White Stag: Frequently Asked Questions

Count down to White Stag 2008: 2008-08-03 13:00:00 GMT-08:00!

• What is White Stag?
• What is White Stag Crew 122; who are these people?
• When is this year’s White Stag Summer Program?
• Where is this year’s White Stag Summer Program?
• Who can participate in White Stag?
• Do I need to be a member of a scout troop in order to participate in White Stag?
• What does it cost to participate in the White Stag Summer Program?
• What should I bring to the White Stag Summer Program?
• How do I register for the White Stag Summer Program?

What is White Stag?

White Stag is a youth leader development program that has been successfully training young people since 1958. It is operated by Boy Scout Venturing Crew 122 which also provides the adult and youth staff. This week long training program is held each summer.

The "White Stag" name is coined from the Hungarian Legend about a quest for fulfillment. Our program is derived from methods developed by Dr. Bela Banathy, a specialist in educational research. The current BSA Wood Badge and JLT programs are derived from the original White Stag syllabus Dr. Banathy developed.

Our curriculum Includes:

• Setting Goals and Objectives
• How and when to use different Styles of Leadership
• Using Time Management
• The Seven Steps of Planning
• How and Why to Set the Example
• Good Communication and Why it is Essential
• Understanding the Needs and Characteristics of Individuals and the Group
• Using the Resources available to accomplish goals
• How to Evaluate Performance and Success
• How to Properly Represent Your Group
• Methods for Controlling Group Performance
• Techniques for Teaching and Learning

What is White Stag Crew 122; who are these people?

White Stag Leadership Development Summer Camp is hosted by the Boy Scouts of America, Venture Crew 122. All adult staff are volunteers, comprised of graduates of the White Stag Program and parents. Adults perform many functions around the camp, but only experienced and trained adults work directly with the youth staff and candidates. All adults at camp go through the BSA Youth Protection Training.

Youth staff are White Staggers who have completed at least one year as a candidate. The youth staff meets with adult leaders for 5-7 weekend training sessions throughout the year. During these sessions, the youth and adult staff plan the activities for the weeklong summer camp.

Crew 122 is chartered in three Northern California Boy Scout Councils: Greater Yosemite Council, San Francisco Bay Area Council and Mt. Diablo/Silverado Council.

Names and contact information for key adult staff can be found on the Staff page.

When is this year’s Leadership Development Summer Camp?

This year's Summer Program will be held Sunday August 3–Saturday August 9, 2008:

• Sunday August 3: Candidates Arrival time: 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm
  See the Equipment List for what to bring and how to dress.
• Saturday August 9: Closing Ceremonies — to which parents/guardians/family are cordially invited and enthusiastically encouraged to attend:
  • Phase I: 11:00 am
  • Phase II: 11:30 am
  • Phase III: 12:00 noon
  • Lunch - for all: 12:30 pm
  • Camp Closing Ceremony - for all: 1:30–3:00 pm
  • Departure: 3:00 pm

Note: Youth Staff are at camp from 10 am Saturday August 2 – 12 noon Sunday August 10.

Where is this year’s Leadership Development Summer Camp?

The Summer Program is being held at Camp John Mensinger in the High Sierra. The camp is located off Highway 108 near Strawberry, CA. See a .pdf map to the camp, an interactive Google Map of the Strawberry, CA area, or a .pdf map of the camp itself

Who can participate in White Stag?

The White Stag program is open to all boys and girls ages 11–17 who enjoy the outdoors and are comfortable with backpacking in the High Sierra with their White Stag phase. There is no limit on the number of candidates from a Troop.

Do I need to be a member of a scout troop in order to participate in White Stag?

No—because we will register you. In order to participate in White Stag at Camp Mensinger (run by the Greater Yosemite Council of BSA), all campers will be registered with the Greater Yosemite Council. For those already in scouting, this GYC registration is in addition to —not a transfer from— a home troop.

What does it cost to participate in the White Stag Summer Program?

$250 per candidate, $100.00 per youth staff, with some discount and scholarship opportunities available. There are no camp fees for adult staff or other adult volunteers. Learn more about costs, discounts and scholarships.

What should I bring to the White Stag Summer Program?

See the complete list of what to bring, available as a web page or as a printable .pdf file.

How do I register for the White Stag Summer Program?

Print out and complete the three (3) required forms:

• Registration Form (Required for all participants; fill out either the candidate or staff registration form)
• Class 3 Medical Form (Required by all participants, including adult volunteers.)
• Authorization & Consent Form (Required by all participants under age 18.)

Mail these forms, along with a check for the camp fees (made payable to White Stag) to our registrar at:

White Stag Crew 122
1867 Ygnacio Valley Road, Box #196
Walnut Creek, CA 94598

More details are avaialble on our Registration page.