2009 Leaders Equipping Conference

The 2009 Louisiana Royal Rangers Leaders Equipping Conference is now history. We thank all our presenters and Certified Instructors who conducted the sessions.

One of the topics that was shared was the ongoing District Ranger of the Year plans for Louisiana. Even though the national office will not be supporting a Ranger of the Year program beyond the local outpost, we will continue to do a modified program here in Louisiana. A team of leaders headed up by Alton Foster will be unveiling the plan later this year.

Commander Craun shared the theme rationale "Back to the Future" in his luncheon devotion. Sixteen leaders completed modules towards the Leaders Medal of Achievement and two fun and informative sessions were presented.

Mack Billeaud headed up a cast iron cooking class in the morning and Dennis Ryan did an excellent job on planning for a backpacking trip.

All in all those who attended were informed, inspired, and encouraged.

Kolt Kays GMA presentation

Only a few really ever make it and I am always delighted when another Ranger is awarded the Gold Medal of Achievement.

Kolt Kays completed his requirements the fall of last year, but because of schedule conflicts was not presented his GMA until last Sunday night February 15.

I have known Kolt for many years now. He was the tag along with former Louisiana district commander D.E. Stroud. Kolt has represented our Jim Bowie chapter of the FCF for several years now and just completed the Wilderness advancement this last January.

Kolt was the fouth Ranger to receive their GMA last year.

Regional Conference & ROTY report

Time is rapidly running around the February calendar. We just finished last weekend the Regional Ranger of the Year and Gulf Region RR Leaders Conference.

Andrew Klein represented Louisiana well at the testing. Our Expedition Rangers contestant Joseph Reynolds was not able to attend due to school conflicts.

This is the last year for 5 years that the Region will be hosting a Ranger of the Year competition. The National RR office will be focusing their energies on other areas of the ministry that will affect many more Ranger boys.

We now have a new Regional coordinator - David North. David did an excellent job with juggling the new agenda. There was a great representation of Rangers from the 5 districts that make up our Region.
Two of our Royal Rangers International missionary candidates gave us an update on the progress of preparation to get on their field of service as a missonary to Royal Rangers around the world.

The district superintendent of Tennessee presented a challenging message on "Is everything right with the boy"

We are in the middle of water school this week and getting ready to start our Louisiana District Leaders Equipping Conference starting Friday night February 20th. Check out the details on our web site http://www.larr.org/