I was fortunate enough to go on CLTC 1 last summer, and it was truly the experience of a lifetime. CLTC is such a unique experience. I had no idea what to expect going into it. I had never gone to a sleepaway camp, so I was worried that I would feel out of place. I could not have been more wrong. Everyone is new to CLTC, so you’re not the only one feeling nervous. One of the most incredible things about CLTC is seeing how far the movement spans and its continuation of over a hundred years of tradition. The cheers learned in your chapter and the traditions at convention are throughout BBYO, so seeing how consistent these rituals are is amazing. There are people from all over the world coming together, and this group becomes your family. I would not trade my time there for the world. I gained so much insight into my leadership skills and identity, and I made life-long friends and memories. Looking back, it has helped me so much this past year, and here is how:

1. CLTC sparked my love for the International Order. Before CLTC, I had never done anything beyond my region, and seeing how far the movement spanned ignited a spark in me to do more. There are people from all over the world with different interests and backgrounds, yet you still see the same rituals and traditions that have been in BBYO for over a hundred years. CLTC taught me that there is so much more to BBYO than what you see; there are so many people, places, and things to experience. This made me realize that I wanted to apply for the ILN, go to IC, and sign up for ILTC.
2. It made IC so much more fun. IC has so many people and activities that I was worried I would feel overwhelmed. However, going on a summer program made it so that anywhere I went, I knew someone. This made me feel so much more connected, and it made my IC experience more fun since I got to reunite with all of my CLTC friends.
3. CLTC helped me discover my Jewish identity. As someone who didn’t grow up religious, I have always struggled with my Jewish identity. I’ve always wanted to be involved, but I never knew where to start. At CLTC, we celebrated Shabbat. We also held discussions that grappled with our Jewish identities, Jewish topics, and Israel. ‍
4. Make the most out of your time there. You only get 13 days, and they go by so fast, so talk to new people, run during mock elections, and participate. CLTC is such a unique experience, and you’ll look back on it forever. Remember, you get out what you put in, so you will have so much more fun if you take advantage of every opportunity.