Tomahawk Potomac District Royal Rangers News and Information for Royal Ranger Leaders March - April 2014
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Light-for-the-Lost Tour Schedule Page 6
Transition Plan for Boy Scouts Page 8
More Than a Camping Trip Page 14
New Requirements in Effect for Gold Medal of Achievement Page 16
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March - April 2014
Projects Unlimited
20th Annual
Golf Tournament May 17, 2014
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
Projects Unlimited Accepting Hole Sponsorships for Annual Golf Tournament Fund Raiser Unlimited opportunities exist for individuals, businesses or other groups to sponsor a hole for this year’s 20th annual Projects Unlimited Golf Tournament scheduled for May 17 at Hickory Heights Golf Club in Spring Grove, Pa. This event directly benefits Potomac District Royal Rangers. Monies are used to help a couple of inner city outposts and to fund Potomac District Royal Rangers ministry. Gary Groves, president of Royal Rangers Alumni for the district, and former district commander Rev. Dan Harlan have graciously helped to guide this tournament over the years. While there are limited slots for golfers, there are unlimited opportunities for hole sponsorships at the Silver level ($100) and the Gold level ($200). Anyone interested in registering to be a hole sponsor may contact Gary Groves at blaznbear@verizon.net or (410) 781-0236 to request a tournament brochure and sponsorship application.
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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
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 Walt Eger Service Center
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 Chapel Springs Church 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
Gerrardstown, W.Va. Eldersburg, Md.
DIRECTOR’S MEMO
Beyond the Blizzards— Expecting an Abundance By Rev. Bobby Basham
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hope everyone has enjoyed or at least tolerated the real winter we have endured this year. It has been a good time to catch up on training, preparation for the coming year and planning for Pow Wows and other Ranger activities. We held our annual District and Executive Staff meeting in February. It was encouraging to hear what each section had done in the previous year and I am grateful for the work each section does and how our leaders give so much of their time and energies to make a difference in the lives of young men in the Potomac District. Looking ahead: Plans are underway for this year’s Junior Training Camps and District Pow Wow, which will feature two of our own leaders, newly credentialed Rev. Tracy Groves as the Friday evening speaker and Rev. Buzz Gregory, Eastern Shore Sectional Commander and lead pastor for our Saturday service. Harry Hawthorne is working hard on the details and we will be able to roll out everything for the next Tomahawk. This year offers numerous training opportunities. We recently certified five new trainers in the Potomac District. This fall we will host the NMRC. Please set your calendars accordingly. Mark Brannon is working hard on Spring Trace; please note the location change! And National Rendezvous is on the horizon. We anticipate that the face of Potomac Rangers will see some changes ahead as some 50 different denominations have been approved to start Royal Rangers. We pray other churches will catch the burden to reach the next generation of men for Jesus! A full list of approved denominations is on the national website in the chartering section under “Category C Denominations.” Light-for-the-Lost banquets are coming up and provide an opportunity for our Rangers to complete one part of their Global Missions Merit required for GMA. The banquet schedule is featured in this edition of the Tomahawk. At our staff meeting I challenged the staff to remember: God is not the God of the sufficient, He is the God of the abundance. From creation to the cross, God has always exceeded expectations. Jesus not only fed the crowds; there were baskets of leftovers. The Promised Land was not just about freedom; it was a land of “milk and honey.” The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not just a sprinkling; it is an immersion in the presence of God. TOMAHAWK
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The Best Choice I Have Ever Made By Glenn Sorrentino
W
hen you’re in a juvenile detention center, you lose a lot more than your freedom. Of course, you can’t just leave whenever you want to. But you get absolutely no privacy. The showers are all wide open, four shower faucets spray the whole area. You get dressed, in clothes that aren’t yours, that somebody else wore yesterday, under the watchful eye of the security guards. Your cell has a window in the door so the security guard can watch what you’re doing. You can’t even go to the bathroom in private; the toilets have no walls or doors. There is no safety here, either. Even though the security guards watch you all the time, you could still get badly messed up by one of the other guys, and that before the
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security people get to your attacker. And if you’re nearby when somebody else starts a fight, you need to be real careful not to get dragged into it. I have a favorite TV show, but I haven’t seen it since I got here. Travis, the bully who runs our pod, doesn’t like the show, so I can’t watch it. He’s older than most of the others, and meaner. Travis runs things like he owns the place. Even with the guards watching, he can make you do what he says, or be really sorry for it later. None of the other guys can stand up to him, either. You pretty much have to do what they tell you to do, when they tell you to do it. “Everybody line up. Walk in a single line, up against the wall. Hands behind your back, no talking. Now count off.” “One!”,
March - April 2014
“Two!”,‘Three!” Once I counted wrong on purpose, just for fun. The guard put me in back of the line, which meant I was the last one to eat. I had to take whatever was leftover from everybody else. I decided not to do that again. You have to eat whatever they feed you, no choice there, either. Even if you hate what they are serving, it’s either that, or starve. And you don’t get enough to eat, at least I don’t. Not much choice in where you sleep, or where you go, or what you do, either. It’s all been decided for you, by somebody you never see or talk to. If you stay out of trouble, you can earn some privileges. One of those privileges is attending the Royal Rangers meeting they have here once a week. Royal Rangers is some guys from some church near
here who come in and play games with us, and sometimes have a birthday party for the guys whose birthday is that month. Then we gather together and somebody talks to us about Jesus. The first time this happened, I wanted to go back to the pod, but the security guards wouldn’t let me. So, I had to stay for the sermon. The Ranger guy was talking about all that God had done to save us from ourselves. He said it was like we had sold ourselves into slavery. By sending Jesus to die in our place to pay the price for our freedom, God had arranged to buy us back. But it still depended on us. Did we want to be set free? We could accept it, or ignore it, it was our choice. This really blew me away. God had sent His only Son to die in my place and be my Savior, and then He left the choice up to me. Of all the choices and freedoms that had been taken away from me because I am in detention, I still have this most important one. It didn’t take long for me to make up my mind. When the Ranger guy told us to, I stood up to accept Jesus as my Savior. Several other boys stood up, too. He told us to go talk to one of the other Ranger guys. The other guy explained what we were going to do, and asked us if we were sure we wanted to do it. I said “Oh, Yeah!” right out loud. Everyone else agreed, too. So he lead us all, showed us how to pray so we could receive Jesus. It was the best choice I have ever made! Things have been different since that Royal Ranger meeting. Yes, I’m still in detention. But before, I didn’t have much choice about how I was living. Now, each new day, I have a choice. Will I live like the new man God has bought, and follow His plan for my life, or let the old me take over? It’s my choice, and I try to make the right one every day.
National Rangers Ministry Camp National Rangers Ministry Camp (NRMC) is scheduled for Sept. 5-7, 2014 at the Broadcreek Boy Scout Reservation in Whiteford, Md. NRMC provides instruction in leading exciting outpost activities. Each man will be introduced to the following activities: archery, art, air rifle, contemporary camping, computers, drama, music, team building initiatives, trades and Ranger Derby. Additionally, participants learn how to be a boy-lead, adult-facilitated outpost, using the team/patrol system. Most importantly, participants are challenged spiritually to live a life of godly manhood and servant leadership. Every leader will be able to answer the question, “Do I have what it takes to be a godly man?” Registration for this camp is due to the National Royal Ranger office by July 21. World Class Outpost Seminar The World Class Outpost (WCO) seminar will be offered in Dublin, Va., on May 30-31, 2014. WCO is designed to expose the outpost leadership team to a successful set of practices, methods, strategies, and tools that will enable them to develop into a World Class Outpost. The greatest benefit of this event is achieved when the outpost leadership attends and completes this event together as a team. Registration for this event is due to the National Royal Ranger office by April 15. Go to www.royalrangers.com for registration details and applications.
2013 Potomac District Gold Medalists GMA# 518 519 520 521 522 523 524
Outpost Porter Cooke 60 Jonathan Jones 60 Austin Clark 48 Brendon Martin 261 Martin Simpkins 187 Oluwatomi Olusina 187 David Hannold 361
Author Glenn Sorrentino is the Adventure Rangers commander with Outpost 158 at Harvest Assembly of God in Chesapeake, Va. TOMAHAWK
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Calling All Frontiersmen! Frontiersman Camping Fellowship Blue Ridge Chapter
Spring Trace April 4-6, 2014 “Chick n’ Will Farm” Brightwood, Va.
Trace schedule and registration information is available on line at www.potomacrangers.org.
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Light for the Lost 2014 Tour Schedule Announced
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ll outposts are invited to attend Light for the Lost (LFTL) banquets scheduled for each section within the Potomac District between April 7 and April 15. Light for the Lost is administered by National Men’s Ministries but fulfilled by the church as a whole. Through generous giving of churches, individuals and businesses, LFTL assists missionaries and missions projects around the world with evangelistic resources to share the gospel message. Commanders who plan to attend with their Rangers are asked to make reservations with the host church or banquet point of contact at least 10 days prior to the event. Points of contact for making reservations to each banquet can are listed on the tour schedule. Also at the banquet, opportunities to contribute to ongoing Light for the Lost projects will be presented. Faith promises made by outposts and churches that are funneled through the district’s Royal Ranger office are directly distributed to Royal Ranger missions activities specifically, such as efforts by Royal Rangers International to support Ranger ministries around the world. For more information on the Assemblies of God Light for the Lost ministry, on the web go to www.lftl.ag.org. For questions about the Potomac District LFTL Tour events, contact Dave Carter at pastorcarter2@verizon.net or (703) 421-3416.
Potomac District Light for the Lost 2014 Tour North Tour Speaker - Bill McDonald
Apr 7 Apr 8 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 12 Apr 13
Hancock AG, MD 6:30 PM Ocean City Worship Center, Berlin, MD 7:00 PM Oregon Grille, Cockeysville, MD 12:00 PM Trinity AG, White Hall, WV 7:00 PM Trinity AG, Midlothian, MD 5:30 PM Central AG, Cumberland, MD 5:30 PM Full Gospel AG, Prince Frederick, MD 6:00 PM
301-678-5313 410-641-3325 443-980-2629 304-363-8237 301-876-1324 301-777-3105 410-535-2446
South Tour Speakers - Rick Caswell & Bobby Basham
Apr 7 Apr 8 Apr 8 Apr 10 April 11 Apr 11 Apr 14 Apr 15
Mountain View AG, Capon Bridge, WV 6:00 PM Cheesecake Factory, Richmond, VA 12:00 PM Jubilee Christian Center, Fairfax, VA 7:00 PM Calvary AG, Virginia Beach, VA 7:00 PM Golden Corral, Harrisonburg, VA 11:30 AM Hazel River AG, Rixeyville, VA 7:00 PM Olive Garden, Colonial Heights, VA 12:00 PM Bethel Temple, Hampton, VA 7:00 PM
304-856-3514 804-920-1668 703-383-1170 757-495-1004 540-896-4235 540-937-6041 804-920-1668 757-826-1426
LFTL and the Gold Medal of Achievement requirements A Ranger who is now working on his GMA must attend two District LFTL events. Since some sections are now having luncheons instead of an evening banquet, we have come up with a few options. Rangers can either:
Attend two LFTL events (these usually take place in April each year), or
Attend one LFTL event and either a Saturday working on one of our “Extreme Church Makeover Projects” (three projects are scheduled this year) or a mission service at a local church.
A Ranger must complete a total of two events. If the LFTL event in your section doesn’t work and one in a different section does, feel free to attend that event. TOMAHAWK
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Royal Rangers Develops Transition Plan for Boy Scouts
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oyal Rangers is the largest Christian boys program of its kind. We offer Christ-like character formation and servant leadership development in a fun, interactive and highly relational environment. Our mission is to evangelize the world, equip the next generation of Christ-like men, and empower lifelong servant leaders. Over the years the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and Royal Rangers have shared a mutual respect for each other’s program. From time to time, people relocate and attempt to find a suitable replacement. In order to facilitate the transition of young men and leaders currently in the BSA to Royal Rangers, the following plan has been developed.
• Be in K‐12th grade in school but no more than 18 years of age. • Attend at least three regular Royal Rangers meetings. • Read and review with a legal guardian the booklet Preventing Child & Substance Abuse (available on the national ministry web site at http://royalrangers.com/ programs/policies). • Recite from memory the Royal Rangers pledge, code, motto, Golden Rule, and the meaning of the points of the emblem. (Ranger Kids are exempt from this requirement.) Complete specific membership requirements of the local Royal Rangers ministry, if any.
YOUTH MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Royal Rangers leaders are approved and appointed at the discretion of the local church leadership. However, Royal Rangers has established recommended standards for use when selecting leaders: • Complete the leadership screening and approval process required by the local church. • Be at least 18 years of age for Assistant Group Leaders or 21
Royal Rangers is a churchbased program, comprised of four groups—Ranger Kids (K‐2), Discovery Rangers (3rd‐5th), Adventure Rangers (6th‐8th), and Expedition Rangers (9th‐12th). Participation is open to boys who meet the basic membership requirements:
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LEADERSHIP & PARENTAL PARTICIPATION
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years of age for Group Leaders or Outpost Coordinators. • Meet the “Qualifications for Royal Rangers Leaders” (available on the national ministry website at http://royalrangers.com/programs/ policies). • Due to the program priority of mobilizing and resourcing godly male role models to mentor boys, men serve as the primary mentors in the ministry. However, women are encouraged to serve as Ranger Kids leaders, in outpost committee positions, and in key administrative capacities, or in organizational leadership positions. (The policy of “Women in Royal Rangers” is available on the national ministry web site at http://royalrangers.com/ programs/policies). Scoutmasters joining Royal Rangers will find the Royal Rangers training process to be very helpful. While the two programs share similarities, it has been determined that the best way for a new Ranger leader to understand the ministry is to complete the Outpost Leader Advancement Levels regardless of previous experience. (Follow this link to learn more about Royal Rangers adult training: http://royalrangers.com/ training/adult). SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS Royal Rangers is a churchbased program. All Royal Rangers programs must, therefore, operate as a ministry of their church under the direction of their church leadership. The General Council of the Assemblies of God-affiliated churches and those affiliated with the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America (PCCNA) are approved to charter a Royal Rangers program. All other churches must complete an approval process before chartering privileges will be granted. Contact
the national ministry office if you are an independent, non-AG, or non-PCCNA affiliated church interested in starting Royal Rangers. Chartering information is available on the national ministry website at http://royalrangers.com/programs/ chartering. BSA troops, packs or crews may transition in entirety from BSA membership to Royal Rangers provided all membership requirements are met for each individual and the group affiliates with a church as stated above. UNIFORMS The BSA and the Royal Rangers uniform are unique and represent our respective organizations. Neither leaders nor boys should wear BSA uniforms in Royal Rangers or attach BSA patches to Royal Rangers uniforms, vests or hats.
Example: Joey is a 15-year-old sophomore in high school who has earned six Boy Scout merits. He will enter Royal Rangers as an Expedition Ranger and receive credit for all six merits he has earned in Boy Scouts. To continue his advancement in Royal Rangers, he will earn required skill merits, remaining elective skill merits, Spirit Challenges (Bible studies), and leadership merits. Please note that because Royal Rangers is providing credit for merits it does not offer and because often merits that bear the same name have different requirements, a merit-badge-for-meritbadge equivalency is not being reached. Thus, credit in Royal Rangers is being offered at the
Example: One of Joey’s Boy Scout merits was Citizenship in the World. Royal Rangers does not offer this merit. So while credit toward advancement is being offered, no merit badge will be given since that merit does not exist in Royal Rangers. But Joey also earned the Scouts Cycling merit. Royal Rangers has a Cycling merit with similar requirements, but to avoid “double dipping,” Joey will not be awarded the Royal Rangers Cycling merit badge. If he wants to earn it, he can complete the Royal Rangers Cycling merit requirements and count it toward advancement. This transition plan gives Boy Scouts a significant head start on their advancement within Royal
ADVANCEMENT SYSTEM Advancement work completed in Boy Scouts may be applied toward advancement in Royal Rangers in the manner described below. Boy Scouts Royal Rangers is a merit-based program: advancement steps are completed by earning skill merits (some are required, but most are elective); Bible merits in Adventure Rangers or Spirit Challenges in Expedition Rangers, and leadership merits. To help Boy Scouts transition into Royal Rangers, credit for each Scout merit earned will be credited toward advancement in Royal Rangers as elective silver skill merits. This will also be true when a young man has earned a Boy Scout merit Royal Rangers does not offer. Boy Scout merits can be applied toward advancement in Adventure Rangers (6th-8th) or Expedition Rangers (9th-12th) at the time he transitions into Royal Rangers.
time of transition toward advancement steps to assist the Scout, but no specific merit badge recognition within Royal Rangers will be awarded even when merit badges bear the same name and have similar requirements. This will keep the transition simple and prevent “double dipping” (when a young man is given credit twice for advancement work he has done only once).
Rangers by honoring and recognizing their previous efforts in Boy Scouts. Cub Scouts and Webelos Webelos (4th-5th grade boys) may receive credit for each of their activity badges as elective blue skill merits counting them toward advancement requirements in Discovery Rangers (grades 3rd-5th). By
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Plan Establishes Transition Period, Equivalency Guidelines TRANSITION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
earning Bible merits, leadership merits, required skill merits, and any remaining elective skill merits, the young man can continue his advancement journey within Royal Rangers. No equivalency exists for Cub Scouts or Tiger Cubs. Venture Scouts, Varsity Scouts and Sea Scouts Due to significant differences between the Venture Scout Silver Award, the Sea Scout Quartermaster Award, and the Royal Rangers E3 Award, no equivalency can be established. However, Venture Scouts pursuing the BSA Ranger Award may receive one elective silver merit credit for advancement in Expedition Rangers for each of the eight core requirements completed and each elective completed. Since Varsity Scouts use the same advancement system as Boy Scouts, the transition plan described above for Boy Scouts also applies to Varsity Scouts.
rently. This will allow the Scout to join Royal Rangers, engage the new advancement system and program, and enjoy the journey without being distracted by continuing to look for points of equivalency. It should also be noted, when young men discover requirements in Royal Rangers similar to previously completed requirements in any BSA group, they will be asked
Note: Although Venture Scouts is a co-ed program for both guys and girls ages 14-20, only boys in grades 9th-12th qualify for membership in Expedition Rangers. Individuals 18 years of age or older can be considered for adult leadership positions in Royal Rangers if they meet the requirements described in the Leadership and Parental Participation section above. POLICY ON “TIME OF TRANSITION” AND “DUPLICATE REQUIREMENTS” When a Scout transitions, equivalency will be established only at the time he joins Royal Rangers and not later, or concur10
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to demonstrate their knowledge by repeating duplicate requirements. Source: This transition plan was prepared by National Royal Rangers Ministries, posted on line at http:// www.royalrangers.ag.org.
DISTRICT NEWS & INFORMATION
Saber Camp Registration Due by April 3 Potomac District will host an Elite Junior Leadership Camp (JLC) - or Saber Camp—on April 25-26, 2014 at First Assembly of God, 4210 Inn St., Triangle, Va. Registration for the camp is now open, and will close on April 3 with no exceptions. The complete registration package is available on the Potomac District Royal Rangers website at www.potomacrangers.org. To be eligible to attend this camp, a Ranger must have earned his GMA and have a Potomac District GMA number. If a Ranger has earned his GMA and know his GMA number but has not been awarded the GMA due to scheduling conflicts, he may still attend the Elite Camp. To attend, Rangers must also have attended five training camps. The required camps are Discovery Ranger Training Camp (DTC), Junior Leadership Training Camp (JLTC), Advanced Junior Leadership Training Camp (AJLTC), and two other camps from the following: Junior Training Trails (JTT), Junior Canoe Expedition (JCE), Junior Missions Camp (JMC) or Junior Survival Camp (JSC). This camp will focus on the proper wearing and use of your
saber and drilling exercises, as well as responsibilities to the district for color and honor guard roles. The cost of the Elite Camp is $175 per trainee, payable to the Potomac District with your registration paperwork, medical form and code of conduct form. Included in the cost of the camp are your Elite Beret and Patch and Workbook and Drill Book, Saber, Gloves, Saber Guard and Saber Chain. GMA Interview Opportunity The Northeast Region has set a date of April 12 for GMA interviews. If you have a Ranger that you think might be close to completing all his requirements, please contact Denise Raduano in the district office. The new process includes submitting an outline of the Ranger's oral presentation to the district review board, based on “A Guy’s Journey to Manhood.” This outline needs to be emailed to Denise, and she will forward to the district's GMA Coordinator Tyler Mazer. All paperwork also needs submitted, including GMA application forms A B C and a check for $12 for the GMA hat.
sent hardcopy via snail mail (US Postal) as well to Joey “Carver” Garthaffner, 8413 Hunters Lake Place, Chesterfield, Va. 23832. Collecting Ranger Supplies for Kenya Assemblies of God missionary Andy Whitman who is currently serving with Royal Rangers International in Africa will be shipping a container to Kenya with donated Royal Rangers supplies. All outposts are invited to help. Supplies needed include surplus Khaki uniforms for men and boys, khaki belts, bolo ties, patches, and other uniform items; serviceable tents, desks, folding chairs, and folding tables. No Ranger curriculum is needed; the Royal Ranger groups in Africa use a different curriculum. All donated supplies and materials will need to be delivered to the Whitman's temporary residence at 60 Cedar Hill Lane, Stafford, Va. 22556. Andy’s phone number is 540-286-3610 to make arrangements or email Awhitva@juno.com.
Buckskin Packets Due FCF members hoping to advance to Buckskin at Spring Trace must send their completed Buckskin packets to the Buckskin Rep by March 6. It will be best to send it softcopy via email to jgarthaffner@gmail.com, but it can be TOMAHAWK
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Individual P Support Program
articipants in the Individual Support Program for Potomac District Royal Rangers may select from one of the following membership categories (please check the appropriate box):
Supporting Member - A minimum donation of $25. Patron Member - A minimum donation of $50. Sustaining Member - A minimum donation of $100.
As a Supporting, Patron or Sustaining Member, you will receive a certificate of appreciation. With any gift of $250 or higher, you will also receive a scholarship to the Potomac District Pow Wow. Donors will be listed in the District Pow Wow program and the district’s Tomahawk newsletter. Any donation amount is welcome and may be noted below. Please indicate your payment preferences below.
Potomac District
In order to assist Potomac District Royal Rangers in outreach and related activities, I agree to contribute to the Individual Support Program the sum of $ ________ for the calendar year of __________. I will make the gift in cash (or check) over the year according to the following schedule:
Monthly
Semi-Annually
Quarterly
Payment in Full
Make checks payable to Potomac District Royal Rangers Pledge Records Please forward my statement of Pledge Records to the following address (if different than the address provided above):
Mail all contributions to: Potomac District Royal Rangers 608 Dunloy Ct. Timonium, MD 21093
NAME
NAME
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
CITY
CITY
STATE
STATE
ZIP
PHONE Signature
Date
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ZIP
Potomac District
Business & Church Support Program P
articipants in the Business & Church Support Program for Potomac District Royal Rangers may select from one of the following membership categories (please check the appropriate box):
Silver Member - A minimum donation of $250.
Reaching, Teaching and Keeping Boys for Christ
NAME BUSINESS NAME ADDRESS
Gold Member - A minimum donation of $500. Platinum Member - A minimum donation of $1,000. As a Silver, Gold or Platinum Member, you will receive a certificate of appreciation. With any gift of $250 or higher, you will also receive a scholarship to the Potomac District Pow Wow. Donors will be listed in the District Pow Wow program and the district’s Tomahawk newsletter. Any donation amount is welcome and may be noted below.
CITY STATE
ZIP
PHONE EMAIL
Please indicate your payment preferences below.
In order to assist Potomac District Royal Rangers in outreach and related activities, I agree to contribute to the Business & Church Support Program the sum of $ ________ for the calendar year of __________. I will make the gift in cash (or check) over the year according to the following schedule:
Monthly
Semi-Annually
Quarterly
Payment in Full
Make checks payable to Potomac District Royal Rangers Mail all contributions to: Potomac District Royal Rangers 608 Dunloy Ct. Timonium, MD 21093
Pledge Records Please forward my statement of Pledge Records to the following address (if different than the address provided above): NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE
ZIP
Signature Date TOMAHAWK
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Royal Rangers … More Than a Camping Trip By Adam Erwin
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oyal Rangers was a large and important part of my life. From age five through the college years, I was heavily involved in the ministry for boys and won National Ranger of the Year. I was also the youngest candidate to earn the Gold Medal of Achievement, with gold and two silver buffalos. Aside from teaching boys how to administer first aid, pitch a tent, and make a proper campfire, Royal Rangers also reinforces a way of life that seems to be lacking in our society today. Rangers, coupled with a supportive church and attentive parents, will produce high quality young men. It teaches them spiritual principles, introduces them to Jesus Christ and His Word, and instructs them in how to grow socially. Rangers also teaches boys how to be mentally strong. From the kinds of knots that work in certain situations to what Scriptures to use in leading a friend to Christ, Rangers teaches many things. Sure, it makes hiking and camping more fun, and canoeing is more enjoyable when you don’t flip the boat. Beyond that, it has helped me grow as a person. My college major was history, due primarily to my Rangers training. At the annual pow-wows (summer camps), the boys were required to role play an event from history. We were General Washington’s men storming a Britishheld island (in a state park), Robin Hood’s merry men (in a green army tent in the woods beside the church), or soldiers defending the Alamo (hiding behind hay bales outside a barn with a painted front, complete with an angel in a front-end loader as we all died). The training also helped me personally; I know how to put to14
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gether a uniform and show respect to a commander and others in authority. I know what it means to be selfless and how to minister not only as a pastor, but also as a regular guy. These traits are priceless in the world of military chaplaincy. As a friend of mine said, “Being in Rangers put me ahead of everyone else in flight.” This friend also won the Gold Medal of Achievement and was a National Ranger of the Year. He is now a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force and navigator of a highly classified plane. Royal Rangers is Ensign Adam Erwin, chaplain candidate, US Naval not just good for us mil- Reserve, graduated from Georgia Tech and is working itary types. I agree with on two masters degrees from Southwestern Christian another friend of mine University. He is also the associate and youth pastor at who noted that those of the Honea Path PH Church in South Carolina. us who did well in Rangers seemed to skip the trouWednesday night daycare. It is blesome teenage years. You read ministry. Men, here’s your assignthat correctly. Of course, that can ment, your adventure. Be a Ranger also be attributed to Christian upCommander, even if for only a bringing and church attendance, while. You are mentoring and but I believe it is due in large part teaching the boys, you are giving to the ministry of Royal Rangers. them knowledge and building reThe truths taught in Rangers have lationships with them that will a maturing effect on boys. prepare them not only for church The lessons taught and the or jobs, but for life. The words, ideals held in Rangers are only medals, skills, and even Scriptures part of the equation. Mottos, such are hollow except for the team of as “A Royal Ranger is alert, clean, the Holy Spirit and the dedicated honest, courageous, loyal, courteRanger Commander. ous, obedient, and spiritual,” or I hope to do a great service “Ready,” or “With God’s help I protecting my country and miniswill do my best to serve God, my tering to our warriors in my Navy church, and my fellow man…” are khakis. But I am not doing nearly good, strong, and right, but they as great a service as the one who are not enough. wears the Ranger khaki uniform. Royal Rangers is about reaching, teaching, and keeping boys for Reprinted from www.ag.org. Jesus Christ. Royal Rangers is not
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New Requirements in Effect for Gold Medal of Achievement
T
he requirements for Royal Rangers to earn the Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA) have been updated. A Royal Ranger must be at least 12 years old to qualify for the GMA. All requirements for the GMA must be completed before the applicant’s 18th birthday. (Note: For boys already in Expedition Rangers as of Fall 2013, this requirement may be waived until Dec. 31, 2014.) Recite from memory the Royal Rangers Pledge, Code, Motto, the meaning of the points of the Emblem, and the Golden Rule. Be A Silver Medal recipient for at least 9 months, or be a graduate of the 7th grade. Be at least 12 years old. Serve in one or more leadership positions in Adventure Rangers for an additional 6 months, for a total of 12 months. Demonstrate the ability to present the plan of salvation to someone. Read “A Guy’s Journey for Manhood” by Doug Marsh. Complete the GMA Capstone Project. Submit outline for an oral presentation. Appear before a district GMA Review Board. The oral presentation will be given as part of the district interview. Capstone Project
The Capstone Project requires that a GMA candidate read A Guy’s Journey for Manhood by Doug Marsh, answering all questions at the end of each chapter, keeping a journal and working with a project
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coordinator. The book may be purchased through Gospel Publishing House. Oral Presentation
The GMA candidate will give an oral presentation to the district GMA Review Board. An outline of the oral presentation needs to be submitted prior to oral presentation. Now that the boy has gone through the process of considering where God has brought him and has set some clear goals for where he believes the Lord is leading him, it’s now important to share what he has learned with others. This presentation can be the most beneficial part of this entire learning process because it will help a young man to establish in his mind the path on which God is leading him. Deciding what to speak about may be tough for some young men. Commanders play a key role in guiding them through this process by explaining that they can use specific highlights from Royal Rangers or experiences that he has learned. The speech is not intended to be an explanation of the code, pledge, motto etc., but should reflect the values and benefits received from his Ranger experience and the lessons learned from the book A Guy’s Journey to Manhood. Once a young man has decided on a topic it is important to create an outline. The outline will serve multiple purposes for each Ranger. It will be an excellent tool for gathering thoughts and formulating the organization of his oral presentation.
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Uniform for GMA Interviews
Boys may wear either the Dress Khaki (Old Class B) uniform or full Royal Ranger Utility uniform for their GMA interview. The full Utility uniform consists of blue tactical pants, black belt, black shoes and socks; utility shirt tucked in; pins (drape medals), ribbons or patches; any white T-shirt under the Utility shirt; and the Royal Ranger leader’s bolo tie. Revised GMA Packet
A Revised Senior Commander GMA Packet is available on Potomac District Royal Rangers website at www.potomacag.org/ potomac_royal_rangers.asp. The packet reflects all new requirements for earning the GMA and provides guidelines for the oral presentation and outline, along with required applications and suggestions for a GMA ceremony in the local church.
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
Gary Wagner - Publications/Outreach Coordinator 3905 Swanson Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 garywagner54@aol.com (540) 898-7415
Nate Hawthorne - Junior Aide de Camp 3005 Lochary Rd. Bel Air, MD 21015 natehaw97@gmail.com (443) 876-8279
Homer Kitchen - Deputy District Commander 8614 Apple Harvest Dr. Gerrardstown, WV 25420 Kitchenhl@msn.com (304) 229-5793
Mike Cocolin - Missions Coordinator 8413 Elvaton Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 mjcocolin@msn.com (410) 315-8433
Tommy Horton - Junior Aide de Camp 5719 Amelia Springs Circle Haymarket, VA 20169 thomas.a.horton@gmail.com
Bob Blessing - Deputy District Commander 304 Lincoln Ave., St. Michaels, MD 21663 jrblessing@gmail.com (410) 443-7657
Gary Groves - RR Alumni President 2326 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, MD 21784 blaznbear@verizon.net (410) 781-0236
Cliff Jewell - Staff Advisor 9150 James Madison Hwy. Warrenton, VA 20186 jewellsrthe1@aol.com (540) 216-3365
Mark Brannon - FCF Chapter President 2815 Angus Chase Lane, Huntingtown, MD 20639 capseccmdr@verizon.net (443) 486-5199
Linda Cocolin - Health Officer 8413 Elvaton Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 lkcocolin@msn.com (410) 315-8433
Sam Linn - Staff Advisor 1687 McCoys Ford Rd. Front Royal, VA 22630 shlinn@comcast.net (540) 635-7497
Harry Hawthorne - Pow Wow Coordinator 3005 Lochary Rd. Bel Air, MD 21015 harry@sitesupportservices.com (410) 420-2215
Seth Van de Ven - Special Aide de Camp 3202 Amberley Lane Fairfax, VA 22031 seth.vandeven@gmail.com (703) 560-5886
Tracy Groves - Staff Advisor 2340 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, MD 21784 tgghunter@verizon.net (410) 781-4906
Phil Georg - Training Coordinator 111 East H St. Brunswick, MD 21716 philgeorg@hotmail.com (301) 834-9871
Tyler Mazer - GMA Coordinator 99 Shenandoah View Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 camarocougar@comcast.net (304) 876-1875
Dick Aldridge - Staff Advisor 46 Tadcaster Circle Waldorf, MD 20602 raaldridge@paville.org (301) 645-9091
Craig Powis - Junior Training Coordinator 100 Kingbrook Rd. Linthicum, MD 21090 cpowis@juno.com
Isaac Brannon - Special Aide de Camp P. O. Box 390 Owings, MD 20736 itbrannon@verizon.net (410) 257-9446
Brandon Campbell - FCF Scribe 116 Ellis Martinsburg, WV 25404 redneckbaker@aol.com (304) 268-1807
Chris Basham - Media/Productions 166 Serviceberry Ct. Stephens City, VA 22655 cbasham@live.com (540) 869-8432
Dale Eger - Special Aide de Camp 8213 W B & A Rd. Severn, MD 21144 Dale.eger77@gmail.com (410) 980-7134
David Jimerson - District EMT 4812 Amberjack Ct. Virginia Beach, VA 23464 dcjimerson@hotmail.com (757) 822-8375
SECTIONAL COMMANDERS Mark Brannon - Capital Virginia Section 2815 Angus Chase Lane, Huntingtown, MD 20639 capseccmdr@verizon.net (410) 257-9446
Ken Black - Eastern Section P. O. Box 58 Manchester, MD 21102 Talloak218@aol.com (410) 239-2645
Mark Brannon - Capital Maryland Section 2815 Angus Chase Lane, Huntingtown, MD 20639 capseccmdr@verizon.net (410) 257-9446
Robert “Buzz” Gregory - Eastern Shore Section 9260 Hickory Mill Rd. Salisbury, MD 21801 Buzzgregory@comcast.net (410) 742-0415
Ken O’Maley - Central Section 11042 Settletown Place Rixeyville, VA 22737 kenomaley@aol.com (540) 937-6139
Jerry Sinden - Northeast Section 1805 Milstream Dr. Frederick, MD 21702 Sindenfred@aol.com (301) 620-0034
Marvin Boswell - Southern Section P. O. Box 35 Rockville, VA 23146 mwboswell@gmail.com (804) 749-8397
Northwest Section Jerry Sinden (Acting)
Phil Vieth - Tidewater North Section 200 Treis Trail Yorktown, VA 23693 philvieth@verizon.net (757) 766-8351 Roger Riendeau - Tidewater South Section 7719 Doris Dr. Norfolk, VA 23505 roger.riendeau@cox.net (757) 440-8432
Greg Barr - North Central Section Box 384, Fort Ashby, WV 26719 ncscribe@yahoo.com (540) 580-9615 Western Section Greg Barr (Acting)
Potomac District Royal Rangers on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/PotomacRangers
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