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The Story of the Rag
In 1914, 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. At the time,
the method used by many YMCA camps was to present awards
for participation in athletics and other activities. Caldwell considered
this, but discarded the idea because a handicapped boy, who would
be unable to win such an award, was expected to attend camp. |
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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.
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| 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 the gift; |
| I would be humble, for I know my weakness; |
| I would look up, and laugh, and love and lift. |
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