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These here blasted varmits is at it again. I ain't never seen the likes of 2 ole critters like dim 2. They be always trying to out do thu udder. Good thang bout it is we gets to see some mitey fancy hawk throwin. I be bettin my cache on the good lookin 1. He bees thu 1 with the moccasins an thu attitude. I thinks they call it self confi, oh I can't use dim big words and ain't at all shore what day mean anyhows.

As competition at the annual FCF Trace gets going, everyone is looking to the Ole Timers for tips and techniques on how to improve their own skills. These men are preparing to demonstrate the skills they have acquired over the years (and to see who is better this year).

Tomahawk and knife throwing competitions are just part of what goes on at an FCF outing. Black powder shooting, outfit judging, frontier cooking, starting a fire with flint and steel as well as story telling, make for a wonderful time. The devotions and church services are held in the great outdoors. The evening council fires provide an atmosphere of peace and serenity and of being one with our Maker, an experience difficult to obtain anywhere else but the outdoors.

The Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (FCF, originally called Frontiersmen Camping Fraternity) was founded during the summer of 1966. For some time prior to this date, the National Commander had felt the need for a special honor society to give recognition to older boys and men who had distinguished themselves in advancement, training, and camping.

The early American frontiersman was an excellent example of man's ability to adapt to the outdoors and the wilderness. His achievements were also an example of courage and determination. The National Royal Rangers Office, therefore, made the decision to base this fellowship on the lore and traditions of these early frontiersmen.

The first FCF chapter was organized in the South California District on July 08, 1966. High in the San Bernardino Mountains, in a clearing surrounded by gigantic trees, a large group of Royal Rangers sat around a blazing campfire. As they waited, a feeling of mystery and expectancy filled the air.

Suddenly, the blast of a hunter's horn shattered the night's stillness and echoed through the trees. National Commander Johnnie Barnes stepped into the firelight dressed in a buckskin outfit and a coonskin cap. As he began to explain the new FCF program, a hum of excitement rose above the sound of the crackling campfire. Assisted by two district leaders, Ron Halvorson and Rob Reid, these men proceeded with the first FCF call out. After pledging to endure a time of testing, the candidates were led away carrying a large rope to a mountaintop nearby for an all-night initiation.

Later, as the new members (five boys and five men) were officially inducted into the fellowship at the final friendship fire, they sensed that this ceremony was a milestone in Royal Rangers history.

That same year, three more chapters were organized in Northern California, Southern Missouri, and the Iowa Districts. This exciting and unique fellowship has so captured the imaginations of boys and men that the ministry has grown to include organized chapters in the vast majority of our districts.

FCF endeavors to develop in each member the same courageous and undaunted spirit of the early frontiersmen. High morale and contagious enthusiasm are developed by urging each member to strive to achieve five important things: develop courage, display achievement, develop friendship, demonstrate leadership, and develop woodsmanship.

Early frontiersmen demonstrated outstanding courage by exploring unknown wilderness, scaling high mountains, crossing barren deserts, blazing trails in virgin forests, and enduring extreme heat, cold, peril, and hardships. Many are the stories of their bravery in battle, their struggle for survival, and their unwavering loyalty in the name of honor. FCF encourages each member to develop this same spirit of courage.

The FCF member must demonstrate courage during an overnight induction before he can qualify as a member. Many of the tests and activities of this initiation demand a courage by taking an unwavering stand for the principles of Christianity by squarely facing each personal problem, by bravely enduring each difficulty in life, and by promptly aiding those who need help--even at the risk of his own safety.

History books are full of the accounts of such outstanding men as Lewis and Clark, Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, and Kit Carson. These men carved a name for themselves in our American history because of their outstanding achievements. Their undaunted spirit of determination and their desire to excel provide some of the most colorful and exciting pages in our history books.

FCF members should also maintain this desire to excel and achieve. Proficiency in camping and other phases of the Royal Rangers ministry is demonstrated by achieving certain milestones in advancement. These abilities are further demonstrated by each candidate during his Phase I testing.

The FCF member should also strive to achieve the following goals: progress in advancement, become more involved in Royal Rangers, and continue to develop skills as a good camper.

The saga of the American frontier contains many accounts of frontiersmen who risked--and sometimes gave--their lives and their fortunes on behalf of their friends. Their unwavering loyalty to friends serves as an inspiration to today's FCF members. They too endeavor to cultivate the same strong bonds of friendship and display the same loyalty to their friends. The feeling of brotherhood is very strong in FCF and members do their best to uphold this tradition.

Many of today's major highways and mountain passes were once mere trails blazed by early frontiersmen through uncharted wilderness, leading the way in exploration of a new country.

Just like a frontiersman, each FCF member should also be willing to step out and lead the way by being an example in Christian living, participating in Christian service, and being willing to assume specific responsibilities. There are still many opportunities awaiting the individual who is willing and ready. An FCF member should prepare himself now for leadership so he will be ready when the opportunity presents itself.

Early frontiersmen were able to adapt to almost any wilderness situation because they were constantly developing outdoor skills. It became a matter of survival to know what to do and how to do it. As experienced woodsmen, they could spend months on the frontier with only a small knapsack, a blanket, a rifle, and a hunting knife. Today's FCF member should also continue to develop outdoor skills. They should use every opportunity available to demonstrate these skills in a camping situation. An FCF member should not only be a trained woodsman, but also an experienced woodsman.

To give recognition to boys and men who have shown exceptional interest and outstanding achievement in the Royal Rangers program and in Royal Rangers campcraft.

To build a brotherhood of top-notch boys and men over the years who will continue to be Royal Rangers program and camping enthusiasts.

To emphasize the importance of involvement in the advancement program, development of campcraft skills, and completion of the leadership training programs.

To develop a corps of elite Royal Rangers who will strive to be the very best in Christian example and leadership.

To encourage the boys and men of Royal Rangers to always prefer others above themselves and to let their leadership be by example.

To show a spirit of servanthood, willing to give of time and energy above and beyond what is expected for Royal Rangers.

I share with you the warmth and glow of this campfire. These crimson flames are a symbol of our fellowship and adventures in camping.

I promise to share with you the warmth of Christian friendship and with others the light of my Christian testimony.

I promise to keep alive the spirit of FCF in my personal life and to observe at all times the principles of Royal Rangers.