Challah at your new Jewish family!

New friendships, smooth move ins, and playing everyone's favorite game Jewish geography all make FreshFest a no brainer! All activities will be built for Jewish students of all different backgrounds to build community and make life-long friendships as they get to know campus and each other.

And of course, since this is a Jewish community event, plentiful food is of the essence.  Sepctacular hiking and picking local apples (and honey) are just two highlights of this fantastic experience! 

 In this program, participants will: 

  • Hike to Taughannock Falls, then rest with a beautiful catered Italian lunch at Taughannock Pavilion, and tons of chit chat and bonding activities by the banks of the beautiful Cayuga Lake. Then hop back on the bus to taste the local fruits and pick your own at Indian Creek Farm!
     
  • Meet new friends and make community connections that will last throughout your years at Ithaca College. 
  • Participate in reflection exercises, icebreakers, and meaningful small-group discussion opportunities. 
  • Learn about upcoming trips with Hillel, from Apple Picking for Rosh Hashana to Israel on Birthright this winter.
  • Get oriented to your own version of Jewish life on campus- whether it’s just for the High Holidays, or every Shabbat Dinner. 

Students should be able to safely walk for at least 4 miles. Life threatening allergies/medical conditions should be able to be managed in the field. Students need to bring a water bottle, any life-saving medications, PPE, clothing appropriate for the weather and a raincoat, small backpack to carry their gear and snacks. 

students in front of Buttermilk Falls State Park sign

Program logistics: 

  • New students can participate in this Jumpstart program on August 19-20, 2024
  • Jumpstart participants will move into their residence hall rooms on Monday, August 19 between 9:00am - 4:00pm.

  • The program runs from 5:00 to 8:00pm on Monday (includes a welcome BBQ!), approximately 9:00am-6:00pm on Tuesday, with a Jumpstart closing event on Tuesday evening.

  • A catered lunch will be provided for participants of this program on Tuesday, all other meals will be covered by your IC meal plan in the dining hall. Transportation and all program materials are provided for this program.

  • Participants will be engaged in fun and physical activities; please wear clothes that will allow you to climb and stretch.

  • There is no charge for this program.