YMCA RAG PROGRAM SILVER RAG STUDY CARD

For campers 14 years of age and over who are accepting the challenge of living principled lives.

True Wisdom, True Power

Knowing others is intelligence.

Knowing yourself is true wisdom.

Mastering others is strength.

Mastering yourself is true power.

Principle

“Principle, particularly moral principle, can never be a weathervane, spinning around this way and that with the shifting winds of expediency. Moral principle is a compass forever fixed and forever true.”(Edward R. Lyman)

“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the person that can smile in trouble; that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but the person whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue principle unto death.”(Thomas Paine)

Parable of the Two Wolves

One evening a Cherokee warrior told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.”

“One is Evil—It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”

“The other is Good—It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”

The Grandfather simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Hagakure

“One should make decisions within the space of seven breaths.”

Honesty, Respect, Caring and Responsibility are the core guiding principles of a RAGGER. Principles matter most when they are hardest to keep. Trust in Principles—Do not compromise your integrity.

Write your Silver RAG Challenge on the back of this page. Work with your counselor to guide you in choosing your challenge.