of the day and into the evening. 
• Vegetarian/kosher style/kosher breakfast and dinner during programming days. 
• If your family is engaging in an outing like a movie or eating out at a restaurant, you'll be comfortable to pay for your international delegates. This does not include casual socializing, like going to a mall where delegates shop with spending money that they have brought to purchase gifts, souvenirs, etc. 
• BBYO seeks to provide an inclusive rooming community and recognizes that our teens have a variety of gender identities, not limited to only male and female. BBYO offers gender-inclusive rooming. Teens can be roomed with the gender they are most comfortable with. All host families must be open to offering gender inclusive rooming. 

Program details will be shared with all hosting families beginning this Fall and will be updated regularly. 

Pennsylvania Compliance Requirements

The state of Pennsylvania requires background checks and fingerprinting for all volunteers who have direct contact with minors (anyone under the age of 18). As a home host, you are required to comply with these state-mandated regulations. This background screening will need to be processed for all members of the home host's household over the age of 18 years old. BBYO takes the security of our teens seriously, and we appreciate your help in taking this crucial step to help ensure a safe environment. 

 All adults in the home will receive an email asking them to create an account in BBYO’s Volunteer Management System (VMS) in order to initiate their background check. Once you have created an account, you will receive links to complete the Pennsylvania Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Check, and the FBI Fingerprint Check or Review/sign a disclosure statement. Please make sure to take immediate action upon receiving this email. Any adult that has not been cleared cannot stay overnight in the home during the home hosting period. Priority registration for member teens in host households will be granted for those who have completed all compliance steps by Wednesday, September 10. In order to complete your compliance and be confirmed to host BBYO teens, you must ensure that all clearances have been uploaded to the Volunteer Management System. 

Below, please complete the names and email address of any adults in your home over the age of 18.

Hosting Info & Preferences

Volunteering at IC

Summary

Thank you for your interest in hosting international delegates. This cross-cultural exchange is a meaningful opportunity. We encourage you to explore the culture of your guest(s) and learn about their unique Jewish community! Please remember that there will be cultural differences, and opportunities to learn from one another throughout the experience. 

As a reminder, you'll need to be able to provide the following to qualify as a Global Ambassadors Week home host:

• Complete and submit results of three-step PA compliance process.
• Provide comfortable housing with safe, clean and appropriate sleeping arrangements. 
• Provide transportation (adult drivers only) to our pick-up and drop-off locations each day except during Shabbat. 
• Greet your international delegates at Philadelphia International Airport on their arrival day. 
• Provide vegetarian/kosher style/kosher breakfast and dinner during programming days. 
• If your family is engaging in an outing like a movie or eating out at a restaurant, you'll be comfortable to pay for your international delegates. This does not include casual socializing, like going to a mall where delegates shop with spending money that they have brought to purchase gifts, souvenirs, etc.  

Thank you! 

BBYO appreciates our Philadelphia community and would not be able to put on incredible programs without your help. Make sure to click "submit", or the form will not be received.