I have a report of success from today and I beleive it was worth missing the Commanders Conference to do for the boys.
We set up a compass course for a day outing. My freind who is a multi talented guy and a ScoutMaster gave us the basics and was our guest advisor.
Using some of his directions I set up the course. I wondered if I hadn't made it too difficult for them and they would get frustrated. We used the basic map and compass material from the Ranger Handbook but then I got carried away asking the boys to do a little triangulation to find their locations.
Bear in mind in North Central Illinois there isn't too much to use for prominent land features to aim your compass at. Either you are in a farm field or you are in a woods or unfortunately to our east the most prominent landmarks is a new housing development.
We were in the middle of a woods and I used mostly streams and trees
to use as reference points. These Pioneer boys picked it up right away.
When I thought I was giving them pity and asked if they were tired of taking
compass readings and doing map work it was a unanimous response to keep
doing map and compass.
My assisstant Commander, Dan Sass picked up the slack and taught the
boys in the areas I didn't cover to get their Pathfinder Merit.
My freind Scot the ScoutMaster taught them some interesting extras
related to navigation and a rope rescue without tieing a knot.
Some of the vegetation was starting to sprout so we could teach the
boys what some of the five plants there are in the area to pass one of
their Long Rifle requirements.
It was amazing that a dead dear was sighted about 50 yards off trail
and the boys could examine that.
I praise God for allowing a day full of adventure and learning for
these boys.
Also, pray for Scot, I really beleive he is unsaved and and thinks he is. I recognize his fruits as being self made and not led by the Spirit. He is very intellectual and knows more about science than the average person. He is a blessing to us as far as technical help and resources like canoes, etc. I am hoping that he will see the strengths of the Royal Ranger Ministry and see the Holy Spirit at work. As long as he remains unsaved it would be wise of us to use his resources on a limited basis.
We didn't have grits for lunch but we had plenty of beans.
Onward In Gods Service
Randall A Hermanson
Pioneer Commander
FCF 1998
OP#1 Woodstock, Il
