NNED Pow Wow 2010-“The High Adventure”

By Jay M. Woodward
NNED Publications Coordinator
 

    The weekend of August 21-23, at the Pemi Valley Fish and Game Club in Holderness, New Hampshire, Northern New England District Royal Rangers held its Summer Pow Wow, this year known as the FCF High Adventure.  The event’s location was changed from Camp Marist at Lake Ossipee where it had been held for the previous four years, and the task of putting it all together was done by none other than the brothers of the King’s Pine Chapter of the Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship.  Led by FCF President Bruce “Moose Call” Paquette, they came together, planned the events and made all the arrangements necessary for a fun and enjoyable weekend for all those in attendance!   Nearly 100 boys and leaders came out for a fun weekend of camping, fellowship, competition, good food, and most importantly, to draw closer to Christ.

    The motto of the King’s Pine Chapter is ad dare servire- “To give and to serve.”  The brothers of FCF really lived up to their motto and showed real servant’s hearts throughout the weekend, making all of the necessary arrangements for the weekend to be a success. They had their Dutch Ovens always ready for anyone who wanted to sample a taste of FCF cuisine.   They gave boys and leaders a real “taste” of what FCF is all about!

On Friday, FCF set up its campsite and prepared for Outposts to arrive.  By Friday evening, all had pitched their tents and prepared for the fun day of activities to come.   At Saturday morning assembly, Commander Bruce and the FCF Staff announced that everyone would be taking part in a brush-clearing project on the Pemi Fish and Game Club grounds for an hour.   The Club agreed to let Rangers use its grounds at no charge, and this was done as a return favor.   Boys and leaders came together to clear brush and leave the property looking better than it was before they came, which is what Rangers is all about!   Following the service project, and a short devotion from Commander Gary “Trapper” Ledoux, it was time for the activities to begin!

There were a variety of events for boys to take part in throughout the day.  The boys would receive point scores, and the opportunity for a prize ribbon, for Hawk throwing, Archery, and the Black Powder/Woods Walk events.  There were the timed events, namely the Pancake Race to see how quickly boys could cook an edible pancake, Knot Tying, and Flint and Steel Fire,that gave the opportunity to test their outdoor and camping skills.  Outposts also took part in building primitive shelters that would be judged by none other than Ryley “Grin’n Cub” Paquette!   Finally, there was also Candle Making and Leather Craft stations, which showcased the creative side of FCF and invited boys and adults to take part.   

    
    Saturday evening’s Council Fire was a very special occasion.  Four boys were water baptized in a specially-made water tank.  Pastor Garry Hamilton of First A/G in Auburn, NH, got the honors of performing the baptisms, where the boys got the chance to publicly declare their dedication of faith in Jesus Christ.   Jim “Firebird” Archmoody led in a time of worship, following which five new FCF members were introduced.   Commander Kendall Sperrey gave an excellent devotion on casting off the sin in our lives, cutting it from the roots, and gave the opportunity for boys and adults to throw real roots into the glowing Council Fire at the altar call!  Finally, Commander Willy Gusha displayed a servant’s heart as well by giving Ranger age-group posters to each Outpost in attendance, to take back to their churches to help promote the ministry!

On Sunday morning, awards were handed out for the first, second, and third place winners in each age group (Discovery, Adventure, Expedition) from Saturday’s activities, bringing a fantastic conclusion to Pow Wow 2010!

    Indeed, the High Adventure was a highly successful event.   The character and dedication of the boys and leaders of Rangers, and FCF in particular, was in full display.  There was good sportsmanship and great fellowship throughout the weekend.  Also, God blessed the weekend with great weather and very little rain!   Again, hats off to all who came together and made Pow Wow 2010 an adventure to remember!