Jewish After School
Network Conference
October 18-21 , 2026
at Ramah Darom in Clayton, GA
Join Jewish after-school leaders, educators, and innovators from across North America for three days of learning, connection, inspiration, and hands-on activities to strengthen our programs and our people.
Key Conference Details
📅 When? October 18-21, 2026
📍 Where will we meet? At Ramah Darom, Clayton, GA - Nestled in the beautiful North Georgia mountains
👥 Who Is Invited? We are bringing together a vibrant community of: Jewish Educational Leaders/Supervisors, Jewish After School Site Directors and Lead Teachers
$ Cost: This experience is fully subsidized for our Network members. JKG will provide up to $2,500 per partner organization to cover airfare to Atlanta for up to three attendees (main cabin/economy flights). Your conference registration, lodging, and meals are all included.
Transportation to and from the Atlanta Airport will be provided courtesy of JKG.
Why Attend?
You'll Leave With:
🛠️ Tools you can implement immediately
💡 New ideas to strengthen enrollment, staffing, culture, and Jewish learning
🤝 Connections with colleagues and others facing the same challenges and opportunities
🪷 A recharged battery after dedicated time to step back, reflect, and engage in self-care
✨ Inspiration to lead your organization and community forward
👥 Meaningful lasting bonds rooted in our Network of Jewish after school educators
2026 Conference Focus:
Rodeph Shalom / Pursuing Balance
Why This Matters Now
Afterschool spaces are being asked to do more than ever: support working families, nurture children's social and emotional growth, and create meaningful Jewish experiences — all within limited time and resources. This moment calls for leaders who can hold complexity and design environments that are both joyful and purposeful.
רודף שלום
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Conference Sessions explore real tensions in afterschool, such as:
Structure vs. choice
Fun vs. meaningful learning
Staff autonomy vs. consistency
Community building vs. operational demands
You will leave with tools, frameworks, and language to navigate these tensions.
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The Conference will create intentional High-energy moments alongside reflection, and structured learning balanced with informal connection.
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The setting at Camp Ramah Darom isn't just a backdrop; it is an intentional part of the learning. You will get to live out balance in real time, and carry that experience back into your programs.
What to Expect at the Jewish After School Network Conference
Skill Building
Interactive workshops, hands-on sessions, and peer learning.
Deepening Connections
Make intentional and meaningful connections with colleagues from across North America plus Who Knows One? Interactive community building gameshow led by Micah Hart
Jewish Learning
Text-based learning experiences that ground our work in Jewish wisdom and values.
Renewal
Time for reflection, restoration, and personal growth. You will leave sustained in body and spirit.
Celebration
Festive evening to celebrate the ‘graduation’ of the first cohorts from the Accelerator
Inspiration
Hear from leading practitioners and thought leaders who are helping shape the future of Jewish education
Joyful Moments
Campfire, music, art, recreation, and plenty of opportunities to laugh together.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you are reading this, this conference is for YOU! This gathering is designed with Jewish after school leaders in mind, to be directly relevant to the tensions you face in the work that you do and to give you a boost to go back rejuvenated. Join other synagogue education leaders, after school program directors and lead teachers plus Jewish educational practitioners and visionaries.
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We welcome JASA participants from Cohorts I-IV regardless of whether you have participated in any previous Jewish After School Network programming.
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Plan to fly into the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. https://www.atl.com/
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The conference begins on October 18, 2026 (sunday). We will offer two shuttles (free of charge) to and from Ramah Darom from the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport (ATL) on Sunday and then again on Wednesday at the end of the conference.
Please purchase your plane tickets upon registration and we will reach out about reimbursements after the conference.
JKG will provide up to $2,500 per partner organization to cover airfare to Atlanta for up to three attendees. JKG/JASA will also cover conference registration, lodging, and meals for those participants.
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Ramah Darom is equipped with hotel rooms, cottages and cabins. We plan to primarily utilize the hotel rooms. Please let us know if you have mobility challenges with climbing stairs or walking up/down hills in your registration form.
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Of course, we would love you to be with us for the entirety of the conference. However, if your schedule only allows you to be with us for a shorter duration, please be in touch with us to make arrangements.
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Ramah Darom is located in the mountains where the mornings and evenings tend to be cool while the days tend to be warmer. You will primarily be walking on paved roads around camp but you should have sturdy shoes to accommodate some gravel or dirt areas. Layers are going to be important. Check the weather forecast before you pack to make sure you have what you need. Camp provides linens and some basic toiletries. Here’s their packing list. We will not be using the pool but there is a fitness center and walking/gentle hiking trails on the campus and nearby.
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JKG will provide up to $2,500 per partner organization to cover airfare to Atlanta for up to three attendees. JKG/JASA will also cover conference registration, lodging, and meals for those participants. JKG will provide bus transportation to and from Ramah Darom from the Atlanta Airport for your convenience. Please encourage your site director, education director (or JASA primary participant if different from ed director) and a lead teacher to attend! Reimbursement information will be sent to you after registration.
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To learn more about the conference or ask specific questions, please reach out to Rabbi Penina Alexander at penina@jewishkidsgroups.com
Sample Schedule
Sunday October 18, 2026
Afternoon Arrival, Welcome, Get Connected, Learning Session, Relaxed Evening Program
Monday October 19, 2026
Whole Group Learning Session, Workshops and Peer Learning, Recreation Choices, Engaging evening community-building program featuring: ‘Who Knows One’ game show
Tuesday October 20, 2026
Whole Group Learning Session, Workshops and Peer Learning, Recreation Choices, Panel Discussion with Jewish Education Leaders, Evening program: Celebrate the Graduation of Cohorts I and II!
Wednesday October 21, 2026
Whole group learning, Goal setting, Reflections and next steps, Farewell until next year!