1962: Royal Rangers Ministry Begins
In January 1962, Rev. Johnnie Barnes, the Assemblies of God youth director from the North Texas district, is invited by the Executive Presbytery to birth a new ministry for boys and young men. Rev. Charles Scott suggested the name Royal Rangers, and Johnnie Barnes is appointed as national commander.
1963: First Leadership Course Developed
The Royal Rangers Leadership Training Course is developed.
1964: First Pow-Wow, GMA, Medal of Valor
The first district-wide camps (then called Pow Wows) are held. The Gold Medal of Achievement, Royal Rangers highest achievement, and the Medal of Valor, awarded to men and boys who risk their own lives to save the life of another, are first offered.
1966: FCF Begins
Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (then called a Fraternity) is formed, offering boys and young men the opportunity to relive America’s frontier past. The first Royal Rangers week is held in October to spotlight the Royal Rangers ministry and honor its members in churches across the nation.
1968: First National Training Camps
The first National Training Camps for Royal Rangers leaders are held in the states of California, Colorado, Missouri, and New York.
1974: First National Camporama
The first National Camporama, a camping extravaganza that now attracts thousands of boys every four years, is first held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
1977: National Royal Rangers Council Formed
The National Royal Rangers Council is formed and meets in Springfield, Missouri. To this day organizational leaders continue to gather annually for instruction, fellowship, and inspiration.
1986: National Training Center Dedicated
The National Royal Rangers Training Center near Eagle Rock, Missouri, is dedicated. The 1,400-acre center is often referred to as Camp Eagle Rock.
1989: Johnny Barnes Dies; Ken Hunt Named New National Commander
Beloved founder, Johnnie Barnes, dies after leading the ministry from its inception for twenty-seven years. Rev. Ken Hunt is named national commander, and he guides the ministry skillfully for ten years.
1999: Richard Mariott Named New National Commander
Rev. Richard Mariott is appointed national commander, and he ably guides the ministry for eight years.
2002: Royal Rangers International Begins
Royal Rangers International is started to establish, strengthen, and serve Royal Rangers development around the world. Today, Royal Rangers is active in over 70 nations.
2007: Doug Marsh Named New National Director
Rev. Doug Marsh is appointed national director. His vision is to “Take Royal Rangers to the iPod® Generation” by helping current and potential leaders enjoy ministerial success by mentoring future men, offering them and their churches a simple and flexible yet robust and relevant ministry to boys and young men.
2014: Karl Fleig Named New National Director
With Doug Marsh transitioning into full-time leadership of Royal Rangers International, Karl Fleig, former Indiana district CE and men’s director, was named the new national director.