CLTC has always been a topic of conversation in my chapter. I have spoken with the older girls in my chapter about how their CLTC experiences impacted them. I was told about the many connections they made with other teens from around the world during their summer experience. I have always wondered how they made so many friendships in such a short period. The second I arrived at Newark airport, I was able to see how. There were teens just like me eager to expand their leadership skills, grow as Jewish leaders, and make new friends. The biggest difference between us was where we were from on CLTC 4. There were teens from Ireland, Canada, Israel, the UAE, and almost every state in the US. I went into this experience not knowing a single person and came out with friends that will last me a lifetime.

Once I arrived at camp after the bus, I could introduce myself to more of the teens. I instantly clicked with many BBGs who shared my interests. 

The programming in CLTC was built to help grow our connections with each other.

If you know anything about CLTC, you know about the mock chapters that you are broken up into. You get put with a group of BBGs and told that that is your chapter. You are put into a new chapter and meant to learn how to build it together. You connect with the girls as if they are part of your real chapter, and get to grow as leaders.

In all the CLTC sessions for 2025, we got to go on a field trip to Kalahari Water Park. We got to adventure off of Camp Poyntelle and explore other areas with the new friends we made. We got to play at the water park, bonding in lines and on water slides with other Jewish teens on CLTC.

One of my favorite parts of my days was to spend our free time at Chofesh. During this time, I was able to talk to the friends I  made and learn about how Jewish culture is in different states and countries. I learned how to do Irish dances, what schools are like in Agboi, and so much more. This time allowed us all to bond in ways of our choice. 

The biggest bonding moment of CLTC was separates. A time to connect with all the BBGs around us. We all met in the gym, our chapter around us, calming music playing in the dimly lit space. The calming mood of the room engulfed you in the love around you. After getting to know these girls for the past two weeks, I was able to sit down and learn how others see the way I project myself. There was so much love in the room, I truly felt I was home in a community of BBGs.

CLTC was the best summer activity I have ever done. I made so many new friendships that will last me the rest of my life. I am beyond excited for IC (International Convention) and future summer programs to be able to see the friends I made. This program has made me connect deeper with other teens, but also myself and my Jewish identity. If you are interested in CLTC, let yourself be in the moment, be present, and make new connections, soak up every second of everything you do.