Look at it from this perspective: For the first time in US history, more
people live in cities than not. Now imagine you're an 8 year old in Chicago.
You've never seen a cow (except in the media), carrying an axe is a
suspicious activity & flashlights are only for powerfailures. Camping is not
terribly relevant to you.
You're right tho, camping is tremendously valuable in ministering to boys. I
love camping & probably would not be in RR w/o it, however the mandate is to
reach, teach & keep boys for Christ not go camp. An urban alternative is
desperately needed. Sure we could teach inner city kids about campcraft but
we wouldn't reach too many & those we did we wouldn't keep long. To be
effective, RR must be relevant. See what Cdr. Mariott is facing?
--Allen
On Wed, 12 Apr 2000 05:58:40 -0500, Mark W Jones wrote:
> Gary I agree with the points you made. The question I put to the test is
> if they don't camp won't that leave them out of alot of events?
> Camporama, Pow Wow, Sectional Pow Wows, Outpost Campouts... If camping
> won't be required to be a Royal Ranger then one could pull the plug on a
> huge part of Royal Rangers. It does say there is a outdoor emphasis but
> that is not camping.
>
> Royal Rangers is built around camping. It is the vehicle we use to do
> our Ministry. It won't be Royal Rangers if they don't camp. Perhaps a
> better name would be Missioneers. They could get their camping patch by
> camping in someones back yard then if they wanted to spend the rest of
> the evening playing computer games or watching the game on TV you know
> spend quality time in Man's world.
>
> Perhaps we could have a missioneers part of Royal Rangers. Give the boys
> a navy blue sash and a couple hundred patches and send them to ball
> games, movies, play basket ball. Give up the camping equipment for more
> pews, desks, internet services, teach them how to make a bed, vacume the
> carpet great stuff like well you know stuff you find inside the man made
> walls. This will allow us to focus in on Man's Creations.
>
> It isn't Royal Rangers if they don't camp. If they want a missioneers
> program then form one.
>
> Royal Rangers Camp.
>
> God created the Heavens and the Earth.
>
> The upside to this I have learned from 20 years with a large company.
> New ideas come and go but what works will be the game and won't don't
> work will fade quickly. Camping works it is the heart and soul of Royal
> Rangers. It lays the ground work for almost every good way to Reach,
> Teach and Keep boys for Christ. I do see a need to revise our Leaders
> Manuals, Camping manuals to bring them up to date. There are a lot
> better methods to camp then what they had 40 years ago. The Challengers
> manual is a fine example of great ideas and updates.
>
> Sitting around this Rangernet Campfire with a cup of coffee in hand and
> discussing this issue is good. It needs to be done.
>
> Your turn!
>
> Mark Jones
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