Historical Heritage

Our History & Heritage

Royal Rangers is a church-based mentoring ministry for future men. Since its inception in 1962, millions of boys in the United States and around the world have been guided through the ministry. Today, they are successful businessmen, public servants, pastors, church leaders, missionaries, etc.

Johnnie Barnes
Founder & first
National Commander

1962
In January, 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
The Royal Rangers Leadership Training Course (LTC) is developed to train leaders to disciple future men.

1964
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
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. Royal Rangers ministries are established in Latin America and Asia.

1968
The first National Training Camps (NTC) for Royal Rangers leaders are held in the states of California, Colorado, Missouri, and New York.

1972
The first national event, a National FCF Rendezvous, was held near Springfield, Missouri.

1974
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
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.

1978
The second National Camporama was held in Farragut, Idaho

1982
The third National Camporama was held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

1986
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
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.

1990
The fifth National Camporama is held at Camp Eagle Rock.

1994
The sixth National Camporama takes place at Camp Eagle Rock

1998
the seventh National Camporama is held at Camp Eagle Rock.

1999
Rev. Richard Mariott is appointed national commander, and he ably guides the ministry for eight years.

2002
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
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.

2012
The tenth National Camporama and fiftieth anniversary celebration takes place at Camp Eagle Rock.

2014
Rev. Karl Fleig becomes the fifth national Royal Rangers commander.

2016
The eleventh National Camporama is held at Camp Eagle Rock.

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This site is managed by the North Texas Royal Rangers on behalf of and is the exclusively authorized history site of the national Royal Rangers ministries office, Springfield, MO. Contacts for this site include Mark Oliver and Jonathan Trower.

Historical Heritage

Our History & Heritage