Celebrating 60 years!
White Stag camp began in the mind of a veteran of World War II, who had a vision of helping youth learn leadership skills. A refugee from war-torn Europe, Béla Bánáthy rejoined Scouting upon his arrival in the United States. In 1958, he took a patrol of boys to Pico Blanco Scout Camp in the Big Sur wilderness of Monterey County. He taught them the patrol method and the concept of boy leadership.
With hope, persistence, and the help of a few Scouting friends, his idea grew. Only six years later the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America began working with Béla to adapt the program for use nationwide. Since then tens of thousands of youth across the United States have learned the eleven competencies of leadership. And 2018 marks our 60th year in Northern California. Come join us and make more history.
Apply now for White Stag Sierra 2018
We ran out of room in 2017, so apply early to assure yourself a space in 2018. White Stag Sierra is one of the best deals you’ll find for summer fun and learning. Come to White Stag Sierra and you’ll have fun transporting your entire team across an “infected” swamp without touching the ground. Or help every member get through a massive, poisonous spider web without getting trapped.
Camp in the High Sierras, go rock climbing, swim and canoe in Lake Sterling, hike through chasms, climb mountains, eat in the outdoors. Have fun and make new friends. And, along the way, learn leadership!
Apply before February 28 and save almost $200 when compared to similar non-profit week-long camps and $1000 or more over national for-profit leadership camps. We throw in the beautiful high Sierra scenery for free!
Leadership camp for youth 11-17
White Stag Sierra is a fun-filled week of games, leadership skills-building, high-adventure teamwork, campfires, camping, hiking, and more. Make new friends and learn by doing in the outdoors of the California High Sierra!
With our 50-plus year history, we’ve learned a lot, but we’re still small enough to give each individual the attention they need to have a fun summer camp experience.
Our leadership development summer camp program is for boys and girls and young men and women who have completed the 5th grade through 17 years old. Our program is for youth and led by youth.
Low fees
White Stag Sierra is a non-profit and we are entirely run by volunteers. Our fees are extremely low—compare our cost to any other organization’s fee and you’ll be impressed. Your camp fee includes food for the entire week, camp expenses, and even a couple of shirts! Apply today using the buttons on this page.
Register early and save
When you attend summer camp you’re called a candidate, because you must prove your readiness and ability to accept the challenge to Follow the White Stag.
Our next summer camp is July 8-14, 2018 at Camp Cole in the Tahoe National Forest. We can only accept 120 candidate participants in 2018. Want to learn more about leadership? Looking for fun and personal challenges? To sign up, use the buttons on this page.
Expand your horizons
White Stag leadership camp challenges you to overcome your limitations, to expand your boundaries, to become a better person. It’s not for everyone.
Learn leadership skills
We help you develop 11 essential leadership skills that you can use to be more effective in your school, at home, and in your community. During summer camp, you get multiple opportunities to learn and practice these leadership skills in small and large group settings. You will also develop plans for applying these skills at home and in your community. We have been helping youth like you learn about leadership since 1958.
Three levels to meet your needs
White Stag leadership development camp offers three programs to meet your needs. If you’re a Boy Scout, you can attend White Stag Sierra before or after National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), which many years ago was based on the White Stag model. Unlike NYLT, White Stag is for all ages. Choose a phase based on your age, maturity, Scout rank, experience, physical ability, and grade level.
- Youth 10½ to 13 usually attend Phase 1 Patrol Member Development.
- Youth 13 to 15 typically go to Phase 2 Patrol Leader Development.
- Teens age 15-17 typically attend Phase 3 Troop Leader Development.
Camp dates and location
July 8-14, 2018
Camp Cole, Tahoe National Forest
Space is limited
We are only accepting 120 candidates to our high-adventure week. We expect to fill these openings before March 30. Use the buttons on this page to apply.