Discovery Rangers

Larry Norris III was recently noted for achieving 2008 Network Discovery Ranger of the Year. Both the Stanwood/Camino News as well as the Everret Herald recognized Larry for his outstanding achievement. Its always great to see our boys and leaders recognized for their outstanding achievements. It is a great way to promote Royal Rangers to the community at large.

On behalf of our Network Commander Ken Gray a special "Hats Off" to all the people who came this past Saturday, October 11th to the Network (District) Ranger Of The Year event which was held at the Central Assembly in Yakima, WA. The leaders who helped out are to be commended and were fantastic in their evaluations. But even more so, each Ranger boy who came is especially honored to be our new "Network Rangers of the Year" for 2007 - 2008. In all we had 21 nominations.

We as members of the Network ROTY staff are proud to be part of this great recognition event. These young men demonstrated to us that they have learned much this past year and accordingly impressed us with their many accomplishments. Below are the results of the 2008 ROTY event. Unless noted, each boy below scored in the Excellent category (just below 85%). Boys noted as Outstanding scored 85% or higher.

Discovery Rangers:

• Matthew Cumpston, Zillah, #398
• Larry Norris III, Longview, #168
• Austin Owen, Yakima, #162
• Cutter Wurl, Wenatchee, #150

Adventure Rangers:

• Wyatt Sunkel, Bremerton, #72
• Thomas West, Bothell, #64
• Mathew West, Bothell, #64
• Christian Lundeen, Wenatchee, #150

Expedition Rangers:

• Alex Walter, Port Angeles, #147 "Outstanding"
• John Chau, Vancover, #61
• Neil Gregg, Yakima, #357

In addition, each boy has received an appropriate district medallion and name tag he can proudly wear on his Royal Ranger uniform. The medallions and name tags are indicators that each boy did a terrific job this past year and is justly deserving to wear them.

Finally, the following boys have been invited to go to the Regional Ranger of the Year. This event will be held at Stone Church in Yakima on the 7nd and 8th of November. They are:

• Wyatt Sunkel (Adventure)
• Thomas West (Adventure)
• Alex Walter (Expedition)
• John Chau (Expedition)

To each of them, good luck, keep studying, and God Bless.

Fall is just around the corner; back to school, brightly colored trees, football, and RANGER OF THE YEAR!.

Ranger of the Year is a time where boys come together to show their knowledge and skill in Royal Rangers. It is not a test against other boys, but a measure of progress each boy is making toward the Level of Excellence. All boys can earn the highest award of Outstanding Ranger of the Year based on the points he scores.

Below is an informative document that provides detailed instructions for boys and commanders, application form, point break downs, medals and certificates available.

Levels of evaluation are:

• Outpost - boys complete the application form accumulating points for activities and advancements.
• Divisional - boys gather within a geographical area bringing their application points and through tests and demonstrations, earn more points.
• Network - All boys who score a certain point total may attend the ROTY day in Yakima to again participate in further evaluation areas to earn points

For those who may not have participated in ROTY before, contact your Divisional Coordinator who can answer questions and give advice of how to be prepared.

Divisional Evaluations occur September 27th.

Network evaluation is October 11, Central Assembly, Yakima, WA.

On July 19th, 2008 at Hillcrest Assembly of God in Bremerton, Wa, 5 Rangers from the South Sound Division received their Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA). The GMA is the highest and most sought after achievement a Royal Ranger can earn.

The recipients are:
John Burton - Outpost 330
Robert Holm - Outpost 330
Cody Shaputis - Outpost 72
Justin Shaputis - Outpost 72
Ryan Silva - Outpost 72

Ranger Camp 2008 was again, another great 4 day camp filled with beautiful natural surroundings, challenging events, powerful evening services and overcoming the challenges of nature. Attendance was 520 boys and leaders camped at Stonewater Ranch near Plain, WA.

Outposts traveled from the 4 corners of the Northwest Network bringing a collage of color to the valley floor with tents, dining canopies, teepees, and what have you. The air was full of excited voices as boys "palled" around the camp using sticks for walking, poking things, and for imaginary weapons fending off monsters and would be enemies. (Things all boys have done since the dawn of time). Some brought out baseball mits or soccer balls, and the games began. Others beat the heat by wading the shallow creek finding all sorts of little "critters".

Mealtime brought tantalizing aromas of sizzling bacon, perking coffee, or BBQ burgers to name a few. It pays to walk around with a cup and spoon; you never know what might be offered at the next camp!

Each day had an activity schedule for boys to enjoy. Marksman events included sling shot, BBgun paintball, .22 rifle, and others. In the Field Event area included the popular bottle rocket launch, plus inflatables. The FCF village had frontiersmen showing boys skills of our American pioneer heritage.

When evening came, it was off to the Arena for the evening service. Besides the usual elements like songs, worship, and introductions of new FCF members and JLTA boys, there was the pageant presentation, Start Your Engines". The stage was a car racetrack format with 2 rival teams pitted against each other to win the championship trophy. Each team had a garage to work on their car, then the race announcer would take over while the drivers took the track. In the end, who do you think took the trophy? The honest team, or the one that cheated? Of course! Plus, all boys saw how trusting in the Lord was the most important decision in life. Pastor Shawn Backus of Soundlife Church in Tacoma brought the message each night which powerfully challenged boys to deeper relationship with Christ. This, of course, is one of the main reasons Ranger Camp exists, to see boys make those decisions and experience God in a personal, powerful way! And the Lord did meet us with a fresh outpouring of His Spirit.

Did I mention weather challenges? Not only did the campers need to deal with the usual 90 degree heat, but on Thursday of camp, the wind kicked up a howl knocking over trees and demolishing tents and dining canopies. One 60 foot tall Cottonwood crashed the Concession Tent and tore one door off Commander Ken Gray's equipment trailer. PRAISE THE LORD, injuries were minimal. Just moments before the tree came down, many boys were right where it was going to land. But because of a small mishap, that area was cleared of all people temporarily. Then, C R A S H !!! The Lord protected us from having more serious injuries.

Out in the field, the 40 mph winds wreaked havoc with tents and dining canopies. Most outposts had something that was ripped or damaged. The look of frustration was on the faces of many men as they sorted through the wreckage. It makes us wonder "why Lord"? We don't know the answer, but sometimes there are challenges which test our faith and commitment. This was definitely one of those tests. And our boys and men passed with flying colors!

Thanks goes to the great team of leaders who coordinated the camp, events, and services. The Lord willing we'll be back again for Ranger Camp 2009.