During my first two years in BBYO, I usually focused more on the social aspect of BBYO rather than the religious part. I am loudly and proudly Jewish, but I don’t often take the time to reflect on Judaism’s meaning to me. Twelve days in Poyntelle, PA, changed my perspective forever.

This transformation began during our first Shabbat. We got to camp on Wednesday, and by Friday, we had already formed a tight community of people. On Friday night, we arrived at the amphitheater in our best attire, our phones in the phone basket. As the sun began to set, I reflected on my main goal for CLTC—to be in the moment. Remembering this goal throughout my time here helped me truly find my Jewish identity.

As I said each prayer, I focused my mind on how grateful I was to be part of this community. To be singing my favorite songs while hugging the people I love is a special feeling that I knew, in two weeks, I wouldn’t have when we all returned to our homes. But these moments sparked new meanings and memories for me that I will never forget.

Additionally, CLNs (Chapter Leadership Networks) further inspired my Jewish identity. On my home chapter, Dafna BBG’s board, I've served in the positions of Orechet and Mazkirah—promotion-oriented, rather than religious. For RLNs and ILNs, I’ve always chosen similar groups like Press Corps. But after the first weekend of Shabbat services, I surprised myself and signed up for the service and song-leading CLN.

I had no idea this would be one of the best decisions I made! Through our three meetings with the CLN, we met with the service leader (shoutout Dingman) and the song leader (shoutout Jack Harlow), talked about what it takes to be a good song leader, created the list of songs and prayers, and wrote the script for the service we would lead. I will never forget that Sunday morning, microphone in front of me, talking about gratitude. As I connected with the songs and prayers I loved, I also connected in a deeper way to my CLTC community.

Whether it was sobbing while Dingman read her poem about the Mourner’s Kaddish, singing Sweet Mother in front of everyone, or the treasured song sesh mosh pits, so many magical moments of CLTC brought me closer to Judaism.

Submitted with undying love for,
Bayit V’Lev BBG #29, CLTC 2025, no sleepovers in cabin 3, Jack Harlow, SJR corner, Havdalah mosh pits, “He parted the sea,” my stolen Garage shorts, every Shabbat service, spooey, the Italians, I ❤️ Jewish boys t-shirts, Sweet Mother, my pink hammock, and my best friends who live across the country, I forever remain,

Mirabelle Hope Megdal, a damn proud BBG