STORIES
The History of FCF
The Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship 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 frontiersmen 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 tradition of these early
frontiersmen.
The first FCF chapter was organized in the Southern California
District on July 8, 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
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 mountain top
nearby for an all night initiation.
Later, as the 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 the Northern
California, the Southern Missouri, and the Iowa Districts. This exciting and
unique fellowship has so captured the imaginations of boys and men that the
program has grown to include organized chapters in the majority of our
districts.