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Staff Update

Discovery Training Camp (DTC)

By Brian Hendrickson

Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas lies a church that has chosen to reach the next generation of boys through a ministry called Royal Rangers. The leaders (commanders) of this ministry have one common belief: boys must be involved in ministry. "If we want to develop the leadership necessary for their personal success and the success of the gospel of Christ in the years to come, then boys need to experience leadership in a godly environment."

The most effective method the commanders have chosen is the patrol system-yes, the same patrol system we teach about in Ranger Basics. You probably have said to yourself, "Yeah, that works for some guys, but we can barely keep a grip on these boys now. Can you imagine if we gave them some responsibility? It would be a zoo." Senior Commander Andy Treat from Berryville Assembly of God, Berryville , Ark. , had to overcome some of these concerns at Outpost 259. Ask those men and boys today, and they would wonder how you could run an outpost without the patrol system.

The question is, how do we train our boys? Information concerning the patrol system can be found in the Leaders Manual, is peppered throughout the leaders guides, and is thoroughly explained in Ranger Basics. But is there more? The answer is yes: Junior Leadership Training Academy .

The first camp any of the boys should attend is the Discovery Training Camp. The DTC was designed with three goals in mind. First, boys need to be taught, then placed in a position to teach others and grow. During the DTC, boys are taught how to develop patrol spirit. This is done through patrol songs, yells, and flags. They learn how to develop a team, a group of boys with a common purpose and plan. When given the right tools boys can accomplish a lot more than we give them credit for.

Second, boys are taught to be leaders by demonstrating skills as they serve as senior patrol guides, patrol guides, assistant guides, quartermasters, and scribes. As they experience the DTC, they are taught how to help in the local outpost meeting and how they can assist the commander. Sure these boys are young, Discovery and Adventure Rangers, but they can and will become great leaders.

Lastly, these boys are taught specific leadership skills. The chart details the classes boys will be taking during the DTC. In all the classes the boys are taught, using the Ranger way of teaching, they are given an opportunity to demonstrate those new skills immediately.

In the summer of 2003 the national office sponsored four training camps for Royal Rangers. The DTC had 24 boys in attendance, and as commanders they performed above all our expectations. Probably because we didn't give them enough credit!

They learned how to make friends, pray with each other, and become leaders with high expectations. A number of boys had to overcome the initial pangs of homesickness, but they quickly became a part of the group and performed their duties admirably. Many stated they wished the camp had lasted a few more days.

Is this camp open only to Discovery Rangers? No. However, most of the boys attending will be Discovery Rangers. Adventure Rangers and commanders are also encouraged to attend. However, the commanders will not become involved in the patrol spirit aspects of the camp.

It would also be beneficial to have the boys take Basic DTC. This is actually a course the boys can complete at the local outpost. The Basic DTC, as well as at least three other junior camps, will be ready for use in March 2004. Each year the national office will release more junior camps.

The great thing about the DTC is that it can be held at the section through district levels. When this camp was pilot tested a few years ago, it was very successful even in a very small section. Each year 20 to 24 boys attended in a section that typically did not run more than four active Royal Ranger outposts. The reason for this success is the length and low cost for the camp. (Your district will have the information about the cost.)

The camp usually starts Friday afternoon and finishes by Saturday afternoon. It can be held at a campground, church, or during the District Junior Camps Academy . The national office added two more days when holding the camp so the length would coincide with the other junior camps. The boys were taught a number of merits during those two very packed days.

In conclusion, it would be best to describe the role of the camp commander for the DTC. He will direct this camp as if he were directing the outpost at his local church. Yes, he will be firm and establish very clear and precise rules. He will not be a "heavy," such as the stereotypical drill instructor. He will place high expectations upon the boys and truly believe they can accomplish the assigned task. His example will not only show boys how to be a strong, confident, and spiritual leader, but it will also teach him how to live a godly life.