The Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (originally called the Frontiersmen Camping Fraternity) was founded in the summer of 1966. For some time prior to this, the Royal Rangers National Commander, Johnnie Barnes, had felt the need for a special honor society to give recognition to men and older boys who had distinguished themselves in advancement, training and camping.
The early American Frontiersmen were an excellent example of people’s ability to adapt to the outdoors and the wilderness. Their achievements were also an example of courage and determination. The National Royal Rangers Office, therefore decided to base this fellowship on the lore and traditions of these early frontiersmen. In 1972, the first National FCF Rendezvous was held at Fantastic Caverns, near Springfield, Mo. Two hundred boys and men came to that first Rendezvous. Today, Rendezvous are held every four years, and attendance has grown to one thousand men and boys. Territorial Rendezvous occur every two years between the National Rendezvous in each region of the United States. Today there is an organized FCF Chapter in every district that is capturing the imagination of boys and men across America. |