| Royal Rangers, A Structure for Teamwork
As I drove up Interstate 65 to get to Camp Ambassador where the National Training Camp was being conducted that year, I little imagined the great lesson on teamwork that I would learn during the next three days.
Having pastored for a number of years, I knew about Royal Rangers. I had attended several powwows during that time with my son who was in Rangers. But this time I was attending NTC because I was the district Men's director, and Royal Rangers was under my portfolio. It was necessary that I become well acquainted with the ministry. So my motivation was out of necessity, as well as respect and appreciation for Royal Rangers.
After arriving at the camp I began to realize that I was not equipped for this experience. I had only one pair of blue socks, which were needed to match the Royal Rangers uniform. I had several pair of white shocks and a pair of tennis shoes. I did have a pair of black shoes. I solved the sock problem by wearing the same pair of blue socks over the white socks, and only the guys in my troop knew about it.
During orientation we were given the guidelines that would govern the camp. We discovered that the Camp Commander followed the role of the nice guy, and the Senior Guide for the Camp was the not-so-nice guy. We were given our assignments and spare-time projects (even though there was no spare time), and we were told that if one failed in the troop of eight, then all would fail.
During the next three days, we received excellent training in the areas of woodcraft, first-aid, setting up camps, cooking, compass reading, knot tying, lashing, and many other skills, some in which I was not experienced. It became apparent that each of us excelled with different skills. To complete the assignments that we were given on time, we would need each other.
As we completed each day's tasks, we became more of a unit committed to the mutual success of the troop. If there were tasks that were particularly difficult, we were driven to get them done, because we realized that if we failed our whole troop would be affected by the failure.
By the time we had accomplished all of our objectives and had our celebration campfire service on the final evening, we had formed a strong bond of unity. A special place in our hearts was discovered only for our troop, but for the commanders who had served as instructors and leaders of the camp, and a mutual respect for the other troops who were in the same training with us.
At the closing campfire service, the joy of surviving and the pride of achieving created in me (and I believe in each of us) a spiritual high that lasted for days after the camp was concluded. One pastor said at the closing campfire service, "The first day I thought that I needed to cast the devil out of the senior guide and go home. But by the closing service, it was apparent NTC had proven to be a great bonding experience for all of us!"
I still cherish many of the items that were presented to me by our camp staff. They all hold a deep meaning for me: the rawhide shield presented by the senior guide and leadership, and a walking stick presented to me by one of the instructors.
A few days ago, almost 10 years after NTC, I was moved when I received a letter from a pastor who served as senior guide for our troop. He pastors a church in a neighboring district. He said, "I was in prayer and thought of you and prayed for you." He affirmed me and expressed appreciation for our friendship.
I have no doubt that the NTC experience helped to forge that bond that exists until this day. Even now as I visit the different churches where my troop partners serve as deacons and Royal Ranger leaders, it is always special to see them again.
I discovered that lasting and meaningful relationships are formed out of being involved in mutual projects where each person must contribute to achieve the task. I discovered what we could not successfully accomplish as individuals, we can accomplish by working together! John Maxwell says, "Teamwork makes the Dream work!"
Royal Rangers is one of the finest ministries we have in the Assemblies of God to teach teamwork and to build meaningful relationships among men as well as among boys! I salute the commanders who serve this great fellowship in preparing boys to be come men of God. My prayer is "May God bless the efforts of Royal Ranger commanders as they prepare themselves and the boys they serve." |
