Course Correction | TLC

Normally I do not sit at my server (Yes...I have 2 servers at home, one AIX and one Windows 2003. And yes, I am a geek) and type in Blogus, but my Win 2003 box has a killer speaker system and I need its power to listen to "Crank" and "Black Metallic" by Catherine Wheel. As the speakers on my ThinkPad just will not do the trick. Considering it is 19:48 on Sunday night, I do not think the neighbors appreciate the volume level. But they will need to deal with it for a couple of minutes.

This weekend required me to make a minor course correction. During TLC, at Camp Marston, I had a period of emotional and spiritual clarity during my Ragger ceremony. The YMCA Ragger program is designed to allow people to achieve personal goals that have significant meaning. As the programs states, the rag is "An outward symbol of a internal goal". The blue rag is the first color in a progression of 7 rags, each a different color.

Below is a outline of the program. As each YMCA is different, so is the Ragger program. Some Ragger programs have minor variations, however this outline is universal.
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Ragger Program
The Ragger program is available to persons 12+ years old. It is a seven-stage progression of spiritual and personal growth that involves peer counseling and symbolic bandanas. Both campers and staff participate in the program. Other YMCA leaders and adults participate in the program during other times of the year as well. While each person develops his/her own goals for growth, each “rag” challenges the individual to a deeper awareness and personal growth.

Challenges for:
•Blue Rag begins with a focus on God, Country and becoming my best self
•Silver Rag begins with a commitment to the Christian way of life
•Brown Rag begins with service to others
•Gold Rag begins with care and understanding of others
•Red Rag begins with sacrificing of time, talent and will
•Purple Rag begins with considering the personal purpose in life
•White Rag begins with a lifelong commitment of Christian service to youth.

Process
A presentation is made about the Rag program. Sometime during the session, the camper meets with a counselor to discuss spiritual and personal goals he/she would like to pursue. On the last evening of camp, all campers who feel they are prepared to accept the challenge of pursuing the goals for the rag for which they are striving, meet for the induction into the Raggers society. There is no test or pre-judgment as to whether a camper has the right to receive the rag, but rather it is based on the camper’s interest and commitment to become a Ragger.

Symbols
It is at Raggers’ Point that individuals receive the rag. Each YMCA has a unique and special site, which is remote and private. The design of the rag blends four well-known shapes - the traditional YMCA triangle (representing spirit, mind and body); the square-to signify the four-square life of a Ragger (spiritual, mental, physical and social); the circle representing the circle of friendship amongst Raggers; and the cross symbolizing the center of the Christian’s life.

Ragger’s Creed
I would be true for there are those who trust me. I would be pure for there are those who care I would be strong for there is much to suffer I would be brave for there is much to dare. I would be friend to all the foe-the friendless I would be giving and forget he gift I would be humble for I know my weakness I would look up - and laugh - and love - and lift.

The hymn, I Would Be True, written in 1917 by Howard A. Walker, was inspired by the program's creed.
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The journey starts when you talk with a counselor. In this case my counselor was Steve Willmont, a staff member at California Youth and Government. Since he has achieved beyond the blue rag, I was able to talk to him on my blue rag goal. The personal issue and ceremony details are private and not to be discussed. Me, Steve and one other person are aware of my goal. Steve and my other counsel with check in and monitor my progress. What I can say is that I was moved physically and emotionally by the ceremony, fellowship, support and personal commitment I have made to this.

I encourage all that read this to use this program, or other vehicle, to challenge yourself to achieve goals that you otherwise thought you couldn't. From my perspective I can think of no other organization that has greater meaning to me than the YMCA.


TLC (Teen Leadership Conference) was a success. It was great to see our SDSC Y&G delegations get together for learning and fellowship. Our SDSC is diverse. Our kids are from many different socio-economic, cultural, educational, and geographic attributes. This mix of people makes for great discussion and discovery. I have a very good feeling about this year, its going to be great. Thank you to Simon and the rest of the Marston staff. You well all awesome hosts. Camp Marston is a true jewel.

Specifically, I want to thank our Palomar YMCA delegation, and especially the officers, for bringing your "'A' Game". And to the Ecke delegation...it was great to see all of you MUN graduates. You all brought smiles to my face.

There are few times when a weekend just feels right...beginning to end. This was one of those weekends.

Later

Geoff :)

SOB - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGqprbDoh4g

["Crank, my conscience clear"]