Before I went to my first BBYO summer program, CLTC 1 2024, I didn’t know what to expect. I’d done sleepaway camp before, so I wasn’t nervous. But deep down, I knew this would be different. So, I packed my duffel, said goodbye to my family, and hoped for the best. I figured I’d meet some new people from my region and around the Order and maybe learn something along the way. What I didn’t expect was to leave with friends who now feel more like family.

There’s something special about BBYO summer programs that makes them different from any other camp, whether it’s CLTC, ILTC, Kallah, or a Passport trip. You show up as strangers, unsure of what group you’ll be in or who you’ll connect with. But then it happens: you’re up until 2 a.m. talking with the boys in your bunk, laughing over inside jokes. You’re chanting Shabbat songs with Dingman like you’ve known everyone for years. You open up during separates and realize you're not the only one. These aren’t just camp friends. These are your brothers.

Some of the most meaningful friendships in my life started with a weird introduction, an extra seat at lunch, or a random bunkmate above me. We come from different cities, backgrounds, and stories, but BBYO brings us together. These are the people you call on your best and worst days. The ones you game with at midnight. The ones you spend hours on the phone with in the middle of the week. The ones who fly to visit you for the weekend. The ones who remind you of who you truly are.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds great, but I don’t know anyone,” good. That’s exactly why you should go. Go to that event. Sign up for that summer program. Sit next to someone new. Start that conversation. You never know what lifelong friendship is waiting for you on the other side of that first risk.

In my almost four years in BBYO, I’ve realized it’s never really been about the programming, it’s always been about the people, about the moments that stay with you forever. And the truth is, some of the most important people in your life might still be strangers until you give yourself the chance to meet them.

Trust me. Do it.

Shoutout to CLTC 1 2024 for all those fun memories we had and to ILTC 2025 for the memories that will be made!