The Tomahawk July-August 2012

Tomahawk Potomac District Royal Rangers  News and Information for Royal Ranger Leaders  July - August 2012

‘Running With Endurance’

2012 Potomac District Pow Wow Celebrates Rangers’ Golden Anniversary Page 5

5 Camps Featured at Junior Leadership Training Academy Page 4

‘My Name is Jamal’ Page 6

Pathfinder Trip Revisits Ecuador Page 7

Past and Present Gold Medalists to be Honored Page 9

TOMAHAWK

July - August 2012

POTOMAC DISTRICT ROYAL RANGERS www.potomacrangers.org

Royal Rangers is a principal ministry of the Assemblies of God focused on discipling boys for Jesus Christ. We provide Christ-like character formation and servant leadership development for boys and young men in a highly relational and fun environment. Our mission is to evangelize, equip and empower the next generation of Christ-like men and lifelong servant leaders.

The Potomac District administrative region of the General Council of the Assemblies of God takes in Washington, D.C., Maryland, most of Virginia and northern West Virginia. Over 100 churches throughout this region currently provide Royal Ranger ministry to more than 2,500 boys and young men. We use many tools to achieve that goal whether it be camping, merits or interactive skills, all designed to help develop a boy into a man while having fun and getting to know God. We want to develop both men and boys in mentoring relationships and leadership skills, and guide them to Jesus Christ. We reach boys, so they may reach another in their world.

tomahawk Potomac District Commander Rev. Bobby Basham Publications/Outreach Coordinator Newsletter Editor Gary Wagner

Pow Wow events and updates are reviewed in this edition of the Tomahawk on page 5.

See it now @

www.potomacrangers.org

In Case You Missed It Potomac District’s Tomahawk newsletter is emailed every two months.

But, if you’re new to the mailing list, or if you missed a previous edition, you can find it in the archive maintained on the district’s website for Royal Rangers at www.potomacrangers.org.

The Tomahawk newsletter is published bimonthly as a means of communicating news and information to Royal Ranger leaders throughout the Potomac District. Sectional staffs and outposts are invited to submit articles and photographs that feature activities of Royal Ranger ministries on a local level, or to share ideas and successes. Email material to garywagner54@aol.com. Please submit photos as separate jpg image files.

The Tomahawk is distributed via email as an electronic publication. Email address corrections, or requests to be added to the distribution list, should be forwarded to Potomac District executive secretary Denise Raduano at potomacmm@msn.com.

Royal Rangers Emblem © 1962 by the national Royal Rangers Office, The General Council of the Assemblies of God; Springfield, Mo. 65802. The Royal Rangers Emblem may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronically, mechanically, photocopies, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the national Royal Rangers Office.

Potomac District Royal Rangers on Facebook www.facebook.com/PotomacRangers

2

TOMAHAWK

July - August 2012

Supporting Churches, Businesses & Individuals Special thanks to our Supporting Churches, Sections, Businesses and Individuals. Your generosity enables further enhancements to this ministry. Anyone wishing to join our group of supporters may request an application from the Potomac District Royal Ranger office, email potomacmm@msn.com.

SILVER MEMBERS Rev. Bobby Basham

Cross Junction, Va.

GOLD MEMBERS Projects Unlimited - Gary Groves Tracy Groves Walt Eger Service Center

Eldersburg, Md. Eldersburg, Md. Severn, Md.

SUPPORTING CHURCHES Outpost 2 Outpost 6 Outpost 9 Outpost 18 Outpost 27 Outpost 46 Outpost 47 Outpost 49 Outpost 60 Outpost 64 Outpost 81 Outpost 89 Outpost 100 Outpost 124 Outpost 186 Outpost 215 Outpost 240 Outpost 277

Trinity Assembly of God Pasadena Assembly of God Calvary Assembly of God Eastern Assembly of God Glad Tidings Church Bethel Assembly of God Trinity Assembly of God Centerpointe Church at Fair Oaks Manassas Assembly of God First Assembly of God Trinity Assembly of God Bethel Assembly of God Hancock Assembly of God Julilee Christian Center Hazel River Assembly of God River of Life Assembly of God Living Word Community Church Ocean City Worship Center

Lanham, Md. Pasadena, Md. Frederick, Md. Baltimore, Md. Norfolk, Va. Savage,Md. Lutherville,Md. Fairfax, Va. Bristow, Va. Elkton, Md. Fairmont, W.Va. Martinsburg, W.Va. Hancock, Md. Fairfax, Va. Rixeyville, Va. Spotsylvania, Va. Mechanicsville, Md. Berlin, Md.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS Homer Kitchen Gary & Faye Groves Phil Georg

Gerrardstown, W.Va. Eldersburg, Md. Brunswick, Md.

DIRECTOR’S MEMO

Celebrating Endurance

By Rev. Bobby Basham District Commander

W

ithout a doubt the summer has slipped in with a blast of hot air! By now I think most have had sectional pow wows and the reports that I hear are terrific. I have to believe that among our sections and district we have the most dedicated and creative leaders anywhere in the nation. From my heart, thank you to every leader who serves on a staff, church, sectional or district; you are greatly appreciated and I pray God’s blessing on you and your family. You are the reason this ministry is so successful.

By now, many are making their final plans to travel to Eagle Rock for a historic 50 year Anniversary of Royal Rangers. At the writing of this article, 257 men and boys from Potomac District are getting ready to make the trek. I am praying for safe travel for all, with trailers, vans and trucks all tuned and ready to go. I am also praying for a historic move of God among all who have gathered.

In front of us are our two most significant events in the Potomac District—Junior Training Camps and our District Pow Wow. I know Bob Blessing and Tracy Groves and their teams work tirelessly in giving our district the very best they have. Please encourage your boys who are 12 and older to participate in Junior Training. It makes a difference.

This year’s District Pow Wow will also be historic. We too will be celebrating God’s hand on this ministry in our Potomac District style. Former District Commanders have been invited and are coming and most of them will be speaking into the lives of our Pow Wow. Former GMA recipients have been invited to our Saturday celebration and we are expecting a great representation of this ministry to each one.

We have chosen a theme that I think fits well with our celebration, “Running with Endurance.” Not only do we want to look back and celebrate the past, but we also want to look ahead and celebrate the future. Royal Rangers is very much alive, and is our prayer that it flourishes to a new generation, which desperately needs the message of Jesus, communicated in unique ways. Gentlemen, broaden your approach, reach out to the boys around us, because one day we will have a real celebration with Jesus about all the boys whose lives were saved because we took the time to invest in them!

See ya at the party!

TOMAHAWK

July - August 2012

3

Registrations due July 12th

5 Camps featured at Junior Leadership Training Academy

By Bob Blessing Junior Training Coordinator

Y

oung men of the Potomac District: the 2012 JLTA is just around the corner. Sign up early so you don’t miss your opportunity to receive leadership training. We are offering five different camps as part of this year’s JLTA. Here is how the structure works.

Rangers who are at least 12 years old and have attended DTC you can attend Junior Leadership Training Camp (JLTC). At this camp you will learn the Ranger Patrol System the “Ranger way” of camping. Patrols will work towards a common goal and will develop a song, yell, patrol flag and bolo tie. Rangers will master advanced camp skills such as lashing, rope craft, compass, fire and tool craft, and much more.

Rangers who are at least 13 years old and have attended JLTC can attend any of the following camps: Junior Missions Camp (JMC), where Rangers will experience a missions trip and learn the skills necessary to participate in a MAPS trip or, if you are an FCF member, a Pathfinder Trip.

4

TOMAHAWK

Junior Survival Camp (JSC) will train Rangers in what it takes to survive in the wilderness: map and compass skills, or how to find your way without either; what to eat, how to collect water; safety skills and emergency first aid techniques.

Junior Training Trails (JTT) will give Rangers an opportunity to take to the trail backpacking and learn vital trail instructions on trip planning, footwear and care, how to pack and proper clothing; trail cooking, trail first aid, water purification, stoves, map and compass and GPS usage.

July - August 2012

Please note: for JTT a boy must be physically fit and be able to hike five miles a day with a backpack.

Rangers who are at least age 16 and have successfully completed JLTC can attend Advanced Junior Training Camp (AJLTC).

At AJLTC, Rangers will take another step towards leadership.

AJ camp is designed to mentor boys into leaders. The AJ classes include advanced cooking, cadence drilling, communication, accountability, spiritual development, personal discipline and conduct of a Christian young man to further a boy’s walk with God and to help him learn how to witness and mentor others.

The application for all of the JLTA Camps can be found on the Potomac District website at www.potomacrangers.org. Registrations must be received by July 20.

The cost of camp registration is $190, which includes all food, a special hat, a patch and two Tshirts specific to your camp. This will be the boys’ “dress” uniform for camp; they will not need to bring Royal Ranger khaki or utility uniforms.

Registrations received after the July 20th deadline will be charged an additional $10, which must be included with your registration to cover additional costs.

SEE JLTA ON PAGE 8

SECTIONAL EVENTS ZIP LINE Capital Maryland Section WESTERN BB SHOOT

Capital Virginia Section

PAINTBALL

Northeast Section

WILD RAPID WATER SLIDE Eastern Shore Section

SUMO WRESTLING Central Section

RUNNING WITH ENDURANCE

W

ith this year’s summer Olympic Games in mind, and in celebration of 50 years of Royal Ranger ministry, the 2012 Potomac District Pow Wow has as its theme “Running With Endurance.”

Complete details on this special event—to include registration information and materials—are available for download on the Potomac District Royal Rangers website at www.potomacrangers.org.

The deadline for registration is July 17 to ensure Rangers and leaders receive a Pow Wow Tshirt, hat and patch.

THE MAIN EVENT Continuing the popular main event sectional team competition introduced at Pow Wow two years ago, this year’s competition will pit teams against each other in the ultimate Olympic challenge, sumo wrestling and a greased pole climb.

Each section will provide a team of 6 to participate in the main event. The team will consist of 2 Discovery Rangers, 2 Adventure

ULTIMATE OLYMPIC CHALLENGE Eastern Section

CARDBOARD CANOE RACE

Tidewater North & Tidewater South

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Southern Section

Rangers and 2 Expedition Rangers.

(Discovery or Adventure Rangers may be substituted if your Outpost does not have Expedition Rangers).

Back for a second year at Potomac District Pow Wow will be the Cardboard Canoe Race, long a favorite of the Tidewater sections.

Tidewater North and Tidewater South will be running the event again this year, in which each section has the opportunity to enter one corrugated cardboard boat capable of staying afloat for approximately two minutes. The boats will have to be powered by a least two boys, one of which must be a Discovery Ranger. Complete event rules are outlined in the Pow Wow booklet.

A great variety of events for Rangers on an individual level will be operated by various sections.

Besides providing a lot of fun, these events are designed to help each Ranger to be ready to meet the challenges that come their way through the development of strength, skills, stamina, speed and knowledge.

At each sectional event, participants will earn points, which are needed along with being able to quote the Pow Wow memory verse to receive a collector’s hat pin.

THAT’S NOT ALL! SWIMMING: All fast swimmers may compete for the fastest swimmer in the district. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded in each age group (Discovery, Adventure & Expedition Rangers).

TRAP SHOOT: The boys will test their skills at shooting clay birds. Each boy will get 10 shots, the greatest number of birds shot will be the winner. (This is an Expedition event only). The cost of the event is $5; this includes the shells and the clay birds.

DUNKING BOOTH: Get your throwing arm ready to test your throwing ability, while you attempt to soak your favorite commander or friend.

BENCH PRESS: Expedition Rangers, leaders under 40, leaders 40 and older and leaders 50 and older may compete against other contestants in their age group.

TOMAHAWK

July - August 2012

5

My Name is Jamal

By Glenn Sorrentino

M

y name is Jamal. Or Brandon. Or Antonio. I am 14 years old. Or 15, or 17. I was born to an unwed mother, and I’ve never even met my father. I have two siblings. Or four. We live in a small, kinda rundown apartment on the low-rent side of town. I usually sleep on the floor in a corner. It’s not too bad.

Often, you wake up in the morning, and there’s no food—the refrigerator is empty. But somebody has some drugs, so you get high, and stay high for awhile.

When you come down, there’s still no food in the refrigerator, so you look for a way to get high again.

But it’s cool, because drugs are easy to find.

My mom often has one of her boyfriends stay over for awhile.

That’s when the drugs and alcohol have the most effect on her. They usually don’t want me around, so I have to leave. It’s OK, it’s something I’ve gotten used to.

I pretty much do what I want. If I’m not into going to school, it’s cool. Nobody gets on me about it.

If I want to stay out late, that’s cool, too. Sometimes I stay out for a week or more. Nobody looks for me. I expect when I turn 18, my mom will kick me out, anyway. So 6

TOMAHAWK

I need to find my own place.

A bunch of other guys in my neighborhood are in the same situation. I call them my friends. We like to hang out together, sometimes go to school together, play street games together, and get in trouble together. Our heroes are the rappers, or the ball players we see on TV. They live above the rules, and so do we. We make our own rules.

Sometimes we do things to make a little extra spending money, like rob a car or a store, or beat up some guy for his money, or snatch some old lady’s purse.

Awhile ago some older guys in the neighborhood told us we need-

They said if we admitted we were sinners, and believed in Jesus, He would wash away all our sins and make us brandnew inside.... If it’s true, and they believe it’s true, how come it’s taken them so long to tell us?

July - August 2012

ed to join their gang, so we did. In the gang, you belong. We watch each other’s back. If somebody from some other gang tries to get on one of us, we take him out. Nobody messes with one of ours and gets away with it. It’s like a family, only better.

We watch out for the police, too. If we see them in the neighborhood, everyone knows it within a matter of seconds. Drugs and crime are a matter of fact in my life.

Recently, some of us guys got arrested and put in juvenile hall, while we wait for our trail. But that’s cool, too. My room here is a lot bigger than at home. And living here, you get three squares a day, a warm place to sleep, cable TV, no bugs, and nobody’s shooting at you. And if you get sick, they take care of you. It’s not too bad.

Awhile back, some Royal Ranger guys from the outside started to come into the juvenile hall, and they were talking about Jesus.

They said He loves us. They said He died on a cross so that we could be forgiven of our sins - all the bad stuff we did. They said He took our punishment.

SEE JAMAL ON PAGE 8

Pathfinder Trip to Quito, Ecuador Sponsored by Blue Ridge Chapter, Frontiersman Camping Fellowship

November 10-18, 2012 Project: Build a new church on the outskirts of Quito, Ecuador Building Costs:

$12,000

Personal Cost:

$ 1,600

Payment Schedule: $400 by May 15th $600 by July 15th $600 by October 1st Team Size: 16 Skills Needed: Bricklayers, Metal Workers, Laborers

Pastor Gabriel Parco and his wife lead a thriving Quichua church just outside Ecuador's second largest city.

If you are interested in participating or supporting this project, please contact Mike Cocolin at mjcocolin@msn.com or (410) 315-8265.

All funds should be sent to: Potomac District Royal Rangers, 608 Dunloy Ct., Timonium, MD 21093. When sending funds, please indicate who the funds are for by marking clearly on the check or with an accompanying letter.

Building God’s Kingdom the Hard Way

TOMAHAWK

July - August 2012

7

JTLA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

The maximum attendance for each camp is as follows: - JLTC maximum attendance is 60 trainees - JTT, JSC, JMC and AJ maximum attendance is 20 trainees per camp All camps will start on Sunday Aug. 12. Arrival times are dependent on the camp the Ranger is attending, as follows:  1 p.m. - Registration opens for JLTC and JMC  2 p.m.—Registration opens for JTT and JSC  3 p.m.—Registration opens for AJLTC Rangers should plan to ar-

8

TOMAHAWK

rive early. JLTA is run on a very tight schedule.

Rangers should not bring any electronic games to any camp they attend, and should plan to leave cell phones at home as well. JLTA staff will collect cell phones and BlackBerrys, or any other texting device and hold them at registration until JLTA is concluded. We will have arrangements made for emergency telephone calls out. If someone needs to get an emergency message in to a Ranger in camp, they can call the Potomac District office at (410) 982-6485.

Anyone who has questions about JLTA camps or would like additional information may contact the Potomac District Royal Ranger Office, or email Bob Blessing at jrblessing@gmail.com.

July - August 2012

Jamal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

They said He had a home for us in heaven, waiting for us when we die. They said that if we admitted we were sinners, and believed in Jesus, He would wash away all our sins and make us brand-new inside.

I’m not sure I believe this. If it’s true, and they believe it’s true, how come it’s taken them so long to tell us?

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, … sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’.“ Matt. 25: 37, 39, 40 NIV Author Glenn Sorrentino is the Adventure Rangers Commander for Outpost 158 at Harvest Assembly of God in Chesapeake Va.

DISTRICT NEWS & INFORMATION DISTRICT POW WOW SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Past and Present Gold Medalists to be Honored

By Rev. Bobby Basham District Commander

G

reetings Potomac District Gold Medal recipients!

2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Rangers program. The men and boys who have participated in the program over the years have cultivated the Potomac District’s deep and rich Ranger history. Our commitment to the Royal Rangers original mission to reach, teach and keep boys for Christ has helped us to become one of the most successful districts in America, directly influencing thousands of lives for the kingdom.

Since 1975, nearly 500 boys in the Potomac District have received the coveted Gold Medal of Achievement, making us the larg-

est GMA producing district in the nation. This fraternity of Christian young men has set the standard for young boys to aspire too and has created great leaders and missionaries for Christ.

At this year’s Potomac District Pow Wow we would like to honor all past and present Potomac District GMA recipients during a special ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 8 p.m.

Any Gold Medalist not attending Pow Wow with a chartered outpost will need to complete a visitor registration form, which can be found in the Pow Wow booklet posted on the web at www.potomacrangers.org. There is a cost associated with this event,

New Procedure for FCF “Great Adventure” to be Conducted at District Pow Wow This year we will be following an entirely new procedure. All those who are participating in the Frontier Camping Fellowship Great Adventure must report to the FCF Village no later than 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16. All candidates applying for FCF must attend. The Adventure will begin at 6 p.m.

Thursday where the candidates will remain with the FCF staff until 6 p.m. on Friday when they will be released to return to their outposts.

The “entire” Great Adventure will be conducted at this time.

An application for membership into FCF is printed in the Pow Wow book available for download

$43 if you plan to stay for the weekend (Aug. 16-19) or $8 for all day Saturday.

If you plan to come just for the presentation, the only thing needed is the visitor form.

If you have a khaki uniform and you want to wear it please do so, along with your white GMA hat.

Please RSVP by Aug. 4 to Mark Craft at (757) 8224519 or email markcraft@ hotmail.com with your intentions.

We hope you will make plans to be with us this summer as we embrace our past and look to the future standing “Ready” to evangelize, equip and empower the next generation of Christ-like men and lifelong servant leaders.

DEADLINE FOR GMA PACKETS

at www.potomacrangers.org. The form is also available from your sectional commander, sectional FCF representative or district Royal Ranger office.

Applications must be submitted to the Chapter President 14 days before the Pow Wow. No applications will be accepted at the PowWow. Mail the completed application and fee to, Bill “Red Paddle” Chestnut, Blue Ridge Chapter President, 346 Reservoir Rd., Perryville, Maryland 21903. Phase I Review will be held at the PowWow, Friday evening 10:15 p.m. in the FCF Village after the evening service.

Completed Gold Medal of Achievement packets need to be mailed to the Potomac District Royal Rangers office by July 20. Commanders must submit essays prior to this date for review.

GMA interviews will take place at this year’s Potomac District Pow Wow on Friday, Aug. 17, under the direction of Mike Cocolin.

Commanders are encouraged to contact Denise Raduano with any questions at potomacmm@msn.com or (410) 7816376.

TOMAHAWK

July - August 2012

9

POTOMAC DISTRICT ROYAL RANGERS STAFF EXECUTIVE STAFF Rev. Bobby Basham - District Commander 166 Serviceberry Ct. Stephens City, VA 22655 bbasham@potomacag.org (540) 869-8432 Homer Kitchen - Deputy District Commander 8614 Apple Harvest Dr. Gerrardstown, WV 25420 Kitchenhl@msn.com (304) 229-5793 Tracy Groves - Deputy District Commander/ Productions Coordinator 2340 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, MD 21784 tgghunter@verizon.net (410) 781-4906 Bill Chestnut - FCF Chapter President 346 Reservoir Rd. Perryville, MD 21903 redpaddle@yahoo.com (410) 378-3735 Phil Georg - Training Coordinator 111 East H St. Brunswick, MD 21716 philgeorg@hotmail.com (301) 834-9871 Bob Blessing - Junior Training Coordinator 302 Stiemly Ave. Glen Burnie, MD 21060 jrblessing@gmail.com (410) 760-9330 Chris Basham - Assistant Productions Coordinator 166 Serviceberry Ct. Stephens City, VA 22655 (540) 869-8432 Cliff Jewell - Public Relations/GMA Coordinator P. O. Box 3404 Manassas, VA 20109 jewellsrthe1@aol.com (703) 475-4422 Gary Wagner - Publications/Outreach Coordinator 3905 Swanson Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 garywagner54@aol.com (540) 898-7415 Mike Cocolin - Missions Coordinator 8413 Elvaton Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 mjcocolin@msn.com (410) 315-8433 Gary Groves - RR Alumni President 2326 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, MD 21784 blaznbear@verizon.net (410) 781-0236

10

Linda Cocolin - Health Officer 8413 Elvaton Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 lkcocolin@msn.com (410) 315-8433

Marvin Boswell - Southern Section P. O. Box 35 Rockville, VA 23146 mwboswell@gmail.com (804) 749-8397

Seth Van de Ven - Special Aide de Camp 3202 Amberley Lane Fairfax, VA 22031 seth.vandeven@gmail.com (703) 560-5886

Phil Vieth - Tidewater North Section 200 Treis Trail Yorktown, VA 23693 philvieth@verizon.net (757) 766-8351

Tyler Mazer - Junior Training Aide de Camp 99 Shenandoah View Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 camarocougar@comcast.net (304) 876-1875

Roger Riendeau - Tidewater South Section 7719 Doris Dr. Norfolk, VA 23505 roger.riendeau@cox.net (757) 440-8432

Isaac Brannon - Junior Aide de Camp P. O. Box 390 Owings, MD 20736 ltbrannon@verizon.net (410) 257-9446 Dale Eger - Junior Aide de Camp 8213 WB & A Rd. Severn, MD 21144 Dale.eger77@gmail.com (410) 551-3454 Sam Linn - Staff Advisor 1687 McCoys Ford Rd. Front Royal, VA 22630 shlinn@comcast.net (540) 635-7497 Dick Aldridge - Staff Advisor 46 Tadcaster Circle Waldorf, MD 20602 raaldridge@paville.org (301) 645-9091

SECTIONAL COMMANDERS Mark Brannon - Capital Virginia Section P. O. Box 390 Owings, MD 20736 capseccmdr@verizon.net (410) 257-9446 Mark Brannon - Capital Maryland Section P. O. Box 390 Owings, MD 20736 capseccmdr@verizon.net (410) 257-9446 Ken O’Maley - Central Section 11042 Settletown Place Rixeyville, VA 22737 kenomaley@aol.com (540) 937-6139

Potomac District Royal Rangers on Facebook TOMAHAWK July - August 2012 http://www.facebook.com/PotomacRangers

Ken Black - Eastern Section P. O. Box 58 Manchester, MD 21102 Talloak218@aol.com (410) 239-2645 Robert “Buzz” Gregory - Eastern Shore Section 9260 Hickory Mill Rd. Salisbury, MD 21801 Buzzgregory@comcast.net (410) 742-0415 Jerry Sinden - Northeast Section 1805 Milstream Dr. Frederick, MD 21702 Sindenfred@aol.com (301) 620-0034 Northwest Section Jerry Sinden (Acting) Greg Barr - North Central Section Box 384, Fort Ashby, WV 26719 ncscribe@yahoo.com (301) 786-4244 Western Section Greg Barr (Acting)