The Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (FCF),
originally called Frontiersmen Camping Fraternity, was founded during
the summer of 1966. The Fellowship began as a way to reward for the
older boys and men who had distinguished themselves in advancement,
training, and camping.
The first FCF chapter was organized in the Southern California District
in 1966. Dressed in buckskin outfits, the boys and men gathered in the
firelight and prepared to endure a night of testing that would stretch
their camping and survival skills to the limit.
Many of the tests a Royal Ranger will face to become an FCF member will
demand a courageous spirit and be a life-changing experience.
Participation in the FCF ministry will achieve five
important things for the boys and men: a demonstration of courage and
leadership, development of friendships and woodsmanship, and a display
of achievement.
FCF accomplishes the following purposes:
- To give recognition to boys and men who
have shown exceptional interest and outstanding achievement in the
Royal Rangers ministry and in Royal Rangers campcraft.
- To
build a brotherhood of top-notch boys and men who will, over the years,
continue to be Royal Rangers ministry and camping enthusiasts.
- To
emphasize the importance of involvement in the advancement program,
development of campcraft skills, and completion of the leadership
training programs.
- To develop a corps of proven Royal Rangers who will strive to be the very best in Christian example and leadership.
- To
encourage the boys and men of Royal Rangers to always prefer others
above themselves and to let their leadership be by example.
- To show a spirit of servanthood, willing to give of time and energy above and beyond what is expected of Royal Rangers.
The blazing campfire is the official symbol of FCF. It symbolizes the spirit of FCF, which is:
- Christian love (warmth)
- Personal witness (light)
- Dedicated service (usefulness)
There are five logs around the fire and they represent things that keep the FCF spirit alive:
- Courage
- Achievement
- Friendship
- Leadership
- Woodsmanship
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"I
share with you the warmth and glow of this campfire. These crimson
flames are a symbol of our fellowship and adventures in camping.
"I promise to share with you the warmth of Christian friendship and with others the light of my Christian testimony.
"I promise to keep alive the spirit of FCF in my personal life and to observe at all times the principles of Royal Rangers."
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Every four years, the Royal Rangers hold a National Rendezvous
for all members of the Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship. Black-powder
shooting, knife and hawk throwing, flint and steel, Seneca runs, outfit
judging, recognition of national scouts, and old-fashioned camp cookin'
are just a few of the great activities that take place at the
Rendezvous.
Always popular is Trader's Row, where our FCF craftsmen display, sell
and trade their wares. Skills and outdoor crafts continue throughout
the week, and best of all we gather for the great evening Council Fire
services. Begin now by making plans to attend.
Memories of the First FCF Rendezvous
Steps of Recognition in FCF
The
"Trail of the Grizzly" is designed to lead boys and leaders along the
challenging FCF advancement trail. The purpose of this "Trail" is to
prepare boys and leaders to successfully complete each of the FCF
advancements by including a unique set of merit award requirements for
the "Frontiersmen," "Buckskin," and "Wilderness" steps. Get the details of the Trail of the Grizzly here.
