B’nai Brith Youth Organization (BBYO) summer program, Chapter Leadership Training

Conference (CLTC) was something that I had been eagerly anticipating for months. My excitement for this had been building ever since the moment I registered. I would be alongside two of my close friends, Avi and Olivia. This was not just any summer camp- it was one that had a unique gathering of Jewish teens across the United States and all around the globe.

On June 23rd, 2025, Olivia and I drove to Seattle to stay with Avi before flying to New Jersey the next morning. Going into CLTC, I had no clue what to expect, but I was super excited. My goals were to deepen my connection to Judaism, meet new people from all over BBYO, and learn more about leadership. CLTC was formatted to teach us how to be better leaders within our communities, but ended up teaching me so much more. In BBYO, we have chapter (local), regional (multi-state), and international (everywhere) boards. I served on chapter board multiple times, so I hoped CLTC would prepare me for the next level(s) of leadership.

Holding onto these goals was exciting, but I soon felt caught between two collapsing walls. One was the pressure of time, knowing I only have a few years left in BBYO. The other was self-doubt, which convinced me I wasn't capable of becoming the leader I aspire to be. I told myself that too much was on my plate, lacked qualities others expected, and let the harsh voices in my head shape how I thought people saw me. But CLTC pushed those walls away and proved me wrong.

My two CLTC coordinators, Mia Stern and Will Schecter, were a huge source of inspiration. Mia gave me advice that stuck with me. “Say yes to everything, because opportunities won’t be there forever.” It helped me realize I didn't need to compete with myself or question my abilities; I just needed to take chances. Will, a member of the International Board, my ultimate goal, told me he believed I would be a great fit for that role one day. Hearing that from someone who represented everything I praised made me believe that I could get there. That I was enough.

Not only were my coordinators such inspirations, but realizing the impact I had on the friends I made at camp made it even more special for me. At home, I often have different personalities based on who I am around, and I am very covert. I realized everybody was new to each other at camp, so I wanted my first impression to be with the real Aaron. I let my full personality out, the talkative, genuine, cheerful, fun, and bright side of me that I usually worry would be “too much.” But instead of pulling away, people leaned in. All the friends I made appreciated me, not just what I did, but who I was. This made it even harder to say goodbye, but this taught me that leadership doesn't mean being perfect. It means being authentic and making others feel safe to be authentic too.

By the end of camp, I realized that my voice matters, people appreciate and care about me, and my personality doesn't just stand out, it shines. CLTC really did define my culture and who I am. But that’s not all, I left with a deeper sense of purpose. To lead with authenticity and make a lasting impact. Being Jewish isn't just my culture, but it’s also the foundation of how I want to lead and uplift others.

​ Fraternally submitted with an undying love for, Evergreen Region #46, CWAZA #360, L’chaim AZA, loosing power at camp, AZA bunk 2, dominos, leading Israeli Dancing and Roll Into Dark at services, "You've got a Friend”, Mia Stern and Will Schecter, getting laced with laxatives, Kalahari milkshakes, “shower in the lake or with your water bottle”, teaching the AZA coordinator the power of the shimmy, canteen, churro, torta, and horchata, dunkin worker, my best friends across the country and most of all, CL2C, I forever remain, Aaron Geller, a damn proud aleph.