YMCA Rags and Leathers are outward symbols of the acceptance of an inner challenge for personal and Christian growth. The Rag program began in 1914 when Thomas Caldwell, boys’ secretary of the Oakland, California YMCA was searching for a method to deal with certain discipline problems at camp in a positive, rather than negative, way. Caldwell’s aspiration evolved into the idea of rewarding positive character traits, such as good heath habits, promptness, cheerfulness, morals, trust and helpfulness. To symbolize these positive qualities, Caldwell bought some very simple blue bandanas he called “Rags.” Their simplicity signified that, in and of themselves, the rags had no value–rather, they were just a symbol of positive qualities the person had demonstrated. During an evening campfire program, Caldwell called several of the boys forward. As he tied the Rag around each boy’s neck, he explained to him, and the camp, the reason for receiving it. Thus, a tradition was started.
The Leather program carries with it simple challenges and is thus designed for younger campers under 12 years old. First time campers receive their triangle leather and may progress to the square and round leathers in subsequent years.
Those wishing to accept the challenge of a particular Rag or Leather must first receive one-on-one counseling by a qualified counselor. A qualified counselor for the Blue Rag is a program/directing staff member or a cabin counselor at least 18 years of age who is a Ragger. Campers may not counsel other campers for the Blue Rag. For the Silver, Brown, Gold, Red and Purple Rags, a qualified counselor is a fellow Ragger who is at the same or further step than the Rag the candidate is accepting. For those accepting the challenge of the White Rag, a qualified counselor is a fellow White Ragger. Each Rag, identified by a specific color, entails two distinct sets of challenges: 1) to grow closer to God by living and understanding a specific set of Christian attributes (themes), and 2) a personal challenge for growth and improvement. The first set of challenges are universal to all Raggers of the same step (color), while the second set of challenges is unique to each individual. With sufficient notice, a Rag may be tailored to a specific faith other than Christian (i.e., Jewish, Hindu, etc.). However, the central focus remains the same: becoming closer to God by living and understanding specific virtues (themes) and self-improvement by accepting and accomplishing personal challenges/goals. Once the counseling process is completed, the Rag is awarded at a special ceremony at Ragger’s Point, which has remained at its original site since Camp Arbolado began in 1925. There are special traditions that have embellished Raggers Point and make this camp location very special.
Camp Arbolado developed the Arrowhead Leather for campers who have received their triangle, square, and circle leathers but are not yet 12 years old. This leather is designed to prepare campers for the Blue Rag and thus contains elements of the Leather and Rag programs with an emphasis to grow in self-discipline and responsibility. The Arrowhead Leather is unique to Camp Arbolado.
Candidates who wish to accept the challenges of a Rag must meet minimum age requirements. These are listed in the table below, along with the specific set of Christian attributes associated with each Rag.
| Rag | Corresponding Challenge | Minimum Age Level |
| Blue | Loyalty to to a higher power, country, community, and self | 12 |
| Silver | Spiritual growth and self-acceptance | 13 |
| Brown | Service to others | 14 |
| Gold | Understanding of others, concern for others | 15 |
| Red | Personal sacrifice of time, talent and will | 16 |
| Purple | Excellence and noble living in all areas of life | 18 |
| White | A life committed to full-time service | 21 |
The Rag Program is an extremely powerful, life-changing program. The following video is a portion of an interview conducted by Tim Tenopir and LynMarie Manseau with Mr. Earl Allison, during Camp Arbolado’s 75th anniversary in 2000, about the impact of the Rag program on his life. Earl came to camp in 1929 and eventually accepted the lifetime challenge of the White Rag. Listen to the emotion in his voice and body language in this clip on the power of the Rag program.
Earl Allison as a camper, 1929
Below are links to the study guides/cards for the various Rags and Leathers, including the unique Arrowhead Leather. They are provided to help you in deciding if you want to accept the challenges of a particular Rag and prepare for the counseling process. The leather study guides/cards are provided to help younger campers better understand each leather.
- Triangle Leather Study Card
- Square Leather Study Card
- Circle Leather Study Card
- Arrowhead Leather Study Guide
- Blue Rag Study Guide
- Silver Rag Study Guide
- Brown Rag Study Guide
- Gold Rag Study Guide
- Red Rag Study Guide
- Purple Rag Study Guide
- White Rag Study Guide – Contact a Camp Arbolado White Ragger. Camp is blessed with a large number of White Raggers, such as Sue Mendoza, Suman Rana, Vickie Schramm, Tim Tenopir, and Bob Warnock