Everyone always hears about mock chapters, Havdalah, and separates. But no one talks about the secret ins and outs of CLTC.

Some of the best activities at CLTC are often some of the least talked about ones. For example, playing board games during Oneg or making bracelets during Chuggim both allow you to connect with others on a more personal level while also meeting new people. Connections are the basis of CLTC, and finding people who love the same things as you lets you enjoy your 12 days here to the fullest. 

I think we’ve all seen pictures taken in front of the lake, but sometimes the best picture locations are the ones hidden in plain sight. Sam and Anita’s Cabin provides a gorgeous background of trees and forest greenery. Outside the Canteen are fairy lights and they give a whimsical essence to pictures that makes them even more special. Walking down the ramp from the BBG bunks will bring you to a railing where you can take pictures with the AZA bunks in the background as well as the main cabin area. This gives a look into camp life at CLTC without venturing too far to look for photo locations.

During Shabbat we all think about taking photos before services in our fancy outfits and singing songs and prayers. At CLTC Shabbat is so much more than that and all of the little details that coordinators add create a meaningful and special shabbat. Parsha conversations with your mock chapters gives a new perspective on the weekly torah portion. One particular conversation that stood out was the parsha about finding the good in challenges and hardships.  This made us think about how this story relates to leadership. Finding the good in challenges is what can make a great leader even better. Additionally, reflecting with our chapters about the week before havdalah led us to talk about our own chapters at home. By talking to people from different corners of the world, it gave insight on how other chapters run and how to improve our chapters back at home. 

Sometimes the dining hall can seem like just a room where we eat. In actuality, it is so much more. It is a place where you get to talk to people that may not be in the same bunk or activities as you. It is a place where everyone bonds over mushy vegetables and mystery meat. A place where everyone runs to get dessert and avoids the wet plates. But most importantly, a place where lifelong friendships are made. While bonding over some disappointing meals, we’ve found some diamonds in the rough: the strawberries at the breakfast bar, cereal at the back table, hot chocolate during the coldest days, and gluten free pasta. 

Most people come to CLTC thinking the best hangout spots are the bunks or even the tables by the canteen. During chofesh, sitting by the lakeshore, hanging out in the BBG lounge or setting up hammocks by the fairy lights are some of the most relaxing areas around camp. Not only are these places relaxing, but they provide some of the best views of camp.

CLTC is such a special place filled with the most special people. For years to come, CLTC will be one of those things that you look back to and remember those little moments with these hidden gems.