News & Updates

Find the latest news and updates on the Royal Rangers program, as well as an archive of past updates, right here. These items are also distributed regularly via Rangers NOW, the official national Royal Rangers e-mail newsletter. To get the latest news on our children's ministry partners visit Kidmin.ag.org.

Additional Resources

2024-25 National Training Schedule

If you want to see what training events your region has planned this year, click here to see the entire schedule.

NRMC Update to the Conference Format

In 2010, the National Rangers Ministry Camp (NRMC) replaced National Training Camp (NTC) as the primary national training event for leaders. While NRMC has been an effective mechanism for training Royal Rangers leaders, the need for an update has become increasingly evident. In 2023, some aspects of NRMC were changed to enable this event to be conducted in a non-camping environment and expand the content being presented.

Award Application Process Update 2024

The Royal Rangers advancement system plays a central role in the process we employ to develop boys into Christlike men. Click here to see how the national office is simplifying and expediting this process for all annual awards.

The Frontier Spirit: A Tale of the National Rendezvous

In the heart of the untamed wilderness, where the rivers run clear and the mountains kiss the sky, there lies a tradition as old as the trails themselves—the National Rendezvous. It’s a time when frontiersmen from all corners of the land gather to celebrate the spirit of adventure, trade their wares, and share tales of the wild.

Valentine’s Day & St. Patrick’s Day Crafts

In the winter, many parts of the country have cold, frigid temperatures. Some groups may want to have specific crafts that match the winter weather outside. Check out this article for some fun things to do with your boys for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. There are also theme snacks and coloring pages. I even found some “Dad Joke” cards that boys can make.

EveryBOY Initiative Update

If you want to know how the progress is coming for the EveryBOY Initiative funding, the national director shares an update. As we move toward the new year, we are doubling down on the commitment to our four purposes.

Swordsman: Do You Read the Bible?

God’s Word never returns without accomplishing what it was sent to do. (Isaiah 55:11) Do you need a foundation in your life? Are you tired of all the lies said to you or about you? Find out more about the Swordsman program.

Propel Peru Update

What an exciting time to be serving the Lord! Pathfinders just completed a construction trip to Camp Yuri in Yurimagus, Peru. We served alongside the Hendons, missionaries to Peru, as they continue the work to complete the camp. Find out how the 2023-24 Master’s Toolbox project is progressing.

Managing the Atmosphere of Your Outpost

Every boy is living in an atmosphere defined by the environment around him. Some boys live in a safe, healthy atmosphere. Others live in a toxic atmosphere. Royal Rangers leaders play a central role in creating the atmosphere in their meeting rooms that every boy will experience.

Winter Crafts 2023

In the winter, many parts of the country have cold, frigid temperatures. Some groups may want to have specific crafts that match the winter weather outside. Check out this article for some fund things to do with your boys.

Ranger Mission: Equip

This edition we will continue to look at the Royal Rangers mission to evangelize, equip, and empower the next generation of Christlike men and lifelong servant leaders. Equipping takes an intentional investment. It is what sets us apart from the many other programs or ministries that just focus on activities for boys.

Region Conferences 2024

Regional conferences are your opportunity as a Rangers leader to connect, grow, and develop your ability to influence the next generation of Christlike men. In 2021, Royal Rangers announced that the annual LEAD conference was moving to a biannual schedule. On the alternating years, each region would hold a regional conference, which would allow more leaders to participate. See the full schedule of region conferences.

Royal Rangers & Social Media

We live in an age of communication. Things are changing at an extraordinary pace. With each new generation, there is a new way to communicate, and for many, social media is the best opportunity to get the word out. At the local outpost level, you are always trying to leverage the best way to communicate to the families and the community.

The Essential Leader

Over the last thirty years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in nine different Royal Rangers outposts. I’ve served in large mega churches where hundreds of boys attended Royal Rangers every week, and I’ve served in small churches were the entire outpost met together in one small room, led by me and one other guy. Read this article to learn the key to an effective outpost or any ministry to boys.

How Can you Help the Autistic Boy in Your Outpost: Kenslow Profile

Do you have a boy with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in your class? This profile on Matthew Kenslow will share his story and give you ideas on how to work with and encourage boys with other abilities to form friendships, to achieve, and to build confidence.

Thanksgiving & Christmas Crafts 2023

In the fall, many parts of the country have beautiful fall evenings with cooler temperatures. Some parts of the country experience rainy or snowy nights. Some groups may want to have specific crafts, games, or snacks with a Thanksgiving or Christmas themes. Check out this article for some fund things to do with your boys.

NSSP and NRA Day

How would your outpost, section, or district like to host a one-day shooting sports event that could be free to participants? NRA Day is free to participants, and we find it to be one of the best kept secrets in the shooting sports industry. It brings the professionalism of a shooting program/camp/competition to another level. Maybe several churches in a section would like to get together to host the event.

National Rendezvous: Registration Is Open

Registration for National Rendezvous 2024 is now open. Check out this article to learn about some of the events at the next Rendezvous or about the St. Louis camp for those new to FCF. Would you love to stay in an air-conditioned cabin or RV spot during Rendezvous? Read this article to find out more.

Fall Crafts 2023

In the fall, many parts of the country have beautiful fall evenings with cooler temperatures. Some parts of the country experience rainy or snowy nights. This article provides several craft ideas for your Ranger Kids and Discovery Rangers groups.

Pathfinder Missions Summit and Team Trips

Click for more information on the 2nd Annual Pathfinder Missions Summit in Pigeon Forge, TN. Some of the money they raise from this summit will go to scholarships to help young men participate in an upcoming Pathfinder trip. If you think you might want to participate in a trip yourself, click here to see a list of upcoming trips through the fall of 2024.

Royal Rangers Week & Prayer Vigil

We minister to boys every week, but how are others to know what we do and how vital this ministry is? Royal Rangers week is a great time to help people in your church learn more about who we are and what we’re about. With a little planning, you can use this special week to celebrate, promote, and help people learn about Royal Rangers. Remember, you need to start planning now!

Ranger Mission: Evangelize

What does it mean to evangelize? Often, we equate evangelizing with presenting the gospel. However, evangelism should begin much earlier than that. Evangelism begins with relationship. That is true in Royal Rangers. Read this article to see how many ways your Royal Rangers ministry is involving in evangelism.

EveryBoy Initiative Update

Momentum is continuing to build for the EveryBoy Initiative. You may be asking yourself, “What is the EveryBoy Initiative?” It’s a missions initiative to ensure that every boy in the United States hears the gospel, discovers the man he was created to be, builds the confidence needed to succeed and face life well, and develops strong, lifelong friendships through a community of men. Does that sound exciting? Click to read more.

Summer Craft Ideas 2023

In summer months, some parts of the country have many nights that they are not able to go outside for activities due to heat advisories. This article provides several craft ideas for your Ranger Kids and Discovery Rangers groups. There are also ideas for July 4th crafts and water night activities.

Catapult 700 Update

In 2017, Royal Rangers launched Catapult 700, our Master’s Toolbox giving project for 2017-2018. The goal was to raise money to translate the Royal Rangers global curriculum into Swahili and launch 700 outposts. This project captured the hearts of men and boys to increase their giving. Read how this project continues to progress.

EveryBoy Initiative

Royal Rangers is doubling down on its mission to evangelize, equip, and empower the next generation of Christlike men. Today our young people, and especially our boys, are under greater attack than at any other time in our history. Culture is actively working to wipe out God’s design of a man and a woman. We must be more intentional than ever to address the needs of this generation.

Territorial Rendezvous

Over the years, I have had the pleasure to attend twenty different Rendezvous, that have included territorial and national events. The theme that moves through every event is brotherhood. Click here to read his experience at territorial and national rendezvous. There is also a schedule of all territorial rendezvous for 2023.

Remembering the First National Rendezvous

This article was first published in the High Adventure Leader in the summer 1996. John Eller, first national FCF president, wrote the article. In 1996, Royal Rangers was preparing to host the seventh National Rendezvous at Eagle Rock, MO.

NSSP Ambassador Program for 2023

Do you have young men in your outpost who excel at shooting sports? The NSSP Ambassador program is a great opportunity for young men to develop valuable life skills, to create relationships that could lead to possible career opportunities, to promote the National Shooting Sports Program of Royal Rangers, and most importantly to create opportunities for ministry to all with whom they interact.

ReStory Ministries at LEAD

There is a growing need in our culture and ministry to respond to the issues of same sex attraction, LGBTQ, and gender identity. With social media, friends, and so many other voices speaking to these topics it is difficult to determine which ones to listen to. A quick search will reveal responses ranging from hostile to condoning and everything in between. ReStory Ministries wants to see every church and believer equipped to respond to these cultural issues. They “believe that when the Church is equipped, new stories of transformation are told!”

Spring Crafts 2023

In spring months, there are nights where you aren’t able to go outside for activities due to inclement weather. This article provides several craft ideas for your Ranger Kids and Discovery Rangers groups.

Master's Toolbox Propel Peru

Learn more about the 2023-2024 Master’s Toolbox project, Propel Peru. There are several different objectives for this project. How cool would it be to get your boys involved in raising money so kids in Peru could go to church camp. You and older boys could even get involved in building at the campground or in building the first church in a remote village along the river.

NSSP Membership

If you have an interest in shooting sports, whether it be Archery, BB gun, Air Rifle, small bore, shot gun or black powder, then the Royal Rangers National Shooting Sports Program (NSSP) is the place for you. Learn how to become a member and receive a patch to wear on your uniform.

Ministry to Boys Can Take Many Forms

Ministry to boys can take many forms. The form of ministry your church chooses to employ may change over time as you experience seasons of change. Regardless of the season, every church can provide ministry to boys in some form.

Camp Eagle Rock Internship Program

Are any of your boys looking for a summer job? Camp Eagle Rock started an internship program in 2022. It’s not for the faint of heart. The interns work hard. They will learn new skills or hone existing skills. They will also complete many Spirit Challenge lessons. It’s not all about the financial benefit to the interns. They get to help lay the foundation for the campers through fun activities that will prepare them to receive the message of salvation during the evening services.

The Ongoing Tradition of National Camporama

In the summer of 1974, men and boys from across the nation gathered at the US Airforce Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado for the first ever National Camporama. The Royal Rangers program had only been in existence for a dozen years, and this event provided the first opportunity for Royal Rangers from every part of the nation to come together for a time of fun, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. At Camporama 2022, we will be reminded once again what it means to be a Royal Ranger and prepare our hearts for the journey ahead—wherever the paths may lead.

Pathfinder Missions

Let me begin by introducing the Pathfinder Missions ministry to those who have not heard of us before. Pathfinder Missions was started as an arm of Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (FCF) as an avenue for men and boys to go on mission trips, using their primitive camping and other skills learned in Royal Rangers. It has expanded to include both international and domestic mission trips. In the earlier years, those with the skills to camp in the primitive conditions where the groups went were mostly Royal Rangers. However, you do not have to be associated with Royal Rangers to participate in a Pathfinder Missions trip.

Black Light Derby

We have shared several articles on Ranger Derby, showing different ways that an outpost or district can create new excitement for this annual event. This article is about holding the Ranger Derby under black lights and painting the cars with fluorescent paint. Hear what worked and what didn’t work. Read the suggestions and tips for making your next Rangers Derby a black light version.

Winter & Christmas Crafts 2021

In the winter, many parts of the country have evenings that are too cold to venture outside. Other parts of the country have milder winters. Below are several craft ideas for your Ranger Kids and Discovery Rangers groups for those who aren’t able to be outside during winter months, giving boys a creative outlet. I even found a great craft that I think the Adventure and Expedition Rangers would enjoy.

1st Quarter Training Schedule

National training events are conducted throughout the year at various locations across the country. The following link provides a summary of national training events available over the next three months.

Camporama for Christmas!

Boys are always dreaming of the wonders of Christmas. Will what they have wished for these past several months now be under the tree. Parents and grandparents often wonder what would be the best gift for the boys in their lives? This Christmas why not make a young man’s dream come true while giving a gift of eternal impact—give the gift of Camporama.

Fall Crafts 2021

In the fall, many parts of the country have beautiful fall evenings with cooler temperatures. Some parts of the country experience rainy or snowy nights. This article provides several craft ideas for your Ranger Kids and Discovery Rangers groups.

Royal Rangers Prayer Vigil

Royal Rangers has been through a season of challenges, but I don’t think it has been by accident. These past few years have been hard on our ministry, but we continue to change our would one boy at a time. Just as Jesus asked His disciples, we ask you. Will you pray for one hour? Read this article for additional information and links for the Prayer Vigil.

The New Regional Conference Plan for 2022

If you haven’t heard, the national office has moved the LEAD National Conference to an every other year format. Beginning in 2022, the Royal Rangers national office will partner with the regions to provide a new experience at the regional conferences. If you have never attended your region’s conference, this article will share the basics of the regional conference concept.

Adventure Trips for Older Boys, Part 2

Want to do an Adventure Trip at your outpost but don’t know where to begin. The first place to start is with an adventure the boys will want to do. You might ask, “When do you start your process of planning?” Your questions will be answered, and strategies for planning an adventure trip are shared in this article.

UPDATE: Adult & Junior Leader Awards: COVID19 Response

You may think this title sounds familiar. You would be correct. This article was originally released in October 2020, but we had to make an update for this new season. If you an organizational leader at any level, then you will want to read this article.

The Importance of Charter Registration

In Royal Rangers, one of the most misunderstood areas is charter registration. We are often asked these questions: Is chartering necessary? Are we required to charter? Why do we need to charter? Charter registration provides four major benefits to Royal Rangers which helps to strengthen the program and ensure its health and growth.

Adventure Trip for Older Boys, Part 1

After doing Adventure Trips with older boys for over ten years and looking back, I see how the boys have grown through them. Every boy craves adventure and fun. While these trips are not all easy, in fact some have been very challenging, it has brought meaning to them and has prepared them for life as a man God will use.

The Importance of Training

I have also talked leaders who do not understand why Royal Rangers training is continuous and encouraged and who aren’t sure how new training is relevant to them after years of service in their outposts. Well, this article is for those leaders. I want to share why Royal Rangers training is so vitally important to our ministry and to all those in it.

4th Quarter Training Schedule

National training events are conducted throughout the year at various locations across the country. The following link provides a summary of national training events available over the next three months.

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