skip to main content
66a7e5917fe96da13811ffba_Aaron Perrotta ILTC Jul 20 - 72 Large

Ever since joining BBYO, I knew I wanted to do everything possible in this organization, including participating in summer programs. I wanted to do all of them, but I learned the hard way that it isn’t always possible. Since going on CLTC 5 in 2022, my life has changed drastically for the better, and I have my experiences there to thank.

My time at CLTC  led me to want to continue participating in summer programs for the remainder of my tenure in BBYO. However, this wasn’t possible for me. Last summer, I watched all of my close CLTC and other international friends have the time of their lives at Perlman.

That has continued into this summer, whether it be more friends at Perlman, coordinating CLTC, or participating in various Passport programs. I spend my summers at home, working and exploring my adventurous side through the experiences of my friends.

This is not how I ever imagined my summers going when I was younger, but I have learned to be grateful for the amazing times I had at the one summer program I attended and will have the chance to go on.

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

Explore More Stories

Group of people celebrating on stage
Connection
These Aren’t My Friends. They’re My People. There’s a Difference.

From the hammocks to the lake and to the stars, one BBG reflects on reuniting with the people who made it all unforgettable, and who never really felt faraway.

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
Farah Ghajar Menlo Park, California, United States
Group of people celebrating on stage
Rewind
“With All Your Heart:” Thank You, ILTC

A personal reflection on how ILTC challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, become a better listener and leader, and find a deeper connection to the future of the Jewish community.

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
Lev Shulman Deerfield, Illinois, United States
Group of people celebrating on stage
Connection
Perlman (Spikeball) Summer

Read about my time at Perlman playing Spikeball.

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
Jesse Vaytsman Cleveland, Ohio, United States