June 27th, 2024, 

A day that changed my life forever. 

To think, just a year ago, I spent most of this day at Newark Airport, full of excitement. Then came the long three-house wait before the bus finally pulled into the gates of Perlman. Staff were cheering, and in that moment, I knew: this was going to be one of the best summers of my life. 

ILTC and Kallah were my first real experiences with BBYO. Sure, I had been to a few events in my home region, so I would have some familiar faces, but it was not until I arrived at Perlman that I truly experienced the magic of BBYO.

After getting settled into my cabin that day, I headed to dinner, where I got to try Chef Jeff's cooking that I had heard so much about. Soon after dinner, we headed to ILTC fest, a carnival where we could meet tons of new people and have fun after a long day of traveling. The petting zoo was also a big highlight! While decorating my name tag, I met some of my closest friends to this day! Even after a long day of travel, I felt energized, excited, and ready for what was to come next.

There are so many more reasons why my Perlman summer became the summer of my life, and you can read all about it right here - The Shofar | A Summer of a Lifetime.  

Thinking about getting more involved in BBYO? This article is for you. Before I share some tips, remember this: be yourself. Make the most of every moment. Time goes by way faster than it seems.

1. Go and meet as many new people as possible. Don't be afraid to feel awkward; everyone is in the same boat. It's everyone's first time at camp, and you could become friends with the people next to you on the bus or in line for breakfast. The truth is, you never know who could become a lifelong friend.

2. Try everything Perlman has to offer! Go to the lake and cool off, and attend every How-To or Limmud session that you are interested in. Also, don’t just nap. Sure, the long days of programming make napping seem tempting, but finding a balance between rest and participation is key. I promise, you will thank yourself later. Also, keep in mind that your free time is precious. Use this time to explore new ideas, meet new people, and ask questions.

3. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. At ILTC, you will be learning so much so quickly. Kallah adds a deeper self-reflection and Jewish identity aspect. It is normal to need time to rest and reflect. For me, the transition from ILTC to Kallah was hard; I needed quiet time to reflect and recharge. But everyone is different. If you would rather talk with your friends, go for a walk on the loop, nap in a hammock, or grab a snack from the Shuk, do what works best for you.

4. Be sure to wear sunscreen and drink water. I know, it sounds obvious. Every year, people get dehydrated and sunburned, and it is no joke. And yes, you will get sick at least once. From weather shifts to busy days, it happens. Just be prepared, and do not let it ruin your experience. 

5. Dance, scream it all out on Shabbat and Havdalah. These are the most precious moments to connect and look back on. Signing with your friends during Shabbat Shira, dancing, sharing laughs, and losing our voices at Spirit Circle is part of the Perlman magic. The memories you make under the Perlman tree are the ones that stick with you once the summer ends.

6. Indulge yourself in the meaningful moments. Reflect deeply during Seperates, take a moment during Kavanah, and silence your phone so you can be fully present. These programs are designed to help you build a connected, meaningful community. At the end of the day, we all know, it is the people who make the place. Even if it feels intense at times, lean into it. 

7. Write things down. Whether it is journaling or thoughts in your Notes app (like I did!), capture what you are learning and experiencing. I still love looking back and seeing how much I grew over six weeks. You don’t have to record everything, just the moments that matter most to you.

Lastly, whether you’ve been involved in BBYO for years or are just starting, summer programs give you a whole new perspective. Your BBYO journey is only going to grow from here, so try everything! If you allow them, these experiences will change your life!