In the beginning...
The Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (originally called Frontiersmen Camping Fraternity)
was founded during the summer of 1966. For some time prior to this date, Johnnie
Barnes, our first 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 skills.
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 Ministries,
therefore, made the decision to base this fellowship on the lore and traditions
of these early frontiersmen.
FCF gives the older Royal Rangers another opportunity to stay involved in the Royal
Rangers program. FCF can act as a bridge to leadership in the Royal Rangers and
to the local church congregation.
The frontiersmen of the early days of our country played a
vital role in expanding the borders of our land. They exemplified courage and determination,
taming virgin territory and making it safer for those who followed.
Likewise, members of the Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship today join to forge the
frontier—spiritual leadership to young men. FCF was developed as a tool for building
young men into church leaders and to perpetuate the Royal Rangers ministry – developing
the total boy for Christ.
The young men of the FCF are the future of our church. As these young men begin
to seek their place in life, whether through college or business or ministry, FCF
can act as a cord to keep these young men in close contact with the Royal Rangers
and the church itself. The training a young man receives in Royal Rangers and FCF
prepares him for leadership roles in his adult life.
FCF members are expected to show a spirit of servanthood. Members are encouraged
to become involved in various service programs and events. Members are taught that
one of the purposes of FCF is to prefer others above themselves and to let their
leadership be by example. Members are encouraged to become totally involved in the
Royal Rangers program.
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 steps of advancement will encourage the members to accomplish the mentioned
skills.
Chapter beginnings...
During the year of 1968 the Ohio District General Council of the Assemblies of God
Men's Director Ellis Domionni who was also the Ohio Royal Rangers District Commander
met with a few men in Cleveland, Ohio. One man in particular was ask to become the
Ohio Royal Rangers Frontiersman Camping Fraternity (FCF) President. That man was
Ray Lambert.
Ray went to another District where he went through what was called back then the
FCF Initiation. Another man that was helpful in starting our FCF Chapter was Sonny
Green. Sonny came in right after Ray. This, was the beginning of the Ohio Royal
Rangers FCF Chapter "Johnny Appleseed". The Johnny Appleseed Chapter had become
a part of the Colonial Territorial.