The winner of the 1999 District Commander's Trophy is Outpost 14, First Assembly of God, of Jackson, Mississippi. District Commander, Wesley Harmon, presented the trophy during the commencement ceremony of this year's PowWow. Commanders from the outpost received the floating trophy, which had been previously held by Outpost 7 Magnolia Springs Assembly of God in Hurley.
The trophy is given to the outpost that best achieves the overall goals of Royal Rangers during the previous year. Some points are earned during PowWow but the majority are earned throughout the year for areas such as: district participation, leadership training, FCF participation, Bible studies completed, advancements awarded, and contributions to the property fund. Participating outpost filled out a District Commanders Trophy form to tally points.
"Our leaders' commitment to training not only themselves but the boys is one of the keys to our success," said Senior Commander, Mickey Howard. "This along with a church that is completely behind rangers. The church supports us financially, with prayers, always encouraging the leaders and a pastor that is 100% pro-rangers." Howard goes on to say that having an outpost council that not only oversees, but also participates in outpost activities, plays is a very important part.
The present success of the Royal Rangers ministry has not come without hard work, patience and a lot of prayer. Two years ago Mickey was the only commander. His two sons joined him to form a family team. Later other commanders came as a direct answer to prayer. These leaders have made training a priority and consider it a must for conducting their award-winning outpost.
Mickey presented the trophy to the church during a Sunday morning service following PowWow. The boys were part of the ceremony too. They came into the sanctuary doing their song and yell. After recognising everyone who helped out, including the women who sewed patches on uniforms, commander Howard presented the trophy to his pastor, Reverend John Easter.
After a five-year search, the Mississippi District Council of the Assemblies of God, has purchased a camp just south of Jackson near Terry, MS for a Royal Rangers campground. The purchase was approved by a unanimous vote by the Presbytery Board at their recent meeting held in conjunction with District Council. In addition, the board pledged nearly $35,000 on behalf of their churches towards the fund raising effort. District Men's Director, Rev. P.T. Palmer and District Commander, Wesley Harmon, presented the property proposal to the board and outline the various uses and features of the camp. Rev. Palmer, who has been the driving force behind the project, authored the original resolution that was approved by the District Council and has negotiated with the owner for the purchase. The purchase will be made with an "in-house" loan from the Administration Fund. The same presentation was made to the entire District Council and the results were exciting. Forms were passed out and pledges made by pastors and individuals that brought the total well over $100,000.
"I believe the Lord has directed us and made this facility
available now for our rangers to develop to minister to boys for
a long time," said District Commander, Wesley Harmon. "It
will be something we can be proud of and all of our efforts will
be on a camp that is ours. The show of support by not only the
presbytery but by the entire District Council was overwhelming
to say the least. It is exciting to see how God has worked out
every detail and made this possible."
The camp is located about 15 miles south of Jackson off I-55 near
Terry, MS (CLICK HERE for Map). The
property and facilities, originally built in the 60's for a YWCA
camp, is on 160 acres of hard wood forest nestled almost ¾
of a mile off the main road. It has many features that will make
it a very versatile camp for rangers to use for not only our District
PowWow, but many other activities such as Commanders' Conferences,
JLTCs, National Training Camps, wilderness camps, special retreats,
District Pine Wood Derbies, Ranger of the Year Testing, FCF events,
and much more. The camp has a junior Olympic size swimming pool,
a more than 2 acre pond for canoeing, administration building
with kitchen, 6 dorms that each have bath and showers, infrastructure
in place including a waste treatment plant, and last but not least,
plenty of woods. The 160 acre property is nestled almost ¾
of a mile off the main road.
Plans are being made now to hold this year's PowWow at the site. It will require a lot of work since there is no established tent camping areas. The swimming pool will have to be drained, cleaned and made operational as well as the bath and shower facilities. A council fire area will also have to be established. The waste treatment plant will need some work too. The official closing and purchase took place on May 16th.
"I know it will be tough to get the camp ready for PowWow," says Wesley. "We may have to camp sort of temporary this year until we are able to do so camp layout and planning. Our top priorities will be to get the pool ready, the council fire area, the showers and toilets operational and do a lot of yard work. Of course, I do not want to loose our focus on the purpose of PowWow. Amid the rush to get the camp ready, I hope everyone will be in prayer that God will move in a mighty way and that the boys will have a great time."
Note: Many pastors have made pledges on behalf of their churches for which we are deeply grateful. If you are a ranger commander or love this ministry, please be sure to support your church in this effort. There may be businesses and other individuals who would like to contribute to this project. I will be putting a download able pledge form on the web site soon. We will also need a tractor with a bush hog and a blade for maintenance. We will give tax credit receipts for charitable contributions as needed. If you have any questions, please [CLICK HERE] to send me an email. Pledges can also be made directly to the District Office via email [CLICK HERE] or download a pledge form [CLICK HERE]. I also have a PowerPoint [CLICK HERE] presentation that I used at District Council available if you need it to present to your church. Let me know if I can help in any way. Wesley Harmon, District Commander.
The first annual District Pinewood Derby Championship will be held at the Ranger Trails Camp on February 9-10, 2001. Those boys and leaders who participated in their respective sectional meets are eligible to race at the district level. This will be an exciting time for everyone. Boys will be able to compete with other boys from around the district for statewide bragging rights. Leaders may also participate. This is a time to showoff your craftsmanship skills too. Trophies will be given for each age group, overall winners, best designs and much more.
The cabins will be available for overnight stay. Friday evening will be a time of practice and fellowship. The cost is $10.00 per person. Don't miss it!
Click here for more information including a complete set of rules and guidelines as well as some links to tips on the web.
The Gulf-Regional Training Seminar is always an excellent opportunity to get resources, updated training, gather information, inspiration and fellowship. The conference, slated for February 2-3, 2001, features national speakers and is put on by the Regional staff under the direction of Regional Coordinator, Jim Seagroves. Raleigh Assembly of God in Memphis, Tennessee will again host this years event.
There will be limited activities on Friday evening with the highlight being a message from special guest speaker, National Commander, Richard Marriott. There will also be an auction including a painting by National FCF President, Fred Deaver.
Saturday is dedicated to a rotating class schedule. Classes are still being developed. Check back here for a list of classes as soon as they are available.
A Instructor Trainer (IT) Seminar will be held for leaders desiring to achieve "IT" status. Names should be submitted to the District Commander or District Training Coordinator.
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Sleep Inn for February 2nd, 2001, for the Gulf Regional Training Conference. This hotel is brand new and located at 2855 Austin Peay Hwy., Memphis, TN. To get there, take exit 8A off of I-40, then take the Old Austin Peay Hwy. to hotel. All rooms which were reserved. Be sure to mention you are attending the Royal Rangers Regional Conference for the special rate when making your reservations:
This reservation features the following:
All rooms are blocked through January 12th, 2001.
Sleep Inn, 2855 Austin Peay Hwy.Memphis, TN 38128
(901) 312-7777
The Choctaw Chapter of the Frontiersmens Camping Fellowship held its annual Phase I and II testing recently with 10 seeking to join. Chapter President, David "P.B. Bull" Giddens and several others conducted the two phase event. The camp was held at the Ranger Trails Camp on September 8 and 9, 2000.
Phase one is the first of 3 steps to join the Frontiersmens Camping Fellowship. Phase one is a series of test on camping skills and general knowledge of Royal Rangers. After passing this test, the greenhorns are treated to classes on the various mountainman skills such as hawk and knife throwing, shelters, trapping, and concluding with a NRA blackpowder rife class.
Rain was once again a factor at this year's event. Nobody complained since the state has been in desperate need of rain. Paul Graham and Rev. Grant "Little Rock" Duncan cooked up a pot of stew that was delecious.
The annual Church Ministries and Youth Conference was held on August 25-26, at Southside A/G in Jackson. This year's conference featured Rev. Alton Garrison, a noted speaker, teacher and pastor of First Assembly of God in North Little Rock Arkansas. This conference is conducted by the Youth and Christian Education department headed by Raymond Mizelle. Workshops on a variety of subjects were conducted along with services with the guest speaker bringing the message.
The class subjects ranged from Honorbound Ministries, Missionettes, Sunday School, Children's Church and Royal Rangers. The large variety makes this conference ideal for church leaders of all ministries. A Royal Ranger leader can also attend a class on Honorbound or children's ministry as well as Royal Rangers.
Brother Alton Garrison's messages were filled with a lot of meat as well as humor. His unique style held everyone's attention. His messages were geared towards church ministry. He explained how important it is to work as a team from the janitor to the nursury worker.
"There are no "jobs" in a church, only ministries," said Garrison. "Every person's ministry is important." He went on to give a detailed outline of how to be a leader in the ministry God has called you into.
Royal Rangers were able to conduct a three classes. David Case, District Public Relations Coordinator, taught on Friday evening on How to Start and Maintain Royal Rangers in your Church. On Saturday, John Lawrence taught on Counciling Boys. John is the District Buckaroo/Straight Arrow Coordinator. Deputy District Commander, Glenn Hodges, conducted a class on the forthcoming new Royal Rangers program.
The conference took an unusual turn on Saturday afternoon. When everyone returned from lunch they found the church surrounded by fire trucks and police. Many people left due to the uncertainty of being able to return to the church. The fire department responded to an apparent toxic chemical spill. The combination of chemicals were in a dumpster adjacent to the church. Due to the potential for airborn contamination, knowone was alowed near the church. Classes resumed at about 2:30 that afternoon but by the damage had been done. All in all the conference was a success.
"This is a great opportunity for Royal Ranger training," said District Commander, Wesley Harmon. "I would love to offer any type of classes that would be benefitial to rangers. We will use this conference and others to teach everyone about the new Royal Ranger slated for August of 2002."
The Choctaw Chapter of the Frontiersmen's Camping Fellowship
held its Winter Trace on February 25-26. The weather was fantastic.
In fact, it wasn't wintry at all. It was more like summer! Enough
about the weather, we had a great time of fun and fellowship as
well as inspiration.
Friday, everyone set up their lodges and started cooking. That
evening, Chapter President, David "P.B. Bull" Giddens
welcomed everyone to the council fire service and dubbed two new
Buckskin candidates: Pete "Screaming Paw" Manley and
Lee "Leatherneck" Winters. Rev. Grant "Little Rock"
Duncan led the FCFers in some singin', then Barrett "White
Horse" Hannah delivered the message. He encouraged us all
to trust God for everything, to pray about … and above all,
demonstrate love by praying, not complaining.
As always, Saturday featured hearty mountain man competition.
Jeremy "Fuzzy Cub" Richardson was the overall winner
for the young bucks. He took home a brand new Hawken rifle as
top prize for the young buck competition. Terry Bullen was the
overall winner of the old timers. I think he got a lantern or
something.
At the end of the day the traditional "woods walk" was
held. Three teams made the trek that required mountainman skills
as well as teamwork. The timed event began on the rife range.
Shooters loaded and fired as many shots as possible in three minutes.
From there each team continued on a "perilous trail"
that involved crossing a log over a chilly stream without falling
in… of course, each team had someone fall in, in which case
a fire had to be built so the victim wouldn't freeze to death.
At several spots along the trail each team had to throw their
knife and hawk a various swinging and twisting targets. The most
interesting challenge came when the scoring official announced
that one of the team had broke his leg requiring the others to
build a make-shift cot and carry the injured member the rest of
the way. This was tougher on some and Fuzzy Bear plowed up some
stumps with his backside.
All in all it was a great Trace, thanks to P.B. Bull and his staff,
Doug English and Rev. Grant Duncan. The next FCF event (other
than PowWow) will be National FCF Rendezvous at Camp Eaglerock,
on July 17-21. Check out the National Web Site for more information.
CLICK HERE if you need an application.
Mississippi District Ranger of the Year testing was held on March 5 and 6th at First Assembly of God in Jackson. Three young men emerged as the winners out of a pool of some 17 boys representing 6 sections from around the state.
Challengers winner, Nathan Lumpkin, is from outpost 109, Maranatha Full Gospel Church in Picayune, Mississippi. Nathan is a veteran at Ranger of the Year and has won every year he has participated since he was a Pioneer. He represented Mississippi at the Regional level last year and did a fine job.
Justin Smathers took the Trailblazer top spot. He is from outpost 124, Riverside Full Gospel Church in Bendell.
The Pioneer winner was Colby Pepper. He is from outpost 68, New Hope Assembly of God in Wade.
The competition was very close as you can imagine with boys advancing to this level. The Trailblazer and Challenger boys will represent Mississippi at the Regional Ranger of the Year testing on May 5-6, at Raleigh Assembly of God in Memphis.
"I am pleased with the participation and the calibre of boys attending the testing this year," said District Commander Wesley Harmon. "Each year the competition gets greater. We tried very hard this year to put a lot of emphasis on the oral interview and skills testing. Even with that, it was, as always, difficult to pick the winners. I appreciate all of the commanders that came to help us out. I am especially appreciative of our District Public Relations Coordinator, David Case, for the hours of preparation and organising the event."
Friday evening the boys were treated to a trip to the Park, an amusement park in Jackson. They enjoyed video games, pizza, go-cart races and a lot of fun and excitement. Saturday, after a continental breakfast, and devotion by the District Commander, the testing began. The testing consisted of a written test, uniform inspection, oral interview, and three different skills testing stations.
When the final test was complete, the staff totalled the scores and the winners selected. All participants received an engraved medallion as well as a certificate suitable for framing. David Case and Commander Harmon presented each boy with their medal, certificate, handshake and a pat on the back for a job well done.
For more information on the Ranger of the Year program, contact David Case at dcase@vicksburg.com.
Commanders' Conference 2001 is just around the corner. This annual conference, scheduled for November 3-4, is designed to inform and inspire Mississippi Royal Rangers Commanders and get them ready for the coming year. This year will mark the first such meeting at the new Ranger Trails Camp located just south of Jackson, Mississippi [visit the Ranger Trails Camp web site].
Four of the cabins have been cleaned and beds installed to accommodate up to 80 men. The weather will be cool so it should be a comfortable stay. Commanders are encouraged to arrive by Friday evening super-time and enjoy food and fellowship. A meal will be offered on Friday evening only for those who pre-register. The meal will be a Prime Rib steak for a cost of $10.00 per person. A local chef will be preparing the meal! To pre-register, commanders can download the form [click here for form] from the web site and mail it along with a check to Glenn Hodges at P.O. Box 106, Lucedale, MS 39452 (make checks payable to MS District Royal Rangers). This will be a great time of fellowship. We will have special music and testimonies.
The conference will begin on Saturday morning with a devotion at 7:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at 8:00. Registration for the conference will be $25.00 that includes lodging, breakfast and lunch on Saturday. The fee will also include the conference handbook that will have a calendar planner, training camp information, Ranger Trails Camp policy, PowWow information, outpost activities and much more.
The conference will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. Among the items to be discussed: the forthcoming new ranger program, campground development plans and policy, PowWow 2001, Merit Camp 2001, and much more. You will not want to miss this meeting. It will be a time we can rejoice together over what God is doing in our district and catch the vision for our new campground.
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.
Send your comments to Leantree@aol.com.
The annual Church Ministries and Youth Leader Conference will be held on August 25-26, at Southside A/G in Jackson. Royal Rangers will again be represented and offer 5 classes. This conference is an excellent opportunity to participate in all types of special workshops for not only Royal Rangers, but all other ministries in the church. There will be Sunday School, WM, Missionette, music, Honorbound and many other classes to help attendees learn new ideas for these ministries. There will be special guest instructors from the National Sunday School staff.
There will also be tremendous services with praise and worship and messages by the special guest speaker, Pastor Alton Garrison, Pastor of First Assembly of God in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He will speak in the main auditorium while the youth will have their own service in the fellowship hall. Rev. Andrew Statezey will speak to the youth with praise and worship by Thrives Meadows.
Royal Rangers will offer five workshops. On Friday evening, we will have a class on developing and maintaining an effective Royal Rangers outpost. On Saturday we will conduct classes on the forthcoming new Royal Rangers program. District Commander, Wesley Harmon, will conduct a class on understanding basic HTML (the language of the internet) and building a web page. There will also be a class that will present the new MSRR campground to those who may not have had a chance to see the property.
The cost for the Church Ministries Conference is $30.00 per person or $150.00 per church if preregistered by August 14th. After that, the cost goes up to $40.00 per person and $175.00 per church.
For more information, contact the Youth & CE department at: 601-373-3822.
The year 2000 Pow-Wow is scheduled for June 11-13th at the Stringer Property, located between Meridian and Laurel, Mississippi. The theme for this year's camp is Trains to Glory.
Our special guest speaker will be National FCF Vice-president, Sonny Green. Sonny spoke at our Pow-Wow a few years ago and we had one of the most powerful moves of the Holy Spirit in years. The reason is the emphasis on prayer and preparation for the alter service. Brother Sonny has a real heart for seeing boys saved. We are anticipating another great Pow-Wow. He is also a railroad enthusiast and plans to bring some of his memorabilia with him to the camp.
There will be several of the same exciting games that we had last year including a new and improved cub car race. This year we will have a starting ramp to get them going quick. There will also be games tailored for the older boys. We also hope to have a rail car race that will match outpost against outpost!
Check the Mississippi District Royal Rangers web site for more information as plans are completed. Work days are scheduled for April 15th and 29th and May 13th and 27th. Feel free to contact us with any comments for suggestions.
Although the last Pow-Wow of the Millennium is history, Commanders still remember the excitement and joy from seeing boys saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Mississippi District held its annual Pow-Wow on June 11-13, 1999, at the Stringer property. A new place, a new beginning. Pow Wow was once again full of fun, and excitement. A lot of hard work went in to preparing the camp for the boys. Final preparations were made starting Monday prior to Pow Wow. Electrical work had to be done along with the much needed bathhouse. Thank GOD, that he provided us with the manpower and the will to see GOD's work done.
Registration on Friday morning started slow, but after lunch things began to pick up. Boys and Commanders from across the state began coming in by the truck loads. Commander David Case was scrambling around trying to find campsites for people in every nook and cranny he could find. District Commander, Wesley Harmon, was greeting people as they came thru the gate. Almost 400 boys and men attended this year's camp.
The Friday night service was full of fun and laughs with the FCF Council Fire Service, traditionally held on Saturday night. The boys were given a beaded choker as they entered the amphitheater. One of the necklaces had a winning number on the back which was called out during the service. One young man went home with a nice bone choker. Music was provided by the '"New" New River Boys", who consequently turned out to be fakes. Rev. Grant "Little Rock" Duncan spun a yarn that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Our guest speaker, Regional Coordinator, Jim Seagroves, did an excellent job presenting God's Word under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The Friday Night Council Fire was a huge success with more than 50 boys making a decision for Christ. Praise GOD!
Saturday was full of games and activities for the boys, games like Hillbilly Golf, Hillbilly gladiators, Hillbilly baseball, Horseshoes, Hillbilly jousting, Cub Car Races, and a host of other games including a Hillbilly Turkey Shoot. The games went well thanks to a lot of people pitching in to help Commander Mickey Howard and Rodney Edwards, games coordinators. Saturday afternoon concluded with Traders Row at the FCF village. Tut, Bigfoot, and Little Rock provided a fine spread of smoked hog for the boys and commanders to snack on. Ironhorse had his trading post set up, and other FCF'rs were trading also.
Saturday night, we were treated to a visit from the Waywardly Hillbillies. The Uncle Head, Fanny, Belly Mae, and Breathwoe were trying to find out the meaning of life. Bro. Jim Seagroves shared with us what God had laid on his heart and the results were a blessing from GOD. There were many boys and men touched that night and the freedom for the move of the Holy Spirit was evident. Praise GOD! This was definitely a night to remember.
Sunday morning, we enjoyed morning assembly and Sunday school. Bro. Jim Seagroves taught the boys while Kit Carson spoke to the men. We concluded Pow Wow with our awards ceremony. Anticipation grew towards the end not knowing who would take home the much treasured District Commanders Trophy. Magnolia Springs received this honor with much congratulations.
Leaving Pow Wow this year was different than any other. It was a long week full of sweat and tears, but it was worth it all to see even one soul brought into the kingdom of GOD.
Shown above are the boys and advisors of the 1999 Junior Leadership Training Camp: (back row, left to right) Scott Taylor, Steve Thompson, Nathan Lumpkin, Chase Fallon, Lance Crabtree, Chris Vance, R.J. Smitherman, Anthony Moretta, Daniel Headley Josh Grabert, Mitchell Davis, Robert Howard, Kenny Richardson (front row, left to right) Seth Hearn, Jonathan Edwards, Mark Thompson, Chris Kyle, Michael Thompson, and John Miller.
Fifteen young men graduated from Junior Leadership Training Camp held recently at the Stringer Property. This was the first camp to be held at this location and went on prior to Pow-Wow on June 8-10, 1999. To qualify to attend the JLTC, boys were required to have at least a Trailblazer First Class rating.
This year's camp followed a new curriculum put out by the National Royal Rangers Office. The focus was on leadership instruction and less on the NTC style format. There was the proverbial Senior Guide, played by District Productions coordinator, Steve Thompson, to make sure the boys stayed on time, on schedule and for "quality" assurance.
The boys arrived on Tuesday morning and were divided into patrols. Classes began that afternoon which included several areas of campcraft as well as leadership training. Patrol Advisors, Robert Howard, Scott Taylor and Jack Foster were responsible for overseeing activities in the patrol's camp site.
Tuesday evening the boys were treated to a monsoon rain shower. This turned out to be a blessing because it cooled the temperature down that lasted through Pow-Wow. David Case brought the devotion at a not so typical council fire service due to the rain.
Wednesday the boys attended more classes including a nature study class taught by Wildlife Biologist, Game Warden and, best of all, Royal Ranger commander, Ricky Flynt from Outpost 4 in Columbus. The council fire service was held around the pond with District Commander, Wesley Harmon bringing the message.
District Training Coordinator and Camp Commander, Kenny Richardson, did an outstanding job putting the camp together. "I appreciate all of the instructors, patrol advisors and helpers who made this camp possible," said Richardson. "I would like to thank, Mickey Howard, Scott Taylor, Ricky Flynt, Jack Foster, Talmedge Headrick, Andy Weeks, Keith Vance, Wesley Harmon, Robert Howard, David Case, David Giddens, Lee Winters, Pete Manley, and Glenn Hodges."
Congratulations to all the young men who graduated from the camp and earned the right to wear the coveted maroon beret and JLTC patch. Plans are underway for an Advanced JLTC/JLTC combo camp for next year.
It's the most sought
after award in the district. It takes a consistent Royal Rangers
program throughout the year as well as exceptional participation
in District events, such as Pow-Wow. It's the District Commander's
Trophy.
This year's winner is Outpost 7, Magnolia Springs Assembly of God in Hurley. "Senior Commander, Terrill Slider, has done an outstanding job keeping this outpost in top notch condition," said Commander Wesley. "I know that is not an easy job considering the size of this outpost." (Outpost 7 averages nearly 100 boys).
Daniel Tilley accepted the trophy on behalf of Outpost 7 during the awards ceremony at the 1999 District Pow-Wow.
Senior Commander, Terrell Slider, presented the trophy to his pastor Rev. Al Roever during a Sunday service at Magnolia Springs. "Congratulations to the boys and leaders of Outpost 7. Keep up the good work."
We are still looking for land! And, the fund raising effort also continues. District Men's Director, Rev. P.T. Palmer, the staff and other rangers across the state have been checking out every lead. The search for Mississippi District Royal Rangers property has intensified over the last several weeks with the District Staff investigating several potential pieces of property. Two of these feature improvements that make them very appealing.
"I am very excited about the potential for one of these because of the extensive development of facilities, utilities, swimming and wilderness area, says District Commander, Wesley Harmon. "The price per acre is equal to property with no facilities or utilities available. I want to ask our commanders to be in prayer for this effort. We are committed to not going into debt and so it will require all of us rangers to be on board with this project."
"I appreciate the work of our District Public Relations Coordinator, David Case, for doing a lot of leg work and research on these properties. It is going to be a mammoth undertaking but I know that with God, 'All things are possible!'"
If you would like to contribute to this fund raising effort, send your contribution to the MS District Council Assemblies of God, attention Rev. P.T. Palmer, 150 Evangel St., Jackson, MS 39212. Make checks payable to Royal Rangers Property Fund
That's right, Mississippi will host a National Training Camp. This is the first NTC to be held in Mississippi since 1985 and only the second ever. The camp is scheduled for May 18-21, 2000 and will be held at Waukaway Springs Christian Retreat campground. Here's your chance to take advantage of a NTC close to home. NTC is a must for every serious Royal Rangers commander.
"The experience is life changing." says District Commander, Wesley Harmon. "It will absolutely revolutionize your vision and commitment to this ministry. I hope every commander in Mississippi who has not attended an NTC will be sure to attend."
Application forms can be found in the Commanders' Conference Book or CLICK HERE to download a copy. If you need a map, CLICK HERE for the map to Waukaway Christian Retreat
MS Gulf Coast Merit Academy (1999), held December 27th, 28th, and 29th, was once again a success. We had twenty five (25) young men attending. They ranged from Pioneers to Challengers. Each of the five patrols had a recently graduate from the 1999 JLTC (Junior Leadership Training Camp) to lead them as their patrol guide through out the camp duration. This gave the young men of the JLTC class a chance to use what they had learned. Along with the young men that attended they were also ten (10) leaders who attended as staff members. A total of four (4) merits were offered at the Merit Academy this year. They were as follow: COOKING, NATURE STUDY, PATHFINDER, and LFTL (Light For The Lost).
After the orientation the boys were treated to lunch. After lunch they went straight into the first class on cooking. After the first class they were allowed activity time to play games. This allowed the boys to get to know each other creating a more relaxed atmosphere for the rest of the camp. The first evening the boys dressed in their uniforms and prepared to attend the LFTL banquet. It was a sharp looking bunch of boys "READY" to learn.
Morning came early the next day as the boys rolled out of bed and started building their fires to cook breakfast. After fires were built they began to prepare for morning colors. They were all cooking their own meal as part of the cooking merit. The food must to have been eatable because there were very few leftovers. After eating eggs, sausage, grits, and biscuits the boys readied themselves for the morning devotion given by the Camp Chaplain, Commander Wendell Pruitt. The boys then started classes on Pathfinder and Nature Study merits that would take them through the day and into the night hours. During these classes they also had to continue with their own cooking for lunch and evening meals. Even with the tough schedule that they had, all of the boys finished the day like champs.
Bro. Larry Henderson, Section 12 Youth Representative, was the guest speaker at the council fire service held the second night. He told the boys that God was ready to use them if they were willing to give there all to God. Bro. Larry is a GMA (Gold Medal of Achievement) recipient from the Alabama District. It was an honor for him to be a part of this Merit Academy.
On the last morning the boys were eager to see if they had completed the requirements for the Advanced Merits offered at the Academy this year. During the Awards Ceremony Camp Commander Scott Taylor called each of the boys forward to present them with the Merit Academy patch and Southern Divisional Commander Kelvin Dykes presented them with there newly earned Advanced Merits.
The Camp was truly blessed by the hands of our Master Ranger, Jesus Christ. With out His guidance it would have never been the success that it was.
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Name O/P# Name O/P# Garrett Steede 64 |
Gulf Coast Merit Academy Staff Members: Scott Taylor (Camp Commander/Coordinator) Bruce Pepper (Nature Study Instructor) Kenley Byrd (Council Fire Coordinator) We would like to say Thank You and God Bless to all the members of the 1999 Gulf Coast Merit Academy Staff for your dedication and hard work in REACHING, TEACHING, and KEEPING boys for Jesus Christ. Congratulations to the young men that attended this year's Academy. Keep God first in your life and there will be no goal unreachable. |
The annual Commanders' Conference was held on November 5-6, 2000 at the Assemblies of God Indiansprings Campground. This important conference is designed to help commanders kick-off the year 2000 and the new millennium with a fresh vision and renewed purpose for Royal Rangers.
Friday evening there was an auction for our property fund raising effort. We will update everyone on the search for property and the development of the Stringer property. Plans for Friday evening activities are incomplete but what ever it is it will be exciting! Not to mention the wonderful fellowship we all enjoy when we get together.