Purpose Of F.C.F.

1. To give recognition to men and boys who have shown exceptional interest and outstanding achievement in the Royal Rangers program and in Royal Rangers campcraft.
2. To build a brotherhood of "top-notch" men and boys over the years who will continue to be Royal Ranger program and camping enthusiasts.
3. To emphasize the importance of involvement in the advancement program, development of camp skills, and completion of the Leadership Training programs.
4. To develop a corps of elite Royal Rangers who will strive to be the very best in Christian example and leadership.

The "Trail of the Grizzly" is designed to lead boys and leaders along the challenging FCF advancement trail. The purpose of this "Trail" is to prepare boys and leaders to successfully complete each of the FCF advancements by including a unique set of merit award requirements for the "Frontiersmen," "Buckskin," and "Wilderness" steps. All of the "Trail of the Grizzly" merit awards are easily identified with a grizzly paw print. The Frontiersmen merit awards display a Green Grizzly Paw on the merit. The Buckskin merit awards display a Black Grizzly Paw on the merit, and the Wilderness merit awards display a White Grizzly Paw. Frontiersman Requirements Both Boys and Leaders Earn the following Merit Awards: Rope craft Fire craft Cooking Compass Lashing First Aid skills Camping Tool craft Explain the plan of Salvation Explain the meaning of the Four Red, Four Gold and Eight Blue points of the Royal Rangers emblem Boys Only Be at least 11 years old and at least an Adventure Ranger Be recommended by the Outpost Commander Leaders Only Complete the RR Basics Module of the LTA Be a RR leader in good standing with his church Both Leaders and Boys After earning all eight required merits you have earned the Grizzly Trail FCF Merit Award. You are now eligible for the "Frontier Adventure." After successful completion, you will receive your Frontiersmen Pin. Southern California District only... Take an FCF written test at your outpost and return to FCF President for grading. If test is pass you will be welcomed to our next FCF phase II / Trace, or take the FCF class at one of our leaders training classes, no test just take the class at completion of class you will be invited to our next Phase II / Trace. Click here to print out the Advancement Sign-off for Frontiersman Requirements   Buckskin Requirements Both Boys and Leaders Earn the following Merit Awards: Church AND Knife & Hawk PLUS Black Powder OR Archery Participate in at least one Frontier Adventure Make or purchase a complete FCF outfit Recite from memory the FCF Pledge Explain the meaning of the FCF Symbol State the Vision and Purpose of FCF Make an FCF identification staff Select a frontier-related craft or skill to develop Select an FCF name Complete the Buckskin workbook Be an active member in good standing for at least one year. Boys Only Earn the Bronze Medal or one Expedition Ranger Medal. Leaders Only Sponsor a boy into FCF Earn the Leader's Medal of Achievement. Both Leaders and Boys After earning the additional three required merits and completing the Buckskin study program, submit your application for advancement for Buckskin to the district FCF office. After successfully completing the Buckskin testing you will be awarded your Buckskin pin.   Wilderness Requirements Both Boys and Leaders Earn the following Merit Awards: Christian service Wilderness survival Traps & Snares Primative Shelters Complete the Wilderness workbook Boys Only Earn Silver Medal or second Expedition Rangers Medal Sponsor a boy into FCF Participate in at least two Frontier Adventures and be an active member in good standing for at least two years. Leaders Only Attend a National Training Camp Sponsor additional boy into FCF Participate in at least four Frontier Adventures and be an active member in good standing for at least two years. Both Leaders and Boys After earning the additional four required merits and completing the Wilderness study program, submit your application for advancement for Wilderness to the district FCF office. Then wear the "Wilderness Pouch" until the Vigil is completed. After successfully completing the Wilderness Vigil ceremony you will be awarded your Wilderness pin.