YMCA Rag Program

The YMCA Rag Program is one of the most effective counseling tools available to the camp counselor. It is designed to help campers take a closer look at themselves in relationship to their own strengths and weaknesses, their religious beliefs, and to those around them. It can be a major factor in creating an atmosphere in which positive change can take place. Counselors are also allowed to participate in the rag program. Most of the counselors have been campers and started their rag experience as a camper.




Each Rag means something very unique:
Blue Rag- The acceptance of the Ragger's Creed & challenge of loyalty to God, country & one's best self
Silver Rag- The acceptance or re-dedication to the Christian way of life and values
Brown Rag- A challenge of service to others
Gold Rag- A challenge of understanding and concern for others
Red Rag- A challenge of sacrifice of one's time, talent and personal will
Purple Rag- A challenge of noble living or to lead the best life possible
White- Complete dedication to a life of Christian service to youth

So you may be asking what really is a rag. "Physically, it is a piece of triangular cloth - with one of the 7 specific colors indicating the progression in challenges. A Ragger's emblem is affixed at the apex. The Rag is a challenge. It is given only at camp, but it is a counseling device that must carry over into post-camp living if it is to have maximum value. When a camper receives a Rag, he/she should be challenged to become a better person. He/she should be inspired to make camp better for all campers and this inspiration should be taken back to school and the community. The Rag is not an award. It is not something the campers can win or earn. It is different from awards for achievement which are given in athletics and competitive activities. The Rag is a counseling tool and a challenge. The Rag is not a ranking program. One Rag is not higher than another but the challenges build upon the previous Rag challenge. Rags must be taken in order. The unique part about the program is it doesn't matter what age you start because your maturity and depth of understanding dictate an individual meaning to you. No two Rag challenges are alike. It is very special to each individual. A Ragger's feeling of the Rag experience cannot be easily put into words.
Campers must be at least 12 years old before they may take a rag. Before the age of 12 they are encouraged to participate in The Leather Society is a program for younger campers who desire to try to work towards certain goals. The challenges are symbolized by leather emblems worn around the neck.
The Triangle is the first leather to be taken. The three sides of the Triangle stand for body, mind and spirit, forming together the strongest geometric figure known to man. The challenge is to begin to become aware of oneself and feelings.
The second leather is the Square, symbolizing the "four square life." Each side represents one facet of that life: physical, mental, social, and spiritual.
The Circle is the third leather and stands for the feeling of brotherhood and universal friendship which the camper should strive for.
The Golden Circle is the fourth leather and is a symbol of re-dedication and commitment to the goals of the triangle, square, and circle. The Golden Circle recipient is also invited to assist the counselor / CIT during leather ceremonies.
The Leather Society is not a "Junior Rag Program" and should be interpreted as a separate set of challenges better suited to helping younger campers begin to work at things like being better friends and being more in tune with their families and home life.

My favorite part about being a ragger is that I have had the opportunity to sit down with people who I look up to and get to share myself and my life with them. At the same time I get to look at myself and admit my strengths and weakness. This give me a chance to take inventory on myself and set goals on how to become a better person. I am currently a Red Ragger and have had my red rag for the last 5 years. It is definitely my hardest rag so far, but has been the most rewarding.
Being a counselor, i enjoy getting to sit down and talk with campers who are looking to take a rag. It's always an honor that they choose you to sit and share their life with. These talks tend to be emotional ones because you and that other person really get to open up and talk about every aspect of your life. It's an awesome experience!