The tradition of the YMCA Rags began in 1914 here in California. It began when Thomas Caldwell, Boys Secretary of Oakland YMCA, began searching for a way to manage camp discipline. Many YMCAs at the time were rewarding campers for their athletic abilities. Caldwell considered this path, but ultimately decided against it due to the attendance of a handicapped boy, who Caldwell knew would not be able to win an award.

Looking for a solution, Caldwell decided to reward campers for their positive character traits: good health habits, promptness, cheerfulness, morals, trust, and helpfulness. To symbolize these qualities, Caldwell rewarded each camper a blue bandana, which later were referred to as “rags”. Caldwell explained that the rag is simple, essentially worthless, and held no value- except what each camper wanted it to. Thus, a tradition was started.

The rag today is now an outward representation of an inward goal or challenge. The program is designed to encourage campers to look into themselves, to identify their strengths and their weaknesses, and to challenge them to grow in mind, body, and spirit.