Spirit and Traditions in White Stag

Most of our modern, civilized world is stripped of the shaping moments found in the ceremonies described in this chapter. Even if an individual belongs to a particular church, synagogue, temple, or another social group, it is unlikely that they have had these kinds of experiences. When was the last time someone woke you in the middle of the night, told you not to talk, and to follow them to points unknown for reasons they would not explain? And you trusted them?

Aside from the long history of the White Stag program and its leadership development curriculum, its spirit and traditions are what really make it distinctive. Our spirit and traditions, whether around the campfire or deep in the woods, touch on ongoing themes in the lives of youth, like belonging, identity, self-expression, success, independence, and personal values.

These spirit and traditions affect youth participants emotionally, securing in their hearts a desire to become better leaders. Our spirit and traditions are invoke myths of long ago, invisibly echoing long-lost rites of passage that our forbearers took part in at times beyond our cultural memory. They remind participants of the great values of love, acceptance, personal growth, spirituality, cooperation, and togetherness which are available to them in the best moments of Scouting.

For example, we use The Order of the Still to encourage solemnity and personal reflection. Ceremonies can touch the tap root of each individual, to reach them where words cannot. Our ceremonies are not secret and may be observed by anyone.