CLTC Bethany
Shabbat Shalom from CLTC 6
Posted on 07/20/2012 @ 04:12 PM
Shalom from the beautiful woods of Bethany, WV!
CLTC 6 2012 is well under way and we couldn’t be happier to be here with 100 of BBYO’s finest future leaders. It is amazing to see how far we’ve all already come to form a united team of boys and girls. The chapters are cooperating, song sessions are booming, and we’re glad to see everyone exhausted at the end of the day as a result of their extra efforts to make the most out of the short period that we all have together. Wednesday, the Alephs and BBGs built up the past 90 years of history in the form of graham cracker houses to symbolize the strong foundation that BBYO provides for young Jewish leaders. Yesterday, the six chapters held elections to learn the ins and outs of the process. Congratulations again to everyone that participated! As Shabbat is just around the corner, we anticipate joining in prayers, songs and the programs that our chapters are working hard to plan. We can’t wait to continue building this community here at Bethany as we further learn about one another as the days go on. Check back soon for more updates from the largest CLTC to ever hit Bethany.
Shabbat Shalom!
Jordan Schack and Allie Laps
CLTC 4: From New York to Bethany
Posted on 07/11/2012 @ 05:28 PM
CLTC has been indescribable so far. When I told all my friends in New York that I was going to be spending 12 days in West Virginia, they didn't know what I was thinking. Honestly, neither did I. I had never been away from home for anything but convention, and I had no idea if I would be able to make it through 12 days at an extremely hilly campus. I thought, "12 days, it'll be fine. I can make it through these 12 days for my chapter's well being." But now, I don't want to make it through these 12 days. I don't ever want them to end. I didn't think I'd make any friends here, but it seems that I'll be leaving this journey with an entire fan base. These horribly steep hills may have left me with a cut on my knee, but I will really miss waking up and down numerous times a day while complaining about it with all my new friends. I can honestly say that I've never gulped down this much water in my life, nor I have I ever rapped this much over the span of 12 days. Who knew that CLTC wouldn't only be fun, but that it would actually be the best 12 days of my life?
CLTC 4 pre-induction
Posted on 07/10/2012 @ 05:56 PM
Hello! This is Kevin Sloan reporting from inside the BBYO staff office
at the beautiful Bethany College. Serving as a CLTC coordinator has
been the greatest honor of my life. As the program goes on it is
evident that the teens are becoming more confident leaders by creating their own programs and fundraisers for their peers. Today, Lindsey and I put supplies together for our AZA and BBG induction ceremonies. This is very important to me because when I went to CLTC in 2009, my induction was one of the most meaningful and inspiring experiences I had in BBYO. Although there are four days left, it still feels like we just got here. While I'm sad to be leaving BBYO, it is reassuring to know that there are at least 87 capable teens to keep both our movement and the Jewish community strong.
Thanks for reading
Shabbat Shalom from CLTC 4
Posted on 07/10/2012 @ 11:08 AM
Hi! I'm Lindsey DuBoff, the BBG Coordinator for CLTC 4 2012. For the past week here in Bethany, West Virginia, I have watched the participants at CLTC form an amazing keheila, a community. It has been so incredible to watch the Alehps and B'nai B'rith Girls form meaningful relationships with each other while learning useful leadership skills to bring back home to their chapters and regions. Ever since day one, everyone has been so enthusiastic about everything; whether it has been a Shira session or rotations about different leadership skills. This past week, each chapter has chosen a Stand Up cause that they believe in. They are also beginning to passionately plan their creative chapter fundraisers and are in the process of making chapter programs. The first Shabbat at CLTC 4 was very well planned with a zen theme, everyone had a peaceful service. I also experienced one of the most meaningful Havdallah services I have ever seen throughout my time in BBYO. CLTC 4 has been great so far and it has truly been an honor serving as a CLTC coordinator. I know the rest of the week will be incredible and that each participant will return home to be inspired and well equipped leaders.
Talk to you soon!
Update from CLTC 4
Posted on 07/05/2012 @ 01:43 PM
Dear Parents,
Good morning! The teens have begun day 3 of CLTC Session 4 and we are having a great day.
This note is to quickly update you on the weather at Bethany. As some of you may have heard, a strong lightning storm passed through Bethany, WV last night. Luckily there was minimal damage resulting only in the power being knocked out for the time being. Crews are working on restoring power, and are keeping us informed of their progress.
We are proceeding with our day as normal. The teens have had breakfast, and are in classes. We have plenty of food and water and are quite comfortable as the weather is currently in the low 70s. I will be teaching all day, and unable to answer calls.
We will keep you informed as the situation changes.
Sincerely,
Ellen Goldstein
CLTC 2 Closing Remarks
Posted on 06/29/2012 @ 04:16 PM
I had the most incredible time at CLTC! I've met so many incredible people. People always told me that CLTC was the best experience of their life, but I finally understand what they meant. The lessons on leadership that I have learned, the ideas for programs I have acquired, and the memories I've made are priceless. These people who I've only known for 12 days have completely changed my life forever. I will never be able to be here again but I know that I will never loose touch with these amazing people who has come to be my best friends. I urge every member of BBYO to experience CLTC so that maybe it will change their life as much as it has changed mine. Together as one! Forever united!
I remain, Abby Seidel, a damn proud BBG!
CLTC 2: 7 Habits in 12 Days
Posted on 06/28/2012 @ 06:43 PM
One of the main things we have learned here at CLTC is leadership. Specifically, habits that make up the character of a "good leader". For the past 10 days we have been learning about the 7 Habits of Effective Teens in great depth.
We started with the first three habits that pertained to part one of a famous Hillel quote, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me?". These habits included: 1-Be Proactive, 2-Begin with the End in Mind, and 3-Put First Things First. The first habit involves being proactive versus reactive in a situation. The second, having a definite goal in mind to achieve. Finally, the third, is about prioritizing. The way these habits pertain to part one of Hillel's message is that they have the common theme of being careful and aware of one's actions and them selves, because we, as individuals, are the only ones who can control our choices.
The next three habits were explained via the middle phrase of Hillel's message being, "If I am only for myself, what am I?". The fourth habit being: Think Win Win deals with working with others to obtain a shared victory. The fifth, Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood, emphasizes the importance of hearing and considering what others wish to say, then respond to their statement. Synergizing, which is the sixty habit talks of how we can take advantage of our own strengths and weaknesses in order to work together towards a greater common goal. These penultimate habits, involve the need for the individual to exercise their abilities to work together as a team, which goes well with Hillel's statement on how we should remember to still help others, not just ourselves.
Last, but most certainly not least, the final part of Hillel's quote: "If not now, when?" matches perfectly with the seventh and final habit: Sharpening the Saw (not literally though). In this case, to sharpen the saw means to take time for ourselves to rest both physically, socially(emotionally), mentally, and spiritually so we may continue to have the ability to care for ourselves and others too. In other words, we should plan accordingly so we may continue to have time to help ourselves and our community.
In these twelve days, these seven habits have become more than guidelines in a little blue book; they are part of a way of life anyone should try to apply to themselves. For me, these habits might just be the thing to improve my relationships with others, my relationship with myself, and to help me discern when I should work and rest.
CLTC 2 "You Do Everything So Good So Well"
Posted on 06/27/2012 @ 01:38 PM
The title of my blog post is inspired by my half awake comment in response to why my chapter N'siah (president) is awesome. My name is Allison Rudolph and I am part the Leadership Staff at CLTC 2. In addition to teaching third grade in Delaware, I am a chapter advisor. My experience here at CLTC has enabled me to practice and improve my interactions with a chapter board. In addition to advising my mock chapter, one of my responsibilities is to teach sessions that will improve the leadership skills of the teens in attendance. So far my favorite session to facilitate has been about communication. The major take away for the teens was "Seek first to understand, then be understood." They learned how to communicate with different stake holders in the BBYO community, along with best practices using different communication media. I look forward to sharing with the teen in my chapter the different ideas and best practice I learned during my time at CLTC.
CLTC 2 Shira
Posted on 06/22/2012 @ 04:29 PM
Over the past 3.5 days of CLTC Nathan and I have had the pleasure of listening to Mikey (the song leader) grab all the CLTC participants attention. Each night after dinner all the participants participate in a Shira (song session). Songs that are normally sung at Jewish camps now have a new twist to them, and everyone is noticing. It has been a truly unique experience to watch the Alephs and B'nai B'rith Girls bond over something as special as Shira.
Submitted With Undying Love For,
Music, CLTC 2, and memories that will last a life time,
I remain,
Kara Simon
BBG CLTC 2 Coordinator
CLTC 2, 2012!
Posted on 06/22/2012 @ 04:05 PM
Here at CLTC 2, Kara Simon and I are having an incredible time. The teens have just started the best and most meaningful 12 days of their lives. I have never seen a group of young people have such a great time while becoming better leaders and learning how to better their community. We have just had our elections. Kavod AZA and Echad AZA have elected their boards, and they are ready to get down to business.
Every night we have had a friendship circle before we go to bed, which includes singing and eating snacks in order to wind down and get ready for the next day. I can't wait to see what the Alephs and BBGs of CLTC 2 can achieve over the rest of our time together!
Much Love and Frats,
Nathan Weinbaum
Message from Olivia Benzaquen (NRE) - CLTC 6
Posted on 07/28/2011 @ 05:00 PM
When you hear everyone who has been to CLTC say that it is the most wonderful experience they are 100% correct. I never believed anyone before I came here because I did not understand how twelve days at a campus in the middle of nowhere could be life changing. I was definitely wrong. Not only did I learn more about being a leader; but I learned about myself, how to work with others, and how to make amazing friends that I know I will keep for the rest of my life. Dan and Orli, my coordinators, are two of the most amazing people. Their love for BBYO is inspiring. I came thinking that Dan and Orli would just be staffers but they are also best friends that I will keep for a lifetime. Since I came without knowing one person, I think that helped me. It helped me come out of my comfort zone and be open and friendly to everyone I met. There is nothing I would change about my experience at CLTC 2011; coming was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made. -Olivia Benzaquen
Message from Sari Misek (No. Florida) - CLTC 6
Posted on 07/28/2011 @ 04:40 PM
Hi! My name is Sari Misek and I am here at CLTC 6! It is now day 9 and so far the program has been an amazing experience that I will remember forever, and I have learned so much information that I just can't wait to bring back to my chapter at home. One highlight of my time at CLTC has been the mock-chapter led programs. My chapter, Shirat Devorah BBG #216 (which translates to "Song of Deborah," inspired by Debbie Friedman), led a program involving the BBG folds of social action and community service. Our chapter programming committee organized a program on the topic of bullying, verbal abuse, and self esteem. We informed the CLTC community on definitions and statistics related to verbal abuse. They were all mind blowing! The highlight of the program was when all of the teens had a piece of paper taped to each of their backs and everybody wrote compliments and positive comments anonymously on the paper. The end result was that everyone looked at their papers and read over what was written. It put a smile on everyones face and had a great affect on people. All of the other chapters here put on amazing programs as well. Zecher AZA did invisible sports with the folds of athletic, judaism, and education. D'vash BBG put on a hide and seek program on globalization including BBG folds of recreation and sisterhood, and Kesher BBG held a 7 days of creation finger painting program with the folds of creativity and jewish heritage. Lastly, Marcus Ehrenpreis AZA held a program on people and their differences. All of the programs were well planned and were enjoyed by all! I now am going home with even more programs to put on for my chapter and region. CLTC is awesome, and I advise every BBG and AZA to try to come. It is a 12 day program you will never forget and you will leave with much education and great friendships!
Message from Lindsey Rubin (NRE-NoVA) - CLTC 6
Posted on 07/26/2011 @ 04:40 PM
For months my chapter told me "CLTC will be the best 12 days of your life"and I honestly didn't believe them. Today is day 7 and none of their comments were exaggerated. I have made friends form Canada, California, Michigan and everywhere in between, meeting some of the most amazing people ever! I remember walking through the airport last Tuesday and it feels like it's been weeks instead of barely seven days. All of the programing has been phenomenal but my favorite was Stand-Up which we had a few days ago. Stand-Up gave everyone in my chapter the opportunity to express what causes matter to them and many of us found common ground. We realized we all felt strongly about a few causes that had personally touched our own lives whether through friends or family. On the first day we took a tour of Bethany and everyone one was complaining about the massive hills but every day the walk doesn't seem as bad as the day before (not that I recommend it). Shira (singing/song session) is my favorite part of every day. While I am enjoying the opportunity to learn so much about BBYO and myself, the connection you can feel when we all sing together is amazing. Personally I believe whenever you put almost 100 people together singing the same song the meaning goes even deeper. After how amazing the first 7 days have been I know the next 5 ( I can't believe there's only 5 left) will be even more amazing. With undying love for Shirat Devorah BBG #216, Lahat BBG #0339, Nemo, CLTC 6, Song Sessions everyday and fabulous fresh baked cookies, I forever remain, Lindsey Rubin
Message from Bradley Deren (SJR) - CLTC 6
Posted on 07/25/2011 @ 04:40 PM
So a few months ago i heard about a program called CLTC. I didn't really know what it was but all of my friends convinced me to sign up for it. Since the moment I got here I have learned so much. I never thought I could learn so much in so little time. CLTC 6 has been one of the best experiences of my life. The friends I have made and the stories I have heard have changed me forever and I recommend every person in BBYO signing up for it.
Message from Orli Berman (NRE-DC) - CLTC 6
Posted on 07/24/2011 @ 04:40 PM
CLTC 6, 2011 has been even more incredible than I ever thought. The 91 participants are absolutely amazing. In just a short 6 days, we’ve already formed such a strong community, with people from Florida, California, Seattle, Toronto, and everywhere in between. Together, we have had an incredible Shabbat and Havdalah, each pledged to make a difference in a cause we believe in, spent our free time swimming, learned the birkat, grown as leaders, made great friends, and above all – had an amazing time. Dan and I are so fortunate to have such a great group of participants and staff, and we can’t wait for the remaining days of CLTC!
Message from Dan Weissman (NSR) - CLTC 6
Posted on 07/21/2011 @ 04:40 PM
Hi, my name is Dan Weissman and I'm here at CLTC 6 2011 in Bethany, West Virginia! So far this CLTC has been amazing! We have teens from over 20 different regions including several teens from Canada! So far our teens have been participating in a variety of programs such as AZA/BBG Education programs, ISraeli dancing, song sessions, public speaking and more! All of our participants are having a great time and i can't wait to see what happens in the next few days!
Message from Ryan Block (NRE-Baltimore) - CLTC 4
Posted on 07/13/2011 @ 04:40 PM
CLTC…The Experience of a Lifetime CLT C is the perfect opportunity for many things. Because of CLTC, I have gotten more in-touch with my jewish identity, learned many life lessons, met many other jewish teens from around the country, and how to get more involved with BBYO. At CLTC I have came up with many program ideas. I am trying to plan a council program about the 1972 Munich Olympics. The program idea was originally from a program I did with my mock-chapter. I also met someone at CLTC from a different chapter that is close to my chapter. At CLTC we talked to both of our S’gans, and now we are doing a co-chapter program. In CLTC, I have became more in-touch with my jewish identity. I went to minyan almost every morning. It has helped me to become a little bit more religious. At a Shabbat program, we learned the prayers from different tunes from around the world. In life, there are many different people from many different backgrounds. CLTC has helped meet and respond to different types of people in different types of situations. CLT C is the perfect opportunity for many things. Because of CLTC, I have gotten more in-touch with my jewish identity, learned many life lessons, met many other jewish teens from around the country, and how to get more involved with BBYO. Fraternally submitted with undying love for BBYO, CLTC, and Patuxent AZA. I remain Aleph Ryan Block
Message from Seth Samowitz (CVR) - CLTC 4
Posted on 07/13/2011 @ 04:40 PM
Greetings from West Virgina. My name is Seth Samowitz from Connecticut Valley Region. Before coming here I was skeptical about going to a small town with only 985 people. I have never been so wrong in my life. Coming to CLTC 4 was one of the best experiences of my life. The friends that I have made are friends for life even if they are from all over the country. When I came here I was immature and searching for my Jewish identity, but I was able to mature and find my religion while at CLTC. I was scared to do Israeli dancing, but I soon found out that it is the best kind of dancing. The last nine days have been the best days of my life and I wish it did not have to end. Hopefully someday I can come back as a staff member or even a coordinator.
Message from Halle Herman (KIO) - CLTC 4
Posted on 07/13/2011 @ 04:40 PM
Hello everyone! My name is Halle Herman and I am from the region KIO (Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio). Where do I even begin? First let me start off by saying that CLTC 4 is nothing close to what my expectations were when I pulled up in my mom’s awesome mini van with three of my closest friends. I came with my friend Sammy from Maryland along with Hilary and Emily who are from Columbus, Ohio just like myself. Let me just say that when we pulled up, we were way more nervous than excited literally begging to turn around and go home like little babies. But our wise (but not old J) mothers encouraged us to stay and told us that we would have an amazing time. For once in my life I will honestly and openly say that my mom could not have been more accurate. Take it in mom, me admitting this is a once in a lifetime chance- a once in a lifetime chance just like CLTC. Today I am sitting here writing to all of you during my eighth day at CLTC 4, 2011 and I am so glad that I did not turn around and go home. BBYO’s summer program motto is “find yourself here”. These past two weeks, I have not only learned who I am as a leader but also who I am as a person. I’ve made lifelong friendships with people from California, Connecticut, North Carolina and so many more. My new friends have taught me more about myself in the past eight days than I have learned about myself in past fifteen years of my life. Through every aspect of CLTC my fellow leaders and I have truly realized that this was an opportunity of a lifetime. I could tell all of you amazing stories of my experience here at Bethany College in West Virginia (a.k.a. the middle of NOWHERE), but you will never understand the value and importance of this short and meaningful two weeks. It’s something that you need to experience in order to truly understand that BBYO is a place where you can find yourself.
Message from Kami Salman (NSR) - CLTC 4
Posted on 07/13/2011 @ 04:40 PM
Shalom! I’m Kami Salman from Nassau-Suffolk Region. The past 9 days have been life changing. Honestly, CLTC has allowed me to become a nicer person by accepting all types of people and standing up for anti-bullying and most importantly inclusion…nobody should ever feel as if they don’t matter or that they are left behind. Another trait that CLTC has allowed me to adapt are the traits for becoming a better leader by setting an example of who I am and most importantly representing bbyo. There were all these unique rotations on public speaking, learning how to market your events as well as thinking on the spot by using out of the box ways to create ideas, for example lets say you are really stuck…you can have two people think of a word and then base a program off of those two words. Another main aspect of learning leadership is by following the seven highly habits of effective teens. We started with being proactive and learning how to take responsibility for your life and then we end with sharpening the saw and educating yourself that is okay to take me time and renew yourself regularly. This habit increases our capacity to live all the other habits of effectiveness. CLTC allows you to change not only for the better of your chapter but even more as a person. Instead of drawing to conclusions you need to begin with the end in mind and control your own destiny or someone else this allows you to define your goals in life. I am so thankful for having this amazing opportunity to go on CLTC. I will never regret learning how to work with people in difficult situations and most of all using all the positive traits that cltc enforces!
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