Updated:
June 15, 2002
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Mississippi Royal Rangers held a joint Merit Camp, Junior Leadership Training Camp (JLTC) and Advanced Junior Training Camp (AJTC). The camps were held just prior to PowWow on June 4-7, 2002. Last year we had the first Merit Camp at Ranger Trails Camp. This year, we decided to try something different: have three camps in one week. This proved to be a logistical challenge for the staff, particularly the District Training Coordinator, Kenny Richardson. Kenny did a fine job coordinating the effort with the help of several others. Bruce Pepper was in charge of the Merit Camp while Kenny was the camp commander for the JLTC and AJTC. A host of instructors, helpers and advisors joined together to staff the camp.  Merit Camp was designed to help boys pass requirements for a variety of advanced merits. This year the Pioneering, Forestry, Canoeing, Swimming, Advanced Swimming, Light-for-the-Lost, Reptile Study, and Hiking. The Reptile Study class got to see nature in action. Ricky Flynt too the boys to the pond to release a small turtle and they happened to see a Ringed Water snake stalk and eat a frog, a rare thing to actually see. Brother David Warren, the District Light-for-the-Lost Coordinator, was the guest speaker at the LFTL banquet. David Cleaveland, a missionary to the Philippines, was also present to sign tracks, one of the requirements for the merit. David was also the guest speaker at the Council Fire service later that evening. Bruce Pepper taught the Canoeing merit and Eddie Hilburn was the swimming instructor. Mickey Howard was in charge of the Hiking merit. Many of the boys earning 3 and 4 merits and got a good start on the rest of the merits offered. Some had already completed the prerequisites requirements that helped. Twenty-four boys attended this year's camp.
Mike Heck was the instructor for the Pioneering Merit. This class involved constructing a rope bridge and tower. The JLTC and AJTC boys also participated in this class. The tower and rope bridge were left up during PowWow and offered an great backdrop and activity for PowWow campers. Junior Leadership Training Camp and Advanced Junior Training Camp were designed for different purpose. These camps help develop leadership skills in boys that will motivate them to become a leader in their local outpost. The boys were put into patrols where they set up camp, cooked together, and worked together as a team. The JLTC boys attended various classes such as Soul Winning, Council Fires, the Patrol System, How to Develop a Personal Relationship with the Lord, firecraft, toolcraft, ropecraft and much more. The AJTC attendees went to classes on The New Ranger Program, Devotions-Structure and Delivery, Ranger Etiquette, Soul Winning, Survival Skills, just to name a few. JLTC and AJTC were blessed with the presence of the Senior Guide, played by Steve Thompson. Steve was responsible for "encouraging" the boys to succeed. The camp also had a spiritual emphasis. The boys were given a verse of scripture to memorize Also, each night the Merit Camp, JLTC and AJTC boys joined together for the council fire service. Wednesday night, Rev. David Cleaveland, gave the message that challenged the boys and leaders. Eddie Hilburn, the camp chaplain, gave the devotion each morning. Thursday evening, Commander Harmon, gave the message.
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