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The
Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (FCF, originally called
the Frontiersmen Camping Fraternity) was founded during
the summer of 1966. For some time prior to this date,
the National Commander, Johnnie Barnes, 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.
The early American frontiersmen were an excellent
example of people's ability to adapt to the outdoors and
the wilderness. Their achievements were also an example
of courage and determination. The national Royal Rangers
Office, therefore, made the decision to base this
fellowship on the lore and traditions of these early
frontiersmen.
The first FCF chapter was organized in the Southern
California District on
July
8, 1966
.
High in the
San
Bernardino Mountains
,
in a clearing surrounded by gigantic trees, a large
group of Royal Rangers sat around a blazing campfire. As
they waited, a feeling of mystery and expectancy filled
the air.
Suddenly,
the blast of a hunter's horn shattered the night's
stillness and echoed through the trees. National
Commander Johnnie Barnes stepped into the firelight
dressed in a buckskin outfit and a coonskin cap. As he
began to explain the new FCF program, a hum of
excitement rose above the sound of the crackling
campfire. Assisted by two district leaders, Ron
Halvorson and Rob Reid, these men proceeded with the
first FCF call out. After pledging to endure a time of
testing, the candidates were led away carrying a large
rope to a mountaintop nearby for an all-night
initiation.
Later,
as the new members (five boys and five men) were
officially inducted into the fellowship at the final
friendship fire, they sensed that this ceremony was a
milestone in Royal Rangers history.
That
same year, three more chapters were organized in the
Northern
California
,
the
Southern
Missouri
,
and the Iowa Districts. This exciting and unique
fellowship has so captured the imaginations of boys and
men that the program has grown to include organized
chapters in the majority of our districts. In 1972, the
first National Rendezvous was held at Fantastic Caverns
near Springfield, Missouri. Two hundred men and boys
attended the first Rendezvous. Today, Rendezvous is held
every four years, and attendance has grown to one
thousand men and boys. Territorial Rendezvous occur
every two years, between the National Rendezvous, in
each region of the United States. This exciting and
unique fellowship has so captured the imaginations of
boys and men that the program has grown to include
organized chapters in all of our districts. |
