When I signed up for the Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC)  last year, I had no idea what my experience would be like or just how many amazing people I would meet. I have friends in BBYO who are upperclassmen and have previously gone on this summer program, and all of them have come back saying that they absolutely loved it. They told me how many new friends they made and how amazing the experience was.

After attending, I can confidently say it was more than I had ever expected. Meeting people from all across the world who had different aspects of BBYO in their lives, all coming together for this one unique experience. From Elections to Separates, going to the waterpark, Chofesh with friends, or simply meaningful Shabbats and Havdalahs, CLTC is one of the best BBYO experiences there is!

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However, CLTC isn’t just about learning more about BBYO, but it's also about growing your Judaism. My CLTC experience taught me that it is okay to have your own unique perspective of Judaism and that, together with a group of other Jewish teens, you can see other perspectives as well. Our Israel Day was a great insight into how we are all Jewish people living through the hardships of the current times together. Learning about different Israeli snacks, remembering those who were held hostage, or the fallen IDF soldiers, this was a day where we all got to experience some of the joys of Israel together, even though it is hundreds of miles away.

​The best part of CLTC was planning the various activities at camp. My favorite activity that I helped to plan was our final Separates Ceremony, where all 107 teens at camp came together before leaving the next day. Our theme was a Message in a Bottle, where you could write messages for each other to read after camp was over. This brought our community closer together and reminded each of us to look back on the experiences we have shared at CLTC.

The most important takeaway from CLTC that I found is simple: You only have limited opportunities to be in BBYO, so do all of the things! Whether those things are, whether it is attending IC for the first time, attending a regional convention, or going on a summer program, do it, because the people and connections you make from it will quickly become some of your closest friends! The best thing I took from CLTC was the connections you could make with everyone. These connections are a reason to stay in BBYO, a way to make lifelong friends, or simply a way to find your people! I know the connections I made at my CLTC session will stick with me for a lifetime! To anyone who wants to go, sign up! The experiences and connections you make will last you a lifetime!