About White Stag Sierra

Who We Are

White Stag Sierra is composed of enthusiastic youth and adults who have been touched by the program spirit. It has made a difference in our lives and those around us. So we keep coming back. We always welcome new volunteers. What are you waiting for?

White Stag Sierra is supported by White Stag Sierra Association, EIN: 41-4683474, an all-volunteer, federal 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We were initially led by the White Stag Steering Committee, organized in 1961.

All Volunteer

White Stag Sierra was founded in 1958. It has been entirely supported by dedicated parent volunteers since then. They spend about one full weekend a month meeting with and training our youth staff. They in turn work together to plan for, prepare, and conduct the summer camp. By the time summer camp arrives, the adults goal is to sit back and watch the youth excel. They occasionally help out when needed, but the camp is youth led. During a given year, the 45 to 50 adult and youth staff collectively give about 250,000 hours to the program.

Our Mission

White Stag Sierra Association’s mission is to actively support and/or sponsor co-educational leadership skills programs, in cooperation with youth organizations. These programs are intended to foster the development of the continued growth of youth as worthy members and leaders in their organizations and in their communities.

Youth led, youth run

The White Stag Sierra leadership camp is youth-led. Our youth staff is coached and mentored by a group of parents and alumni volunteers who find value in the program.

Our youth staff work year round to plan and present a week-long leadership camp each summer for other teens. During the leadership development week, you get lots of chances to learn and practice leadership skills in small team and large group settings. You also develop plans to apply what you learn at home and in your community.

Generations of leadership experience

White Stag Sierra has been putting on a leadership camp for youth since 1958. Some people who attended White Stag leadership camp as children are now adult leaders in the program.  Their children, our third generation, are serving as youth staff. Many former youth staff have graduated from college and returned to serve as adult leaders. John Chiorini, the  first Senior Patrol Leader in 1958, is still mentoring new youth leaders.