The Values of Royal Rangers to me

Duncan Belfour

OP 60

Manassas Assembly of God

There is a great value in the Royal Ranger program and it has truly had a large impact on my life.  From the time I started Royal Rangers as a Discovery Ranger to now as an Expedition Ranger, I have learned an incredible amount about myself and others.  The camping, hiking and training camps have prepared me for leadership positions as well as enabling me to help my fellow Rangers.  In the Royal Ranger Ministry, I have memorized codes and Bible verses to earn many merits.  It has been valuable to my development as a young Christian man stretching me to grow mentally, physically, socially and spiritually.

  Royal Rangers has taught me many useful outdoor and life skills.  While earning the hiking merit, I learned how to set up camp, start a fire and the proper ways to ensure safety on the trails.  I have used and applied these skills many times.  Hiking is something I enjoy doing with other Rangers.  It is the feeling of the outdoors, the light breeze and the smell of the forest before you take your shoes off that puts me at ease.  Times like these are great because not only do you get to think of the great beauty that the Lord has made, but all the things that he’s given us to revere.  The life skills I’ve learned were from the bachelor’s merit, like cooking which I frequently do at home and while out hiking on the trail.

On the lighter note, the Ranger program has honed me into a strong young man. One thing I really enjoy doing with Rangers is going hiking in the mountains.  Last year I went to a training camp called Junior Training Trails, where you hike and learn skills along the way.  We learned how to pack a backpack, what kind of equipment you need and which hiking backpacks are used for different terrain.  It was for a couple of days hiking here and there around in the woods. After a while your feet get sore, you get sweaty and you just want to take a break.  But that was part of the learning experience of this training camp.  Most of all it was a terrific time and knowledgeable time as well.

 Recently, Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship has been something I’ve enjoyed doing. It’s exciting to see what frontiersmen did back then for shelters, food and even games.  Shooting black powder rifles and throwing hawks have been really fun. Just living like they use to, I think is what makes these FCF campouts awesome.  There I met many new friends that also enjoy going to these campouts and living in an old time ere. During these times I’m able to talk and reflect on how great the day was with my fellow Rangers. We talk about what we experienced and learned from other frontiersmen. For instance how to trap an animal, the proper way to load a black powder rifle and many additional things as well..  But at the end of the day, as the night closed in; the flames went up and everyone gathered around the council fire.

 These times were great, everyone was settled down from the long day of fun and excitement. The huge flames from the fire and staring in awe of the one who gave it all was the best of all. One council fire service in particular, that took place at a Pow-Wow, it had a great effect on me and all the Rangers.  My best friend decided to come with us to this campout. Being his first time on a Royal Ranger campout, he didn’t know what to expect while he was there. Everyone was singing and praying, when some of the commanders started praying for my friend. As the night when on and we all went back to camp, he had told me that he’d accepted the Lord into his heart that night. Having my friends accept the Lord into their life is awesome not only can God do more in their life but it make it easier for me to aid them on their path towards the Father.

Looking back I realize how much fun and knowledge I received from Royal Rangers. I have made many friends on my journey and hope to make even more. The outdoors will always be a great time for me and the fellowship around the council fires. The commanders have taught me many things, from camping skills to following the lord. They kept me on the right path striving towards the Gold.