National History

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.

• Watch Historical Video (MP4)
• Listen to Historical Video (MP3)
• 50th Anniversary Magazine (published 2012)

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

1966: Royal Rangers ministries are established in Latin America and Asia.

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 Ranger 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: First National Camporama

The first national Camporama, a camping extravaganza that now attracts thousands of boys and leaders 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.

1978: The second National Camporama was held in Farragut, Idaho

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

1986: National Training Center Dedicated. The Fourth National Camporama is held there.

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 10 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: Richard Mariott Named New National Commander

Rev. Richard Mariott is appointed national commander, and he able 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

2006: The ninth National Camporama is held at Camp Eagle Rock

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.

2023: The tenth National Camporama and fiftieth anniversary celebration takes place at Camp Eagle Rock

2014: Karl Fleig Named New National Director

With Doug Marsh transitioning into full-time leadership of Royal Rangers International, Karl Fleig, former Indiana District CD and Men's Director, was named the new national director.

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

2020: The twelfth National Camporama is held at Camp Eagle Rock

This was postponed to a future date because of the COVID-19 spread.

2022: The twelfth National Camporama is held at Camp Eagle Rock