FreshFest is the perfect way for YOU to kickstart your college journey by making lifelong friendships and connecting with the Towson Jewish community. This 2-day fun-filled retreat offers exciting activities, meaningful connections, and delicious kosher meals. It’s a great way to explore campus life, meet new people, and build a strong support system. Start your college experience off right—don’t miss out on this unforgettable opportunity!

We are still finalizing our plans for 2026. Below is the schedule for 2025 for context.

Day 1:

Arrive at Towson Hillel on Campus
Mentor/ Mentee Mixer
Kosher Dinner and swag bar
Havdalah and s’mores by the campfire

Day 2:

Kosher breakfast
Speed friending and schmoozing
Orioles Baseball game!
Axe Throwing and Crafting
Kosher Dinner and wrap up activity.

More details to come!

*Please note: these activities and schedule are subject to change.

Of course! Hillel is a pluralistic organization and is home to Jews of every type of background. Most of the programming we host is cultural and all the food that we provide at our program is kosher. From going to sporting events, cooking classes and even community service trips, we have something for everyone. There are always religious opportunities we provide including Shabbat services, holidays, and more! We like to call Hillel a place for all type of Jewish, where all backgrounds, practices, and viewpoints are welcome.

All of the food that we provide for our students is kosher. 

FreshFest is from August 19-20th, right before University Orientation begins. Students that sign up for Freshfest will be assigned the move in date of Wednesday Aug. 19th so they can participate in our program beginning that evening. Students will not miss any of the regularly scheduled Freshmen Orientation by participating in Freshfest. 

The cost to attend Freshfest is $36. This is a highly subsidized cost that includes all meals, swag, and programming! We never want money to be a hindrance to you participating, so don’t hesitate to reach out if this doesn’t work for you.

The deadline to register is July 21st to guarantee the move in date of August 19th. In addition, FreshFest is a first come first serve registration process, meaning if we run out of spots, we will close registration early. We recommend signing up as early as possible to guarantee a spot. 

You will be sleeping in your dorm! Hillel will have evening programming to keep you occupied, and then you can walk back to your dorm when the programming concludes for the evening. If you are a commuter student or living in off campus housing you will be responsible for getting to and from campus for programming. 

Definitely! While FreshFest is exclusive, our Hillel will have a full week of welcome events the entire first week of classes, open to anyone! 

We will have a parent info session date and time TDB, in the meantime, feel free to reach out via email to mia@towsonhillel.org!