Ranger Camp 2008

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.