Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship

The Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (originally called the Frontiersmen Camping Fraternity) was founded in the summer of 1966. For some time prior to this, the national commander 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 decided 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...

Jedediah Strong Smith Chapter:

The New Mexico District Chapter of the Frontiersmen Camping Fraternity was officially formed on August 11, 1972. The officials in charge were; Paul Johnson, Territorial Representative; David Franklin, National FCF Scout; Rev. Don Franklin, National Training Coordinator; and Alan Gell, Regional Coordinator.

The Charter members were: Windy Brumfield, Dean Garrison, Duane Garrison, Travis Keeney, Robert Keister, C. Eddie Lee, Otis Morehead, Robert O'Conner, Dee Oldham, Raymond Ruane, and Bill Spurgeon.

The name Jedediah Strong Smith Chapter was approved in April of 1973. Original dues were $5.00 a year due on the first day of January. The first appointed President of the Jedediah Strong Smith Chapter was Travis 'Smoke' Keeney.

Where We Stand Today:

The Jedediah Strong Smith chapter remains a thriving and growing fellowship of top-notch New Mexico Royal Rangers. With a current active membership of 115+, the chapter strives to disciple, sponsor, encourage, and serve men and boys throughout the state. The Jed Smith chapter currently holds a 5-Star chapter rating which gives testament to the life of the chapter.

Jedediah Strong Smith Chapter

Founded in August of 1972 - Bylaws.
With a current active membership of more than 100, the Jed Smith chapter members figure prominently in the advancement of the Royal Ranger ministry in New Mexico.
The National FCF Scout from the Plainsmen Territory is a current member of the Jed Smith chapter - Zack 'Oso' Evans.
The Jed Smith chapter of FCF currently holds a 5-Star rating.

The FCF Motto:

To Give and to Serve

The FCF Symbol:

The blazing campfire is the official symbol of FCF. The campfire provided the early frontiersmen with light and warmth and was essential for cooking. The blazing campfire, therefore symbolizes the spirit of FCF, which is Christian love (warmth), personal witness (light), and dedicated service(usefullness). The five logs represent the five things needed to keep the spirit of FCF alive: courage, achievement, friendship, leadership, woodsmanship

The FCF Pledge:

I share with you the warmth and glow of this campfire. These crimson flames are a symbol of our fellowship and adventures in camping. I promise to share with you the warmth of Christian friendship and with others the light of my Christian testimony. I promise to keep alive the spirit of FCF in my personal life and to observe at all times the principles of Royal Rangers.

FCF Song:

God's Frontiersmen - by Ed Leonard

FCF Advancement:

Frontiersmen

Trail of the Grizzly - Info
Earn the eight required merits and qualify for the Frontier Adventure and FCF membership

Buckskin

The Adventure - Info
Explore the life of the early frontiersmen and start to develop your own frontier skills - qualify for the Buckskin Adventure.

Wilderness

The Vigil - Info
Become a master of the Wilderness by developing tip top frontier skills - Through the all-night vigil you will truly experience what God has planned for your life.