CLTC

Is CLTC for you?
CLTC is a great program for Alephs and BBGs currently in 9th or 10th grade who are current or aspiring chapter leaders, have attended or are interested in attending regional leadership conventions, or who haven't yet been to a BBYO international program!

How many teens attend CLTC?
Each session welcomes around 100 participants. The smaller group size offers members the chance to create a community in which each member has the chance to grow and shine.

Who staffs CLTC?
BBYO programming professionals and advisors serve as the site director, leadership director, and leadership staff at CLTC. We’re also joined by a Jewish educator, song leader, an office manager, and college-age counselors (or madrichim).

Where is CLTC located?
CLTC takes place at the Commonpoint Retreat Center, which is owned by the Commonpoint JCC, a partner of UJA Federation of NY. Situated in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, the sprawling grounds and lush scenery will be the perfect place for our CLTC community to learn, have fun, and thrive together this summer.

What is the CLTC curriculum about?
The emphasis at CLTC is on building leadership skills applicable across participants’ AZA, BBG, or BBYO chapters, high school classrooms, and home communities. Jewish values and community service also are central to the CLTC experience. Members plan and lead daily morning (Shacharit) services as well as Shabbat services.

Is the food at CLTC kosher?
All food served at the Commonpoint Retreat Center is kosher-style and all meat is certified kosher.

What do I do about medication?
For the safety of our teens, all medications—prescription and over the counter—for camp-based summer programs must go through CampMeds. This includes any over-the-counter medication, including supplements or vitamins. Medications used in emergency situations, like an epi pen or inhaler, as well as oral contraceptives can be brought to camp and do not need to be filled through CampMeds. CampMeds medications must be filled no later than 30 days before the start of a program. BBYO staff are unable to distribute medication that a participant brings with them. Failure to accurately fill prescriptions through CampMeds will result in a $250 fee and medication brought will not be distributed. Failure to comply with the policy may result in a removal from the camp program.   

How do I get to CLTC?
Teens can either be dropped off directly at camp by a parent or guardian, or they can fly into the local airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, where they'll be met by BBYO staff and taken to their program by bus.

Do you offer travel insurance?
BBYO is glad to offer a travel insurance option for all our Summer Experiences through Travel Insured International. Families are highly encouraged to purchase travel insurance to protect their investment and plan for the unexpected. Please visit this page to see all the details on the policy and its terms.

What are the health and safety precautions for Summer 2023?
All those who are in attendance at BBYO overnight experiences (children and adults) are required to have age-appropriate vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). BBYO highly recommends—but does not require—each participant be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including the most recent booster available. Please see our official vaccine policy here. BBYO reserves the right to update this policy based on the direction of BBYO’s Medical Advisory Committee.  

What does wellness look like at CLTC?
Each CLTC session has a full-time licensed mental health professional and a nurse on site. Additionally, all BBYO staff are youth mental health first aid certified.

Can 8th graders attend CLTC?
Only 8th graders who hold a leadership position and who have been nominated by their regional staff may attend CLTC.

Learn more on our summer information page!

NEW FOR SUMMER 2023
For the first time ever, you can combine CLTC with an overseas experience:

There are many more ways to combine our summer experiences to extend your fun, learning, and self-exploration. Explore your 2023 connection options here.

BBYO offers need-based scholarship so that anyone who wants to is able to attend our programs without financial constraints standing in the way. To apply, please complete the BBYO Scholarship Application Form after you complete your registration. Applications are due by January 19, 2023; after that date, all requests will be considered on a rolling basis.

We also offer two additional CLTC-specific Scholarships:

• AZA Scholarship for CLTC
  We are excited to offer an additional CLTC scholarship opportunity for Alephs who strive to be excellent leaders in their chapters, regions, and communities. This scholarship aims to fulfill key objectives of AZA in providing Alephs with the opportunity to learn leadership skills, fully develop their leadership potential, and encourage the development of friendships with other Jewish teens through the CLTC experience. This scholarship offers every Aleph the chance to develop and strengthen themself, whether they’ve already taken on a leadership role or are looking to lead in the future. Scholarship recipients will be awarded an average of $250 to attend CLTC.  Funds are limited—applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and awarded based on greatest need via the scholarship application.

• Anita M. Perlman Scholarship for CLTC
  Anita M. Perlman, the founder of BBG and an epic feminist visionary, leader, and philanthropist, saw the most in young people. Perlman’s hope for the young women was built on the notion that “the unique B’nai B’rith Girls way of life helps you find and express your Jewish identity, while expanding your circle of friends. [...] BBG offers you the chance to acquire knowledge and to make choices. [...] The more of yourself that you give to BBG [and the world around you], the more you will receive.” Her vision was to grow young women into confident, passionate, and wonderful leaders through all the avenues that BBYO now provides. Her legacy instills this sense of zeal in all of us.
  We are proud to propel Anita’s legacy forward by offering a unique scholarship opportunity for BBGs to advance their leadership and identity at CLTC. The Anita M. Perlman Women’s Leadership Initiative will award up to $500 in additional scholarship for a BBG to attend CLTC. Funds are limited—applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and awarded based on greatest need via the scholarship application.