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What is FCF?

The Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (FCF), originally called Frontiersmen Camping Fraternity, was founded during the summer of 1966. The Fellowship began as a way to reward for the older boys and men who had distinguished themselves in advancement, training, and camping.

The first FCF chapter was organized in the Southern California District in 1966. Dressed in buckskin outfits, the boys and men gathered in the firelight and prepared to endure a night of testing that would stretch their camping and survival skills to the limit.

Many of the tests a Royal Ranger will face to become an FCF member will demand a courageous spirit and be a life-changing experience.

Successful completion of the FCF program will achieve five important things for the boys and men: a demonstration of courage and leadership, development of friendships and woodsmanship, and a display of achievement.

FCF accomplishes the following purposes:

• To give recognition to boys and men who have shown exceptional interest and outstanding achievement in the Royal Rangers program and in Royal Rangers campcraft.
  
  
• To build a brotherhood of topnotch boys and men over the years who will continue to be Royal Rangers program and camping enthusiasts.
  
  
• To emphasize the importance of involvement in the advancement program, development of campcraft skills, and completion of the leadership training programs.
  
  
• To develop a corps of elite Royal Rangers who will strive to be the very best in Christian example and leadership.
  
  
• To encourage the boys and men of Royal Rangers to always prefer others above themselves and to let their leadership be by example.
  
  
• To show a spirit of servanthood, willing to give of time and energy above and beyond what is expected of Royal Rangers.

The FCF Symbol
The blazing campfire is the official symbol of the FCF. It symbolizes the spirit of FCF, which is:

• Christian love (warmth)
  
• Personal witness (light)
  
• Dedicate service (usefulness)

There are five logs around the fire and the represent things that keep the FCF spirit alive:

• Courage
  
• Achievement
  
• Friendship
  
• Leadership
  
• Woodsmanship
  

The FCF Rendezvous
Every four years, the Royal Rangers hold a National Rendezvous for all of the great participants in Frontiersman Camping Fellowship. Black-powder shooting, knife and hawk throwing, flint and steel, Seneca runs, outfit judging, election of national scouts, and old-fashioned camp cooking’ are just a few of the great activities that take place at the Rendezvous.

Always popular is Trader's Row, where our FCF craftsmen display, sell and trade their wares. Skills and outdoor crafts continue throughout the week, and best of all we gather for the great evening Council Fire services. Begin now by making plans to attend.

Admission Requirements

Boys

1. Earn the Trailblazer First-Class rating
2. Earn the Advance Camping Award
3. Be recommended by his outpost for the position
4. Pass Phase I testing
5. Must be "called out" at a District Pow Wow
6. Pass Phase II testing
7. Must be at least 12 years of age.

Leaders

1. Complete the LTC course
2. Earn the Leaders' Medal of Achievement
3. Be approved and selected by FCF staff
4. Pass Phase I testing
5. Must be "called out" at a District Pow Wow
6. Pass Phase II testing

The Chapter president will ensure each applicant meets all the requirements for membership and will encourage staff to get the applications to the Scribe in a timely manner.

As soon as the application is approved a letter will be mailed to each candidate detailing the date, time and place of Phase I testing. This letter will describe the subject matter to be used in testing, the equipment the candidate will need and black powder requirements.

Trail of The Grizzly
The "Trail of the Grizzly" is designed to lead boys and leaders along the challenging FCF advancement trail. The purpose of this "Trail" is to prepare boys and leaders to successfully complete each of the FCF advancements by including a unique set of merit award requirements for the "Frontiersmen," "Buckskin," and "Wilderness" steps. Get the details of the Trail of the Grizzly here.