Do you want to be more involved in BBYO? Do you want to take on a leadership role in your chapter or region? BBYO’s summer program, CLTC is the best place to learn leadership skills while building friendships with BBGs and AZAs all across the order. CLTC offers a variety of fun activities, events, and opportunities. Here’s a list of items you need to add to your CLTC (or really any summer program!) packing list…

Hammock

I know what you’re thinking; why would I need to bring a hammock for a 12-day camp experience? I thought the exact same thing this summer when my friends told me I needed to get a hammock just 3 days before I left for CLTC 5. The camp is surrounded by nature, with trees in every direction. Hanging a hammock between two trees allows for the creation of a “hangout spot” for you and your friends. You can set up the hammock anywhere you’d like, including near the canteen or next to the cabins. My friends and I loved laying in the hammocks and hanging out during activities or Chofesh. 

White T-Shirt

A plain, white t-shirt could be used for many different purposes at camp. Depending on what activities your particular CLTC plans, the shirt is used in different ways. My CLTC decided to have a zombie attack. We all wore white shirts and the campers deemed as “zombies” chased the rest of us around, trying to throw as much red paint on us as possible.  Other CLTC dates in the past have tie-dyed white t-shirts. I recommend bringing 2 shirts, just in case you need it for multiple activities. 

Stickers

Cute stickers are a must-have for CLTC. I used stickers to decorate my name tag. Everyone wanted to make their name tags unique and fun, and stickers are the perfect way to do that. You can swap and share your stickers with friends!

Fan

Bringing a fan for your bunk is an absolute necessity. The bunks are always crowded with 15-20 people each, so it gets hot in there quickly. A fan is a great way to cool off on hot days. Our schedules are jam-packed with activities, most of which take place outside in the hot sun. During Chofesh, it may be a good idea to take a break from the sun and relax with your friends in the bunks while your fan cools you off!

Cash

It is extremely important to bring cash for a variety of reasons. First of all, cash is the only way to have snacks because the camp does not allow the entry of outside food. The counselors will collect your food upon arrival and return it to you on the last day. The canteen sells snacks such as Kit-Kats, chips, Twix, and cookies everyday during Chofesh. Also, cash can be used to buy shuk, which is also sold in the canteen. The last reason to bring cash is for your off-camp trip. Each year, CLTC leaves camp for 1 day of the program to do an outside activity. 

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CLTC is an absolutely incredible experience. You have the opportunity to connect with jewish teens from chapters across America. No matter when you go, this program will leave you with summer memories you'll never forget. I loved my CLTC experience, and these five items just add to the comfort of my BBYO camp life and hopefully yours. 

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