The Value of Royal Rangers

I have been in Royal Rangers since I was a Missionette. Starting in Rainbows, I now have advanced to the highest honor a boy can earn—the Gold Medal of Achievement.  One of the requirements is to write a paper on the value of Royal Rangers to me. So I asked myself—what does Rangers mean to me?

One thing being a Ranger has taught me is the art and know-how of camping and hiking. One of my first memories as a young boy is camping with my dad. We got to the campground late and set up in the dark. As I shakily held a flashlight, I remember my dad saying, “Jesse can you hold that light still, or do I need to get your little brother???” Things have progressed since then. I recently went on a primitive hike which was about nine miles. Carrying all my supplies on my back, it was an interesting challenge, but I loved every second of it. Experiences like these have taught me to be ready for anything in the woods.

Another thing Royal Rangers has showed me is the value of Christian friendship. Many times I have been struggling with something; I knew all I had to do was call on one  of my fellow Rangers and they would pray with me. There was a time when I was battling with sin and I did not think I would ever get the victory. I went on a campout, which I did not even want to attend, and after the council fire, casually started talking with a commander. We talked about stuff that I could not tell anyone else. Jesus broke me. I began to cry. Calmly but confidently the commander prayed and talked with me for at least an hour. It did not matter how old I was, nor did it matter how long we sat there. We were friends. If I were to sit here and tell you all of the times I have been touched around a Royal Ranger council fire, we would be here a while. That is how many Royal Ranger friends I have. Knowing that they are ready to pray for me, I am ready to pray with any of them.

If being “Ready” is a Ranger’s motto, “Reaching, Teaching, and Keeping Boys for Christ” is the oath he conveys when he puts on his uniform. The goal is witnessing to the lost boys and men. After an awesome Pow-Wow council fire, a commander was praying for me. Before long, we were praying with three boys. I remember the commander looking at me and saying, “It’s your turn, these boys need to be ministered to. Go for it.” Being only 10, I was a little frightened, but I gathered my thoughts and asked them what they needed. After learning that none of them had ever asked Jesus into their hearts, I was able to lead them to the Lord. I felt like I had hit a  home-run. The plan of salvation was something my dad/commander had taught me in Buckaroos. I had been taught to always let the light of my Christian testimony shine through the darkness, and I still try to fulfill that today.

The Value of Royal Rangers

The value of Royal Rangers to me is that it has benefited my life in many ways. Rangers has benefited me mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. Some of these skills or benefits came easy, and some - came hard. I had a lot of fun, and there were several times I didn't want to finish; but I'm glad that I completed the task that was set before me.

I figured out pretty quickly that it was going to get tough. Shortly after coming to Outpost #77, I became the senior patrol guide and had to learn to be a leader. As senior patrol guide, I was the one who made sure everything in the patrols ran smoothly. When I first started at the position, I was timid. I was new, and Ryan Jakab had just finished eighth grade, earned his GMA, and moved on. I wasn't very familiar with the way things ran or how everybody would react to a new guy in charge. It wasn't easy for me, but with the help of my Commanders and parents; I stepped into the role progressing noticeably along the way. I had to learn to push myself past what I thought was my limit. I had to step out of my comfort zone and press on. It wasn't easy for me to get up in front of people and lead. Sometimes I just felt like quitting. In the end, I found it rewarding to keep going.

I had some great times in Rangers most of which came from campouts. I went on plenty of them including Pow-Wow's, National Rendezvous, and other group campouts. It was pretty cool being senior guide on camp outs because Commander Heiliger would always say, "Brandon, you're suppose to make sure all of the work gets finished- you're not suppose to do it all yourself." So, I'd always sit in the hammock and tell everyone what needed to be done, or I would help Commander Guyton in the kitchen. I thought that was pretty fun, but it wasn't like I got that many samples. The commanders had some ideas about their own fun. One unforgettable Pow-Wow, they were picking on me because for 1˝ years I had everything except my service project done. They cracked jokes on me the whole time. They were calling me 'little-a' GMA, because I was almost a GMA, but that was their way of getting me to finish the work that I was already so close to finishing. Other than campouts, I enjoyed doing the more active merits like cycling, basketball, archery, black powder rifle, and so on.

Royal Rangers benefited me socially. I made a lot of friends at outpost #77, and I also made a lot from other outposts. I got to spend a lot of time with them at various outings or competitions as we worked, played games, or just hung out.

Most importantly, Royal Rangers has benefited me spiritually. Through the Bible merits, the weekly devotions that commander Tarris would do, the devotions we had on campouts, and the overall Christian character displayed by the commanders, there was a lot to learn; and a great example to follow to help guide me in my Christian walk.

Royal Rangers was fun. I've got a lot of good memories, but I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for a great group of commanders and my parents' help. Their dedication to see me finish strong was priceless. They pushed me and encouraged me to keep going. Even when I was ready to give up - they were there. There were a number of commanders that were with me almost every step of the way to make sure I finished my GMA. I would like to say a big thanks to the following commanders: Comm. Tim Heiliger, Comm. Tom Tarris, Comm. John Guyton, Comm. Kevin Comalander, Comm. Tom Carico, and to my dad as a commander and parent. He was at every outing he possibly could. He helped me when I needed it, and he taught me to be a better Ranger and a better leader. I'd like to say a special thanks to Comm. John Guyton for going out of his way to make sure my service project was a success. If it hadn't been for him things wouldn't have ran as smoothly as they did. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped me on my service project. I'd like to thank my mom. She was always pushing me to finish what I started; I wouldn't have earned this award without her. Thanks for all your support.

The Value of Royal Rangers

Royal Rangers has been and still is a major influence in my life. Along the way since I entered the program at age four, I have learned so much about living the Royal Ranger Code, outdoor camping, physical health, computers, environmental science, rope craft, fire craft, and much more. I have been exposed to many of the ideals that we live by as Christians, and have learned the value of what it means to live not only by the Royal Ranger Code, but also to live a life that represents Jesus Christ.

I entered Royal Rangers as a four-year old. At that time, I participated in an unofficial Royal Ranger program entitled Tender Paws, and my very own mother was the commander. This was very much a foundation for not only my life, but also my life in the Lord. I learned many new Bible verses throughout the program, and was introduced to many concepts and beliefs of our faith. I learned most importantly, however, that God was in absolute control of my life, and that He loved me more than any other. I still remember that as a four-year old, I was able to understand in child-like terms the value of having a friendship with the Creator of the Universe.

In looking back on my progression through the Royal Ranger program, from Straight Arrows, to Pioneers, to Discovery Rangers, and finally to Adventure Rangers, I realize just how many people have inspired and helped me in my quest to the Gold Medal of Achievement. One prominent Commander, Dan Webb, was a terrific inspiration in my quest. He was versatile, had great knowledge, and was able to effectively communicate about the various areas of camping, etc. 

I finally reached Adventure Rangers, during middle school, and I met the commander who has perhaps influenced my quest towards the Gold Medal more than any other. Under his leadership, Commander John Clark has encouraged and helped me to complete the program. He has taught me how to camp and enjoy it. He has also helped me to understand many spiritual concepts through his weekly devotions and Bible studies. He has shown so much interest and willingness in me in my goal to complete the Gold Medal of Achievement.

Though not a commander, I can honestly say that my dad has been the driving force behind my success in the Royal Ranger program. Ultimately, I owe him everything for all the success that I have experienced in completing this program. 

Understanding the value of Royal Rangers is crucial in order to complete the program. Rangers learn the Royal Ranger Code, which is a guide to living a Christian life. In talking to a Royal Ranger, an “outsider” should clearly see how the Ranger is alert, clean, honest, courageous, loyal, courteous, obedient, and spiritual. A Ranger should live his life serving others, most importantly serving God. In doing so, he should live by the Golden Rule daily, and should be ready for anything. A Royal Ranger should live his life reaching, teaching, and keeping boys for Christ. Royal Rangers are the future leaders in spreading the Gospel around the world through this program, and they are responsible for living their lives according to God's standard. I have learned these values in participating in the Royal Ranger program, and I have gained a much better perspective in how to represent Christ in every way in my life.

I am so thankful for the time that I have been able to spend in Royal Rangers, and for all of my terrific commanders and supporters. I am so blessed that I have been able to not only participate, but also to  complete the Royal Rangers program, and earn the Gold Medal of Achievement. Without the lessons I have learned from Royal Rangers, I do not believe that I would have been as successful as I am today.

The Value of Royal Rangers

Royal Rangers is very important in my life. It is preparing me for the man I am becoming. It has taught me how to be a follower, a leader, and many other skills. Most importantly Royal Rangers has shown me how to have a strong relationship with God. Royal Rangers has given me guidance throughout my life that has helped me conquer the many obstacles in my life so far.

The most challenging thing for me was learning how to be a follower. The camping and outdoor events are really what attracted me to Royal Rangers. I just wanted to go camping and get dirty. But I have learned many skills that are very helpful to me in my life. I have acquired skills on surviving in the wilderness, first aid, shooting guns, water skiing, and much more. Royal Rangers has made the learning experience fun. The day I joined Rangers I instantly wanted to be a leader. I never truly understood that in order to lead, I had to learn to be a follower. I thought I could do things better than my leader did. That’s when I learned I was wrong. I actually got to hold a leadership position in Pioneers for a day. I quickly realized that I had no clue what I was doing. That motivated me to become a great follower until I was ready to lead.

Leadership is one of the most important traits I have acquired in Rangers. Leadership in Royal Rangers helps me to be a great leader not only in Rangers but also at school, home, Marching Band, JROTC and amongst my friends. I was taught to lead in many ways. I am given tasks from watching over the boys, to leading the outpost in formation. However, I think one of the most important things I can do as a leader is to be a good example.

I remember about three years ago I was talking to another Expedition Ranger and I said something to him I should not have said. One of the younger kids over heard me and later that night repeated what I said. I yelled at him and all he said was, "Well, you said it!" That is what made me realize that the younger boys are always watching everything we do. They want to do the things we do and say the things we say. I realized then, that I have the power to influence the kids for the good or the bad. Ever since that day, I have tried my best to act as the proper role model while in front of kids as well as alone. We never know when people are watching, but we do know that God is watching. Another important thing about leadership that I have learned in Rangers is caring about others. I used to yell at the boys to get in formation, get in line, etc. I finally realized that I went about it all wrong. I have learned that when you show people that you care instead of yelling, you receive better results. You also feel better about yourself. I began to compliment them for what they did right, and encourage them to do better instead of focusing on what was incorrect. When you treat people with respect, they will treat you with respect.

Royal Rangers has helped me discover the value of relationships. My best friends are in Royal Rangers. Most kids my age do not have close friends that are 11 and 12 years old. Through Rangers we have formed a strong bond that surpasses physical age. when times were rough, my friends in Rangers helped me through. I am thankful for all the relationships I have formed in Royal Rangers. I have lots of fun forming strong bonds with the younger kids. I like to help them overcome the many obstacles I have already run into. I am very thankful for my fellow Expedition Rangers as well. The bond between us is unbreakable. I would like to thank them for being there when I need someone to talk to or simply just get out of the house. I would like to thank all the commanders that have been there for me and believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. I would also like to thank Commander Tom. He has put in a lot of his time working with the Expedition Rangers and me. He is always willing to help me with anything. After you get used to very loud snoring, he is lots of fun camping. He has taught me almost everything I know about camping, guns, black powder, survival, and just having fun. I would also like to thank all the other commanders that have been influential in my life. My life would not be the same with out these men. I have enjoyed all the funny times as well as the serious times. These men have been there for me most of my life.

Commander Randy was always there for me. He is the man that showed me how to have real fun. Commander Andrew and Commander Chris were always there by the campfire late at night to talk about whatever. Commander Todd is always sharing his knowledge of basically everything with me. I also learned many wrestling moves from him, some of them I learned the painful way. I remember the Expedition Rangers and I wrestled Commander Todd and Commander Mike. It did not turn out very well for us, but it was loads of fun. Commander Mike has also always been there for me. He always gives me good advice and lots of wisdom. The most important relationship to me is my family. I am very thankful for them. Even though I feel like avoiding both of my brothers sometimes, they have been more than just brothers to me. They have been the best of friends. I am glad that my brothers are always there for me. I am also very blessed to have two of the greatest parents in the world. Both my Mother and my Father have been there for me and encouraged me to do better in life. The relationship with my family is very healthy, and for that I thank God. I thank God every day for all the relationships I have formed throughout my life.

Royal Rangers has also given me a real relationship with God. I am blessed to have wonderful Christian parents that have raised me well. I did fine with my walk with God up until my junior year in High School. I got involved with the wrong people and did some wrong things. I had stopped reading my Bible and stopped praying. I called myself a Christian, but I know by definition I was not a Christian. Satan kept deceiving me to think that I was too far gone to change so I kept it up until the summer came. I had been thinking about finishing my last year in Rangers then getting out and going away to College. Then I went on a mission’s trip to Mexico City. At first my parents were forcing me to go. I started going to the meetings and slowly started praying and reading the Bible again. While I was on this trip I saw miracles that were so amazing, and I felt God’s presence like never before. On our last night there, we were in the middle of a powerful devotion. We were all praying and shouting out to God. I felt God speaking to me, basically telling me that I need to stay in Royal Rangers, and turn my life back to Him. When I returned from that trip I was a completely new person. Satan had a hold on me so strong that I could not get free. Not by myself. Over the summer, that hold was broken by the Lord. Jesus has set me free! I believe that Royal Rangers was one of the threads that kept me holding on to God. I started to realize I can not come to church and be a role model for these kids then leave church and live the life that I was living. I truly believe Royal Rangers was one of the biggest things that helped me become the young man that I am, because of the strong Christian values I learned. Royal Rangers is my life. I honestly would hate to see my life without Royal Rangers. It would be boring. Royal Rangers has changed my life not only physically but spiritually and socially as well. Royal Rangers has given me friends that I can depend on and trust. It has given me hope in times when I know I couldn’t make it. It has given me peace. It has given me the opportunity to help boys achieve the many goals in life. Royal Rangers means everything to me.

The Value of Royal Rangers

I have been in the Royal Ranger program ever since I was 5-years old. In Royal Rangers I have had loads of fun, learned very valuable skills, and grown in my walk with God. I am thankful for the many men who have put extensive hours into my life in order to make me an all around better person.

My time in the Royal Rangers has been an incredibly fun and exciting time. I remember my first campout. It was pouring down raining, but I had the time of my life. I have thoroughly enjoyed every activity in Rangers, the Pow Wows, Joanna overnighters, FCF events, Pinewood Derbies, canoe trips, Outpost activities, etc. Pow Wow has always been a blast! How could it not be with that huge slide, the snipe hunting, and the fantastic pageants? I wholly enjoyed the interaction with other Rangers my age, along with those both older and younger than me. FCF has also provided some of the most exciting times of my life. When I went through Phrase II, I was challenged but I loved it. Now I get to watch all the Greenhorns struggle through Phrase II, struggling with some of the same things I did. There's one thing that always sticks out in Phrase II and as an FCF member, the singing. One time I was singing the Bunny Song (Little Cabin in the Woods) that I learned from Phrase n on my front porch. Some kids down the street heard me, and came up asking what I was singing. I said, "I'm a Royal Ranger, and this is one of the songs we sing." I explained the program and they showed great interest in Royal Rangers themselves. Through the various activities and outings, I have grown physically and socially while having fun in the Royal Rangers.

Everything I was taught in Royal Rangers has to a great extent improved my ability in all of the other areas of my life. In Straight Arrows and Buckaroos I mostly learned about God and grew spiritually giving myself to God at a young age. As I advanced to Pioneers and Trailblazers, I started to learn more about the great outdoors and the skills needed while continuing to grow deeper with God. At my first Pow Wow, I earned my Cut and Chop card, learned how to make the infamous foil dinners, and learned how to lash. I also learned how to embarrass myself trying to light a fire. Then Commander Tom stepped in and taught me that too. As I grew older, I was taught wilderness survival and some basic first aid. I also learned marching, saluting, and how to be part of the color guard. These skills helped me get ahead of the game when I first joined the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps in August of 2004. In the USNSCC I applied what I had learned in Rangers and impressed many of the senior cadets and officers. Also, I have had the privilege to teach skills I have gained in Royal Rangers to younger newer Rangers, the ones who will take my place in the upcoming years. I love teaching the younger Rangers what I have been taught, both in the Word of God and wilderness skills. My involvement in Royal Rangers has helped me to grow mentally improving me as a whole.

I owe a big "Thank You" to all of the men who have invested their time to nurture my growth. Commander Brian was my very first commander when I became a Straight Arrow. Joshua Robinson took me under his wing even before he became a commander, teaching and mentoring me until I was a Pioneer at which time he departed for college. Josh taught me color guard and marching skills in addition to growing in God and basic wilderness skills. While in Buckaroos, Commander Bruce Link kept me on the right path intensely improving my walk with the Lord and teaching me His ways. Commander Tom Ferrara has been my Commander for many years. He has taught, and continues to teach, me many skills I will constantly use in the future. He is a great outdoorsman and the best cook. You haven't tasted good food until you have eaten one of his meals! While assisting in Commander Chris Huss' class, he taught me things I never knew existed, like how space shuttles work. Commanders Todd Ellis and Andrew Halter have also mentored and taught me necessary skills such as advanced wilderness survival and navigation. Commander Dave Tipton has helped me learn leadership skills. As the Outpost Senior Commander, he has many tasks to complete. He often assigns tasks to me and the other Expedition Rangers knowing they will get done. Last, but certainly not least is my father, Commander Mike Singer, who has helped me be the Christian I am today. He has raised me through thick and thin teaching me what is right. Thank you all very much! The investments these commanders have made into my life have helped me to grow spiritually.

In conclusion, the Royal Ranger program has significantly improved my life by guiding my growth physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. My plans after High School are to attend the Naval Academy and after graduating proceed to Navy SEAL training. I am hoping to remain involved in the Royal Rangers during my Navy Career joining a local Outpost wherever I am stationed or possibly even starting an Outpost because Royal Rangers is a very important aspect of life and it brings out the best in both men and boys alike.

The Value of Royal Rangers

After being in Royal Rangers for nine years now, I have finally come to the point where I will reach the highest level of achievement, The Gold Medal of Achievement. I have worked long and strived hard for this award. This is most definitely an honor and a privilege being one of the few to receive this medal. On my quest to this medal I was asked to write a paper explaining the value of Royal Rangers.

Royal Rangers is a program that brings in Christian boys and lost boys alike to shepherd them in the way of a Christian young man. I am a living product of what Royal Rangers turns out; I have become closer to God and more equipped to take on life. Whether it's going on a camping trip, witnessing, or just being with my friends I am always READY. No matter what may come my way I am always ready as Royal Rangers has taught me.

Royal Rangers is A program that directs a boy on the straight and narrow path. This program, to me, is just another tool that God can use to bring in the lost boys, and even their parents. I have seen it happen before. I would invite a friend and then he would find out how much he actually loved Royal Rangers. Then some weeks later I would see my friend in the audience at church standing beside his parents. So this not only touches the boys but also their families.

This program is definitely a program needed in every church; it saves the lost boys, and makes the boys already saved more mature in their spirituality. This program could be used in any church whether in a country town or the inner-city. It is truly the best program ever made for boys and young men. It can take any boy and make him into a man that God would cherish as a servant.

This program is definitely a tool that God can use in any church no matter what the background, and definitely not just limited to our brother's in Christ, the Assemblies of God. All those in Royal Rangers should encourage any of those that are not to come and be an active part. It can encourage any "red-blooded American boy" to be part of the local church. This program is extremely versatile to any surrounding in the world and will reach out to any boy of any age.

To end with, Royal Rangers is a God driven program for the boys of America and the World. With the right motivation and tactics, it could literally reach out and change a whole generation of boys to become Christian Men. And with that being said, it would affect our world in such a catastrophic way that we would truly feel the impact of God.

Therefore I urge every boy and man in Royal Rangers to spread the good news of Christ and of Royal Rangers of course.

The Value of Royal Rangers

There is a great value in the Royal Ranger program and it has truly had a large impact on my life and an affect I will never forget. I am thankful I had a chance to be part of such a great experience and I will always look back on the program and see what it has taught me through all of these years. But to really measure the value of Royal Rangers, I have to think about the programs I went through and see what they really did in my life.

First, I was in Straight Arrows and it was really different than anything I had done before. Even at such a young age I was learning a lot, and even growing socially. When the time came, I moved up to Buckaroos and was presented with all new awards to earn and goals for which to strive. I really enjoyed giving all I had to the program. When I finished the Buckaroos, the names of the programs changed so I moved up to Discovery Rangers. In this new program I had a bad experience in my life in which I really needed something to really fall back on and to look forward to and the Discovery Rangers really helped me to have an outlet every Wednesday night. I completed all of the work in Discovery rangers and moved up to Adventure Rangers. But even in Discovery Rangers all I could think of was how great and hard it would be to reach the GMA, the highest award possible to earn. I wanted this award more than anything because if I wouldn't have tried I would have felt like I let myself down and as well feeling that I would just wasted my time in working in Adventure Rangers, so I worked as hard as I possibly could to get all the necessary badges to earn the GMA.

When I think about all Royal Rangers has taught me I think about the Code: how a Ranger is Alert, Clean, Honest, Courageous, Loyal, Courteous, Obedient, and Spiritual, and how I always found pride in trying to live up to the code. I read the Bible as much as I could to grow spiritually, and followed my responsibilities to be loyal, and tried to be obedient, clean and honest in everyday life. Also, I think about the Pledge: With God's help, I will do my best to serve God, my church, and my fellowman; to live by the Ranger Code; to make the golden rule my daily rule. I always remembered this and followed it in ways of treating others the way I would want them to treat me, and made sure to always try being the best I could to serve my mends when they needed something. I respected them and helped them the best I could and the same with my church. All of these things I learned and this helped me in my regular life and they really mean a lot to me.

Along with growing spiritually and mentally I also grew socially. Though the programs teach many valuable things to remember about the Bible and about camping, etc... another important thing is how to get along with your fellowman and even how to make mends. I made many mends and those mends and I stayed in Royal Rangers together for a very long time. If I hadn't joined Royal Rangers I think that I would have had trouble getting along with others and it would be very hard to make mends, because I changed schools a lot and went from home schooling to public school back to home schooling and then to private school. Royal Rangers was there every Wednesday night and I associated with those kids and it helped me to make transitions socially.

To me, the Ranger program is more than just a thing to take part in on Wednesday nights and not to take seriously but it is opportunities to learn and set goals and to get awarded for the hard work you do. I never took these programs for granted, but I always gave my all to this program. And though I did see a lot of my mends leave the program, I never wanted to myself. I wanted to stay in Royal Rangers and eventually earn my GMA so badly that I tried my best to get the Adventure Rangers program started. At that time, once you finished Discovery Rangers, you would go to a youth program but I talked with the senior commander, he spoke with the pastor, and the church added the Adventure Rangers program.

So, after thinking about every aspect of these programs, I cannot help but think of the value of Royal Rangers in my life. Over eight years I have learned innumerable things about the Bible, camping, and many other things, and that has made a great mark on my life. In the end, its easy to say the value of the Royal Rangers is endless. The ministry has radically changed many lives and changed so many people, and I can honestly see that in my own life.

The Value of Royal Rangers

The Rangers Program has represented many challenges and accomplishments in my life.  A few of these challenges consist of learning to tie knots, pitch tents, and to put up with Commander Ernest Cogdell . I have learned through the Ranger program how to take care of myself in the woods and in my spiritual walk. Rangers has strongly influenced the way in which I live my life in that I strive always to be "Ready" for whatever life may throw my way.

At this time, I would like to thank my parents and commanders for encouraging me along the way through the Ranger program. If these people had not taken the time to help me and encourage me I would not be standing before all of you today. Though at times, I really did not want to go on, these people helped me to see that Rangers would benefit me in the future.  Although the Rangers program was full of tons of work, which had to be completed, there were many fun times to be had.

While at camp outs, we enjoyed building fires and performing skits. I attended many Pow Wows where I enjoyed cooking for the outpost and locking Commander Ernie in the Port­ A-Jon. The trip that we took to Camporama was a blast with more than 4,000 guys from allover the country. I'm sure Pastor enjoyed our little armored mend we brought home from there.  The Challengers class with Kevin Comalander , which I am in now, is also rewarding. We learn about God, Financial Peace with Dave Ramsey , wood working, and many other things. The hiking trip, which our outpost took, was a lot of fun. It would have been shorter if we wouldn't have had to go back down and drag Commander Ernie up the mountain too. Several of us boys in the Challengers class went on "Work Days~' for Pow Wow. We worked hard, but still found time to fish in the river behind the camp site.

There were also many things that the Rangers program helped me to accomplish. The first thing that Rangers helped me to accomplish was learning how to take care for myself through the study of the Bachelor, Wilderness Survival, and the First Aid merits. The Ranger program has also helped me to grow closer to God through Pow Wows, the study of the Bible, and the God and Country series. Rangers has also given me the opportunity to prepare myself for the life ahead through the study of Carpentry, Home Repair, Cooking, and many other ways, too many to mention.

Although some people say that these things look easy, on the contrary, they are difficult and time consuming. These things, which the Ranger program has helped me to accomplish, have instilled a sense of pride into me for what I can achieve with God's help. In light of all that the Ranger program has helped me to learn and accomplish, I am pleased to declare that I have earned the right to say that I went all the way.

The Value of Royal Rangers

Royal Rangers was and is a very good and valuable program for me. It reached me for Christ , taught me about Christ , and kept me in Christ . I enjoyed Rangers and learned valuable lessons. They are: I had fun, learned life skills, and grew spiritually.

The first aspect I value of RR's is that I had fun. All boys in Rangers, including me, have fun. One of the ways I had and still have fun is by camp outs such as Pow-wows, and survivals, Camporama, and for FCF'ers , Rendezvous. For me, some of the fun things to do is eat, shoot bow and arrow, guns, and repel the repelling tower. One of the funny things about camp outs is when the commanders let the greenhorns (new rangers) try to start their first fire. It's funny because I see them bickering about how to do it, and when they finally agree and get a flame, they don't have enough wood to keep it going. I always see someone telling everyone else to get more wood. When they finally comply and go get some, they have one stick in their hand. By then, the fire is out.

The other way I had fun was by playing sports and games like football, basketball, kickball, dodgeball, and batterball. The best one of these is football. When I was at outpost 34, under Commander Tom Ferrara , we would play tackle football in the sand.  Some times I wouldn't think and wear my uniform which resulted in medals getting ripped off and pins sticking me. But it was fun until sand got into my eyes or I got hurt.

A second and important value is the life skills that I gained. The main life skills are camping and survival, archery and shooting, and safety. The first one, camping and survival, taught me how to do the following: set up tents, make a primitive shelter, make and start different types of fires from scratch with or without a match, use and sharpen tools safely, tie various knots, lash, cook over fires, preserve and store food out in the wild, and administer first aid/CPR.

The second skill I learned is archery and shooting, specifically black powder. The black powder gun experience was interesting. The certification course was longer than I had expected, taking two and a half days. But along the way I learned about it's history and how to use, shoot, and clean it.  I, along with the rest of the group, shot sixty rounds (that is 4,200 shots). After I and everyone else was done, I had to help clean the guns, lock, stock, and barrel. The next day, I received my shooting card and certificate.

Finally, the last and most important value of Royal Rangers is the Spiritual growth which I received. With the help of the program and commanders like Bruce Link , Tom Ferrara , Kevin Comalander , Tim Heiliger , and Tom Tarris , I received more knowledge of the Bible and God through the devotions, the Bible verses I memorized, the books of the Bible I read, and the biblical people I had to study. Also, the program, especially through the God and Life book, made me think about how I was serving God and doing what he commanded me to do like witnessing. It made me question where I was with God and how I stood with Him.  Now because of the challenge it presented, I am closer in my walk with Him than I was.

I thank God for this program along with my parents who pushed me, helped me through it, and backed me up. This program is excellent and will benefit anyone who participates in it.

The Value of Royal Rangers

Royal Rangers is valuable to me for many different reasons. The three things I like best are what you learn, the fun you have, and the friends you make. In Rangers, even when you are learning you are having a lot of fun.

During Rangers, and especially while I was getting the GMA, my class learned a lot. Sometimes we took courses together like first aid and CPR. But a lot of the time, we had to learn or do things on our own at home. It was pretty tough but I learned a lot and had fun. One of the things I had to do was the cycling merit. I took 3, 10 mile bike rides with my dad. Home and church were not the only places we learned. On the camp outs we would get our own patrols and have to build a fire and cook our own food, and to me that was fun. We also learned how to light a fire with a metal match or magnesium lighter. I remember a time just a while back when our GMA class all tried to light one together. It didn't work out that well and we'll just leave it at that. Even though we had trouble then, now we can all light a metal match fire with ease. I also know more about guns than I ever knew before. If it weren't for rangers I probably would have never learned all 66 books of the bible. Now I know a lot about rangers and a lot about the privileges of being a Ranger.

While we learned, we had a lot of fun. We learned how to use and properly store 5 different types of guns. This was fun because I have never been taught about guns before. I always just counted on the James Bond video games to learn about guns. I had fun creating skits with the guys for the council fire and teaching the younger kids about the Bible. During our free time on the campouts I remember exciting games of capture the flag and obstacle courses. Being with my friends was another big reason I went to Royal Rangers. We always hung out before, during, and after class. I also got to know my friends David Pent and Scott Winters better than before. On the camp outs when you needed a buddy to go to the bathroom I already knew who my buddy was. Whenever we both had the same merit that needed to get done we worked on it together. If one of us didn't have one thing in a merit complete but the other did we would help each other out. Sometimes, if one of us couldn't get a fire going, or looked like they would need about 10 matches, we would help. I made a lot of new friends over these years in rangers and I know them well, and some of them too well. Making new friends is what made Rangers so fun.

I have learned enough that I think if I had to save someone's life, start a fire to stay alive, or bike for 10 miles to get away from danger; I could do it. Learning these things while having fun and making new friends is what makes Rangers valuable to me.

The Value of Royal Rangers

Royal Rangers is an awesome program. There are many traits about the Royal Rangers program that are considered to be valuable. Although I agree with all of these things, to me there are a few of them that I would consider to be the most valuable. These things include the Royal Ranger purpose: to reach, teach and keep boys for Christ and the four ways a boy grows: physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. I believe that these things sum up the Royal Ranger program better than anything else.

Royal Rangers is a program designed to reach, teach and keep boys for Christ. The program does a great job accomplishing these principles in many ways. One is to get boys interest with things like camping, games, and extra time with friends. After boy's attention is gained and they start having fun, they get to hear about Gods word. This is a great way to reach out to boys and to teach them about God. After this, they are continuously interested in the activities like pinewood derbies, at the same time they can be around strong Christian examples like their commanders. This helps to keep them for God throughout their lives.

One of the ways a Royal Ranger grows is mentally. In this program they are taught abou being Alert and Courageous. They are taught to be alert for anything such as work, play, serve, and more. Royal Rangers has helped me to be alert by teaching me to be physically, mentally, and spiritually alert. Royal Ranger boys are also taught to be courageous in many ways, for example being brave in spite of danger, criticism, or threats are ways I have learned to be courageous. Royal Rangers keeps boys on the right track in how they learn mentally.

Another way a Royal Ranger grows is physically. Royal Rangers are taught how to be Obedient and Clean. Royal Rangers helps boys to become obedient to their parents, leaders, and those in authority. Boys are kept clean in body, mind, and speech. It is extremely vital for boys to grasp these concepts and to follow them to the best of their abilities because these are skills that will be used all through their lives, for example, I have already needed to use follow these things at home and in school.

The third way boys grow is spiritually. In Royal Rangers, there is much emphasis on a boy's spiritual growth. Boys are taught to be Honest and Spiritual. Boys are taught to be honest by not lying, cheating, or stealing. Royal Rangers are also taught to be spiritual by praying reading their Bible and witnessing. These things are very important to a boy's spiritual growth. I have experienced learning these things personally and have seen them come into effect in other boys lives.

The Final way a Royal Ranger boy grows is socially. Boys are taught to be Loyal and Courteous. They are taught to be loyal by being taught to be faithful to their church family, outpost, and friends. This means that they are taught not to make promises they can't keep, be places they are supposed to be, and more. They are also taught to courteous by being polite, kind, and thoughtful. These are things that all Royal Rangers are taught to practice at all times.

Royal Rangers teaches and emphasizes these principles so that every boy involved in the program learns and is taught to practice them daily. Royal Rangers main values to me are the Royal Ranger purpose: to reach, teach and keep boys for Christ and the four ways a boy grows: physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. These things sum up all of the values of Royal Rangers. Royal Rangers is a wonderful program.

The Value of Royal Rangers

Royal Rangers has helped me to grow in many ways. It has helped me grow in the Biblical ways a boy is supposed to grow. These are mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.

I have been in Royal Rangers for four years and have come a long way from then to now. I have grown mentally in all sorts of ways. Since we have been doing the public speaking merit, I have gotten less and less afraid of audiences. I have learned also how to think and solve problems by myself. That has helped me in great ways like when there is a problem on a test, I can sometimes relate it to what I did in Rangers and solve it that way.

Pushing me physically is a great way to prepare for the real world. When I started Rangers, I had no clue how to make or how to light a fire even with the driest sticks and pine straw, but now I can make a magnesium fire (which is really hard), council fires, a-frame fires, and teepee fires. I now can make a fire just about anywhere. What I also could not do before that I can do now is pull-ups. Pull-ups were so hard for me when I was younger but now they are a whole lot easier. I have learned how to pack for a cold campout the hard way. When you go on a cold campout, or any in that matter, you should always pack pants and fleece is also a good way to keep warm. I have learned how to safely operate guns which was really cool. There is another thing I know now and that is how to write essays. There were a lot of essays to write for the Gold Medal of Achievement.

Growing spiritually is the most important way a boy can grow. I have grown spiritually with God in wonderful ways. I have learned how to pray with dignity and not just to pray when somebody tells you to pray. I have learned and memorized important verses about God and of the things He does for us. I have a personal relationship with God because of Royal Rangers. The most important thing I have learned is how to share the gospel with others so they can have great experiences with God like I have.

Growing socially has been fun. I have met great God-loving friends in Royal Rangers. They have always, and will always be there when I am in need of help. I love when there is someone new at Royal Rangers because I know there is another person to get to meet and tell about Jesus if they do not know already. I have not just grown socially with my friends but also with my commanders. They have been there for me and were there to pray with me when I needed it.

Royal Rangers is the best program that there is for boys to grow mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. This program was also built to reach, teach, and keep boys for Christ and it has done that really well. I have seen a lot of people get saved for the first time at my age and that is awesome. Royal Rangers has a great value to it.

The Value of Royal Rangers

The Value of Royal Rangers

The Value of Royal Rangers

Royal Rangers has dramatically changed my life. Without Royal Rangers I would not be as close to God as I am right now. The fellowship I have with people I meet helps me grow socially and spiritually. I have met people who have similar interests and I have fun interacting with them.

Royal Rangers has kept my interest over time by being fun. Going on campouts is a very fun experience. You get to spend time with friends and build valuable, lasting relationships. The fellowship shared on campouts is like no other. Working together with your friends to cook and build fires is exciting. There is something about sharing a campfire with a friend that develops strong bonds. This fellowship has changed my life. People who are involved with Royal Rangers are God loving individuals. Friends such as Mark, JD, Phillip, and my commanders have influenced my life greatly. These influences have turned my life around by drawing me closer to God at a time when I was beginning to drift away from Him.

Rangers is not only valuable in church or at Ranger events. It constantly affects my life. Rangers gives you the opportunity to meet friends who have interests similar to your own. This makes it easy to have a good time with them. You can spend time with them and they can help you when you need it. Even just hanging out at their house eating pizza and playing games is a valuable experience. Spending time with your friends helps build you up, and point you in the right direction for your life. God can work in your life through these people and this can really help you draw closer to Him.

The experiences with God that happen on a regular basis during Ranger events are probably of the most value to me. At all campouts, our outpost has a council fire service, where you sit around a fire and a commander or pastor preaches to you. This is not formal preaching, it is more like a one on one situation. Listening to the commanders speak, and thinking about what he is saying is easy out in the wilderness because you are free from the distractions of civilization. At every campout, boys are saved. This occurs often on the Pow-Wows that we have. They have actors that do skits for the council fire service and someone preaches. They have an altar call and you can really feel that God is moving in the area. Hundreds of boys and commanders are called to the altars to pray and dedicate or re-dedicate their lives to Christ. Seeing all these people praying and praising the Lord really helps build my faith and reminds me that I am not alone in my faith in the Lord.

To me the value of Royal Rangers is infinite. It has turned my life from the mundane to the spiritual. My friends have helped me in times when I was feeling down. During the events that are hosted by Royal Rangers, I see all the people that have been called by God to save young boys, and it makes me want to do the same. Overall, Rangers has been a great influence on me, and I know that it will continue to influence me for the rest of my life.

The Value of Royal Rangers

There are many reasons why Royal Rangers is valuable to me. It has given me a lot of self-esteem. I have learned many skills that I can use to survive in the outdoors, or even around the house. During my time in Rangers I’ve grown closer to Christ, with the help of my commanders and friends. As you can see, Rangers has aided me greatly in growing mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.

One reason Royal Rangers is valuable to me is because it has helped my self-esteem. Instead of turning to drugs, smoking, or something that would be detrimental to me, I have worked very hard to finish the GMA over the past twelve months. I am proud of all that I have accomplished over the seven years that I have been in Rangers. I have also met many good friends during these last several years, some that I will remember for most of my life. I am also confident that I have learned enough to survive if I were to get lost while on a hiking trip.

Also Royal Rangers has taught me to take care of myself, which is another reason that Rangers is of value to me. I have learned the proper care of axes, knives, and saws, and how to safely use them. I’ve learned how to prepare a fire ring, the proper way to build fires, and how to put them out. I’ve learned camping skills, such as setting up a tent, how to lay out a campsite and the correct way to dig a grease pit. I’ve also learned how to take care of my spiritual self, with the help of the many commanders I have met during my time in Rangers.

What has to be the most important reason that Royal Rangers is valuable to me is how they have helped me grow spiritually. Our whole purpose in Rangers is to reach, teach, and keep boys for Jesus Christ by providing them a fun and enjoyable learning atmosphere. Also I believe that Rangers has brought me much closer to God than just going to church ever could. Church never sparked a true interest and understanding in missions, and missionaries. Rangers did. Rangers gave me the opportunity to meet missionaries, understand their missions, and gave me the opportunity to give to those missions. All of my Ranger commanders have also helped me by giving the boys and me a fun environment to learn about God, and His word. With devotions, stories, and even the occasional skit or two, my commanders have encouraged me in my growth as a Christian

As you can see, Royal Rangers has had a definite impact on my life. It has helped me to see myself through the Lord’s eyes. I have learned many things, from camp crafts to domestic skills. Also, I have grown much spiritually, with the help and counsel of my commanders. Overall, the time that I have spent in Rangers has been some of the best times of my life, and the memories that I have of Mark, David, Josh, Joseph, and many others, are some that I will treasure always.

The Value of Royal Rangers

The Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA) is the highest award in Royal Rangers. To earn this award, you must prove yourself worthy and complete several accomplishments. These accomplishments are designed to help you become a more complete individual. A Royal Ranger is alert, clean, honest, courageous, loyal, courteous, obedient, and spiritual. This helps you later on in life, as well as in the present. In this essay, I will discuss the impact on my life from Royal Rangers and the commanders I have been involved with.

Two of the many fun activities in Royal Rangers are camping and games. In Royal Rangers, camping is a great time of fun, fellowship, and learning. My personal favorite is sitting around a campfire and telling riddles. Camping is one of the best experiences you can have in Royal Rangers. I know it was for me. I also enjoyed many of the games that were played, such as canoe racing, firearm competition, and memory puzzles, because they helped me become more physically fit and taught me life skills that are forever useful. All could come in handy in certain situations.

In Royal Rangers, learning scripture is very important because scripture teaches about Jesus. Since the whole purpose of Rangers is to reach, teach, and keep boys for Christ, it makes scripture all the more important for Rangers to learn. Rangers are required to memorize scripture for certain advancements, Ranger of the Year, and their walk with Christ. In learning scripture, a boy may be asked to memorize the Romans Road. In doing this, he will be able lead other boys to Christ. The Romans Road can really help you. I know it helped me. Once, I was asked to lead a boy to Christ, but did not now how. After I learned the Romans Road, it became much easier. So, learning scripture is quite important. Even if it just helps you once, it’s worth it.

In Proverbs 22:6, the Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is older he will not depart from it." This concept is used in Royal Rangers to teach you in the way you should grow. Royal Rangers has helped me become more mature, skilled, and able to make better decisions in a Christian way. So, when I become an adult I can have a Godly family and be a spiritual influence. I want to have a Godly family and to lead many to salvation and eternal life.

Several leaders took their own time to help me in Royal Rangers with my GMA. They made it possible for me to be here right now. I want to thank Commander Al Blevins who first interested me in Rangers. Commander Glenn Sorrentino who encouraged me to go for the gold. Commander John Fisher who has been my commander for the past few years and helped me on numerous merits. Commanders John Campbell and Daniel Bradley who are my current commanders and have always been there for me to help with whatever I needed. Thank you all.

The GMA has been a great learning experience for me. I enjoyed all the merits and activities that were required for the GMA, though some presented challenges. However, God, my Commanders, and my fellow Rangers have helped me through. Royal Rangers has had a large impact on my life. I pray that many other boy’s lives will be impacted like mine.

The Value of Royal Rangers

Royal Rangers is tremendously valuable to me. It has helped me with school, home, and in my social life.

The Ranger code is valuable to me because it has helped me to stay close to Christ and in his word. Each point helps me with something different; Alert (He is mentally, physically, and spiritually alert.) keeps me attentive and aware of what is around me. Clean (He is clean in body, mind, and speech) helps me to remain physically fit and reminds me of the four letter message or question WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) when ever I am tempted to do something against what the Bible says. Honest (He does not lie, cheat, or steal) lets me stay honest to everyone even if I make a mistake. Courageous (He is brave in spite of danger, criticism, or threats) helps me stay true to Jesus and the Bible when I am confronted with criticism or persecution. Loyal (He is faithful to his church, family, outpost, and friend) keeps me true to my word and my faith in Jesus Christ. Courteous (He is polite, kind, and thoughtful) represents that you have compassion toward other people and shows traits of a true Royal Ranger. Obedient (He obeys his parents, leaders, and those in authority) this shows loyalty to those who are in charge. Finally Spiritual (He prays, reads the Bible, and witnesses) aids me in keeping the Ten Commandments in my everyday life at home, school, or in the church.

The Royal Ranger Pledge (With God’s help, I will do my best to serve God, my church, and my fellowman; to live by the Ranger Code; to make the Golden Rule my daily rule.) is valuable to me because it signifies my pact with Jesus and my fellowman.

The Golden Rule (Mathew 7:12) “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” is of great value because it is not only part of the pledge, it is part of my pact with Jesus.

The commanders of Outpost 34 at Northwoods Assembly are some of the finest people I have had the pleasure of being a student too. Commander Tom Farrara has been my commander and mentor for over eleven years. He has been there since I started the program in February of 1993 and I thank him for all the hard work he has instilled into this program and in me. Without his guidance and from the help Jesus gave me I would not of made it this far.

The trail throughout Royal Rangers has been long and difficult, from Buckaroos, to Pioneers, to Trailblazers, and finally to Challengers, and I know I still have a long road ahead of me as a commander and I am proud to say that I am a Royal Ranger. Even after I receive my Gold Medal of Achievement I am not going to stop working, because the harder I work now the better commander I will become and be able to pass on what was given to me through all the years as a Royal Ranger, and that is knowledge.

The Value of Royal Rangers

When correctly administered, the program tactfully presents these principles with pleasurable activities and teachings of nature skills, life skills, and other boyhood activities. The program has advancements, which are divided into four ways of teaching. These four ways are the four classifications of ways a boy grows. They are mental, physical, spiritual, and social growth. Each of these tenets has divisions of requirements that encompass their purpose, which is to tactfully incorporate God into a boy’s life and then into the child’s realm as a friend and savior. This is done in a way that any young person could and would be excited about participating. Children, who may not have ever heard the Gospel, are able to enter a Royal Rangers classroom and receive it along with pleasurable activities. These activities are aides in planting the seed that leads to an eternal relationship with God.

The Value of Royal Rangers

The Royal Rangers program is a wonderful program to be a part. I look forward to earning more awards and becoming more involved in the program. I enjoy Rangers very much. I hope that others will enjoy Rangers as much as I have.

The Value of Royal Rangers

Royal Rangers is more than just a fun class on Wednesday night: it is a program which has impacted the lives of scores of men and boys. Since its formation, Rangers has brought thousands of souls to Christ, taught them how to live, and made them into strong men of God. Rangers continues to impact the lives of people, and its effect will be felt for many years to come. Results of this quality are extremely rare. What, then, is the value of Royal Rangers? There is no way to put a quantifiable value on the Rangers program. Royal Rangers is priceless.

The Value of Royal Rangers

Trying to place a value on Royal Rangers is like trying to place a value on every person that has been impacted by the program. I know that the value of Royal Rangers is debatable for anyone who wants to take the time to think about it. But every man and boy who has had their life impacted by Royal Rangers know that the value will never compare to the price paid. The price was the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ the son of the Most High God.

The Value of Royal Rangers

The Gold Medal of Achievement, the pinnacle of the Royal Ranger advancement program coupled with the wisdom, guidance. second chances, instruction, and unselfish, unfeigned love I have received during my time spent in the program makes the value of Royal Rangers priceless to me personally. No essay, no matter how long, could describe the impact that Royal Rangers has had on me. In my humble opinion, only God knows the true value of Royal Rangers.

The Value of Royal Rangers

It was at a Royal Rangers event that I entered His kingdom. Sitting around a campfire and hearing the Word of God is indescribable. Commander Richard Harrigan of Outpost 241 was giving the devotion around a campfire. The feeling I got that night that drove me to ask the Lord into my heart was without a doubt the Holy Spirit. I will never forget the 1997 District Pow-Wow, when Nick Heiliger's name was written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

Royal Rangers has to be the greatest program for young people today. I remember seeing thousands of boys at an alter call at a National Camporama in 1998 come to the Lord. Hundreds of boys at our District Pow-Wows, and many in our Wednesday night meetings. Rangers is the one program that you can learn how to survive, how to keep from being lost, and help bring tens of thousands of boys to the Lord each and every year.

The Value of Royal Rangers

My name is Joshua Heiliger from Outpost 77, at Lake Wylie Christian Assembly. I have been in Royal Rangers since I was five years old. I will tell you about the values I learned by being a Royal Ranger.

The values of being a Royal Ranger is about camping and the Lord at the same time. When you go to Pow Wow's and Camporama's and every night all of the outposts come to an amphitheater or remote area to fellowship, to teach other boys about the Lord, and how they can be born again. The way that I learned in Royal Rangers is very effective at teaching boys about the Lord. They can reach out into the community to teach other boys about the Lord, just as it did me. Rangers reaches out to the boys of a church and community by its way of teaching. In Rangers I learned about camping and survival in the wilderness, so that I will be able to survive if I am ever lost. Rangers shows how the real world will be when the boys grow up and are on their own. Whether in the wilderness or in the city they can still use what they learn in Rangers to help them in tough situations.

I was first introduced to the Gold Medal of Achievement, by my Senior Commander at Outpost 241 at Cathedral of Praise in Danville, Virginia. It was there I met two young men wearing white hats symbolizing that they had received their GMA's. Outpost 241 also had another young man who received his Gold Medal of Achievement, after he over came difficult problems. He is now a Royal Ranger Commander for the Lord.

Now I am about to receive my Gold Medal of Achievement. I want to keep on teaching other boys about the Lord, survival in the wilderness, and how you can rely on the Lord to be their savior in tough situations.

Royal Rangers is the finest experience any boy can have. What I have learned in Royal Rangers has affected my whole outlook on life. My camping skills have given me the confidence to be able to reach out to other people. When I go to college, and even now I can reach out to other people in High School. I have enjoyed Rangers not just because of camping and learning about how to survive in the wilderness, but because of the Lord. Life is hard to live in this day and age. Sin is everywhere. God's grace can set us free. This is the main thing that Rangers focuses on. Rangers teaches and tells us how we can be born again as Christians and how we can witness and tell others about the Lord.

I believe that what has benefited me the most is how to camp and survive in the wilderness, while learning to depend on God. I definitely know that with God on my side I can accomplish anything, and without God I can do nothing.

The Value of Royal Rangers

The Value of Royal R