Multi-year Experience

White Stag gives you a chance to learn about leadership with teens your age. The program has three phases based on age groups and grade levels. When you complete one level, you are invited to take home what you learn and apply it in your youth group, school, church, or community organization. When you are ready to learn more, you can return to another phase.

When you come back to camp, or join us on youth staff, you can learn more and more about the leadership skills. You do not need to complete Patrol Member Development (Phase I) before applying for Patrol Leader Development (Phase II). Similarly, completion of Phase I or Phase II is not required for acceptance into Troop Leadership Development (Phase III).

Participant Guidelines

The following are the guidelines we use to place participants in a phase. Final placement is be the decision of the White Stag staff. Applicants seeking age exceptions must attend orientation at Candidate-Day, however age exceptions are not guaranteed.

Phase 1, Patrol Member Development

For youth ages 11 to 13 (or who have completed the 5^th grade). Participants experience the dynamics and power of a close-knit group. They are exposed to the responsibilities of group membership and to leadership skills. They go on one overnight backpacking trip.

For more information, see Patrol Member Development.

Phase 2, Patrol Leader Development

For youth ages 13 to 15 (or, with approval of Phase Leader and Director, for youth who have previously completed Phase I); camping experience and skills; some overnight backpacking experience with two 5-mile hikes. Campers learn the skills of small group leaders. They are exposed to advanced levels of leadership competencies and are given guided opportunities to lead a small group. They will go on a two-night backpacking trip.

For more information, see Patrol Leadership Development.

Phase 3, Troop Leader Development

For youth ages 15 to 18 (or completed the 8^th grade, or, with approval of Phase Leader and Director, for youth who have previously completed Phase II). Extensive camping and backpacking experience preferred. Campers learn the skills of a large group leader leading small group leaders. They receive opportunities to practice leadership skills at the highest level in a high-adventure setting. Campers spend two- to three days backpacking.

For more information, see Troop Leadership Development.