The Value of Royal Rangers to Me

By Justin Tiew

As boys grow up, they tend to become more energetic and often find ways to express their vigor and enthusiasm. More often than not, these boys often get involved in activities which are unwholesome. The Royal Rangers serves as an avenue for these boys to make use of their immeasurable amount of energy, within a controlled Christian environment. Camping and outdoor activities which are often held in by the Royal Rangers for the boys will not only increase their physical fitness, but also enable them to learn new skills. Through the advancement programme, the boys are taught fire craft, cooking, first aid, compass usage, rope craft, and other essential skills. They are then given the chance to practice what they have learnt through campouts. Rock-climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking trips are also planned out for the older boys. All these activities ensure the physical needs of boys are well-taken cared of and their excess energy maximized in the best way possible.

The Royal Rangers programme also helps boys in their mental development, guiding them through the period adolescence right up to young adulthood. One of the characteristics in growing boys is that they are easily influenced what they see and hear. They are often not matured enough to make the best decisions, resorting to role models. The commanders thus indirectly become role models of the boys. When the boys are exposed to these leaders who set good examples, they will follow suit and cultivate the good values which always proves valuable in the later part of their life. The advancement programme which can be earned gives the boys a chance to explore a wide range of topics and subjects other than that learnt in school. The Royal Rangers programme also inculcates in boys self-discipline, a strong determination to succeed through the earning of award merits, and a sense of responsibility towards God, his church, family, and community.

Besides that, a boy is given an opportunity to interact and mix around freely with other boys who come from diverse backgrounds. This enables the boys to initiate new friendships, which sometimes last even through adulthood. The life of a Royal Ranger is not about reaching the destination, but about making the best and enjoying every part of the everlasting journey. Good friendships are hard to come by, but one which is found through the Royal Rangers is sure to last. During meetings, campouts, and outdoor activities, the boys get to fellowship with one another. Over the conversations, and sometimes arguments, these boys will, in time, learn how to respect and relate to one another. As we know, the organizational structure of the Royal Rangers programme is such that the boys are grouped into patrols. This patrol system allows close interaction between patrol members and this instills in them values such as unity, loyalty, and social equality.

In the effort of developing the total boy for Christ, the Royal Rangers puts a heavy emphasis on spiritual growth. This emphasis is in line with the fundamental purpose of the Royal Rangers, which is to reach, teach, and keep boys for our Lord Jesus Christ. As such, with leaders who maintain good Christian conduct, the boys are able to emulate these leaders in setting their priorities right before God. Through the Royal Rangers, the boys have the privilege of seeking counsel from the right people who will give advice and guidance based on the Word. Furthermore, the spiritual souls of the boys are fed and nurtured with Bible Study programmes held. This ensures that the boys develop spiritually in righteousness and will know how to make decisions pertaining to what is right and wrong. Prayer meetings held before the usual meetings also greatly encourage the boys to pray on a daily basis.
 

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