LARR

2011 Ranger Kids Adventure Day Camp

2011-04-12T08:00:00.001-07:00

Beautiful! simply beautiful was the day scheduled for the 2011 Ranger Kids Adventure Day Camp. Exciting, fabulous, and fast moving are other descriptives that accurately describe what took place.

We are posting some of the video taken on UTube, so keep a look out for it. Here are a few samples of what took place last Saturday, April 9th.

Leesville Ranger buildings dedication

2011-01-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

Commander Roy Owers holds the dedication ribbon just cut for the new Royal Rangers buildings recently constructed.

Pastor Danny Baker stands with Bro. Roy on the porch built between the two meeting rooms.

Cedar trees carved out for seats and a lashing project stand in one corner.

John David gave a testimony of what the LA RR Adventure Academy ment to him this past year.

2010 executive staff meeting- MATT Sqad camp development

2010-12-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

Good fellowship around a great meal helps make for a great staff meeting

Executive staff members Nelson Jones (with Dossie) Alton Foster, Dennnis Ryan, Loren Klein and yours turly David Craun. Bryan Craun, Lee Hernandez, and Dean Tillman were not able to attend due to conflicts.

2010 Frontier Adventure

2010-11-15T19:15:00.000-08:00

The whole bunch

Great fellowship was a central theme during the recent Frontier Adventure conducted at Twin Lakes Camp November 12-14. Thirty-six individuals convened t0 make a great time for all.

Spider giving an inspirational devotion

New FCF Members

Six Frontiersmen that advanced to Buckskin level

District Scout lighting Buckskin fire

New Buckskin candidates at induction ceremony

Yours truly, "Red Fox" with signature fire poker

More photos are on the Jim Bowie FCF chapter Face Book page

Pow Wow winners

2010-10-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

The real trophies: 58 boys accept Christ

Class A First Place: Lafayette First

Class A Second Place: Bastrop First

Class A Thirst Place: West Monroe

Christ Church

Class B first place - New Iberia First

Class B second place: Family Life,

Lafayette

Class B third place - Rocky Branch

With the best attendance since Katrina and outstanding weather we are so grateful to the Lord for His blessings and favor. Praise the Lord. Over 300 registered campers + visitors.

Faithful Servant - Jesse Coker

2010-09-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Jesse and Brenda Coker at Pineville First Assembly -
their home church

A line of current and former Royal Rangers under Jesse's 30 years of service to Rangers

Recently retired senior pastor Robert & Patsey Hearne remember when Jesse first turned his life over to Christ.

Jesse's daughters sang a beautiful song opening the service.

Gary Meloncon, former deputy district commander, gave a tribute to Jesse as a friend and as a dedicated swimming instructor.

National Ranger Ministries Camp

2010-08-07T22:32:00.000-07:00

Something Old, something new... kinda describes the new national camp of Ranger Leaders. The NRMC is the new version of what used to be called National Training Camp. I spent the day facilitating the Initiative Activities. Enjoy the pics.

2010 Adventure Academy

2010-07-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

This year's Boys Adventure Academy demonstrated the integrety of a camp for boys that are mentored by men searching for God's best in their lives. It is the man - boy thing with God in the middle that makes it such a unique camp experience. We are grateful to the Lord for the 23 boys saved and the many who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. See more pics on Facebook/David L. Craun's page

2010 Academy - Monday

2010-06-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Louisiana Boys Adventure Academy is officially under way. Boys and leaders from 5 states converged on Twin Lakes Camp in Woodworth to participate in this years exciting activities.
Enjoy the pics

2010 LARR Adventure Trail - Chicot State Park

2010-05-02T16:15:00.001-07:00

Three outpost brought guys to experience this year's Adventure Trail. Chicot State Park provides a medium challenge hiking trail. The guys camped right at the edge of the lake with all the night creatures looking on. We brought in the canoes Saturday morning and after lunch headed out braving strong wind gusts. We passed large alligators along the way and many varieties of water foul. All the guys (and gals - Katie came with her dad Dennis ,and Maegn came down Saturday morning to finish the day hike and be my bowman for the canoe jount) had and exciting time. Andrew and Loren Klein opted to hike all the way back to the starting point instead of taking the canoes. Getting ready for this year's STT at Academy.

Out of the woods Satruday morning.
Photo by: Maegn Patin

Resting after a 3 mile jount Saturday morning.

Ranger Kids Adventure Day Camp

2010-05-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

2010 is the first RK Adventure Day Camp with the new format.
Thanks to all who made this day outstanding, exciting, and fun for all - kids and adults alike.

Group shoots

Mike Jonker led an outstanding worship time.

Interactive illustrated message led by Mike

"Be the Light" is our 2010 state wide Rangers theme

Indian Foot Race

Frisbe golf - RK style

Cheers

Soap Box push car is aways a hit

BB shoot was very popular

Scooter Race

Cross country bike race

The obstacle course was a challenge

Soccer Kick ball is fun

2010 ICS

2010-03-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Ranger leaders from all across Louisiana converged at the Assemblies of God state office to update their skills as instructors and as local leaders. Royal Rangers is undergoing another morph in its training and equipping of leaders as well as boys and young men. The new interactive Ranger Basics puts aside the fill-in-the-blank style of learning for more involvement type training. The very new Ranger Essentials follows this same course. Enjoy the pics.

2010 National Royal Rangers Conference

2010-03-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

Yep, it is a conference now, not a council. Not a single thing voted on. That's OK since we were jam packet with updates and reminders as well as new ministry tools. The Excellence Initiative was a whirlwind informative day and half of dynamic challenges for the Royal Rangers ministry. We will be spending the rest of the year tooling out its impact for Louisiana.
Enjoy the pics of the conference. Check out our Face Book page David Lee Craun for more pics. Stephens Ernsts has some good pics as well on his Face Bood page.
National Director Doug Marsh

Ast. General Supt. at Silver Eagle Celebration

Honoring the boy

Justin Fennel comedy at Silver Eagle

Silver Eagle Celebration

Mike King - Nat. Patfinder missionary

LA delegation with Director Marsh

Devotions at the LEAD Seminar

LEAD Seminar

Stage set up for LEAD

2010 RR Leaders Equipping Conference

2010-02-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a time of encouragement, fellowship, inspiration, and Spirit led direction. Twenty some local, sectional, and district Royal Rangers met with Commander Craun Friday night to share their heart and where they were in the Rangers ministry. This was so exciting to see the passion of these leaders to evangelize, equip and empower the next generation of young men and boys for Christ.
District Training Coordinator Lee Hernandez

Awards Luncheon

What a spread of delicious food

Build your own deli

Manson Reynolds teaching the New Ranger Basics Interactive

Diligent learners
Check in and get under way

Manson Reynolds

New Leaders from St. Luke, New Orleans, Hosanna in Morrero, Hosanna in Baton Rouge, and Vinyard in Shreveport

District Assessment team reviewing "Habittudes" series by Tim Elmore

District Royal Rangers Director David Craun

District Training Coordinator Lee Hernandez

Lee Hernandez

District Leaders sharing their hearts

FCF President Steve Boyer

District Director David Craun sharing the vision of Rangers in Louisiana

2010-02-10T20:39:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Gulf Region Royal Rangers Conference was a great success. Lots of sessions for leaders as well as Rangers made it an outstanding event.

Ladies craft class

FCF craft class

District Training Coordinator Lee Hernandez at lunch

FCF President Steve Boyer with National Commander Doug Marsh

Our Louisiana deligation at the Gulf Region Conference

Snake Hunter and Miss Dossie

The Ranger Baiscs class being taught at Regional

Display board

Gulf Region Royal Rangers Conference

2010-02-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

FCF Trace 2010

2010-01-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

Bro. Darren Clark challenged us to live a holy life.

Part of the frozen chosen: it was really cold.

Cooking iron - more than one way to keep warm.

That's why they call it a smoke pole.

Ready, aim, fire....

Dennis Ryan (in the hunters frock) completed his wilderness vigil on one of the coldest nights in recent history.

Fire wood warms you more than once.

41 brave souls attended Trace

These are just some of the scenes from our recent FCF Trace at Twin Lakes Camp in Woodworth.

camping pavilion extension

2009-12-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

Three days and 9 tired workers later we can see the results of their labor. We added a 20x20 area the the camping pavilion that was constructed about 18 years ago under the direction of Mack Billeaud.
Ron Clausin and Nelson Jones came down from Bastrop First and ram-rodded a crew of 6 Teen Challenge guys that came to the camp to help out. This area will allow us to have much more room for our events and plenty of space to cook and prepare food without crowding out the area for dining and meeting.
We were able to finish all the framing and gable end facing and all the sheet metal roofing on one side. The rest of the roofing will be installed later this coming week.
Plans to modify the smoke stack on the cooker, place a grill top over the fire box, and install a tripple sink clean up area are also under way. We anticipate to have this completed in time to use at the upcoming Trace in January.

camp pavillion extension

2009-12-10T19:10:00.001-08:00

Construction has begun on the addition to the camping pavilion. We are adding 20 feet to the existing structure to have more room for the cooking area. We anticipate having it completed in time to use for the upcoming FCF Trace in January.

2009 Frontier Adventure

2009-11-15T14:21:00.000-08:00

What a great weekend we had at the Frontier Adventure. We had 10 new Frontiersmen and 2 new Buckskin advancements take place. Randy (Spider) Henry did devotions for us and David (Red Fox) Craun spoke on "Wind in the Fire" at the Saturday night Council Fire. Thanks to all the officers and staff that made this such a great advent. Not only did the "Greenhorns" complete all the requirements to become Frontiersmen, they also made a "S" hook in the blacksmith shop and completed a blackpowder shooting safety course taught by Lee (Red Dog) Hernandez. Steven "Tender Heart" Boyer did an excellent job on the traps and snares class. Candle did his stuff as Scout to the 10 degree. All the staff presented excellent classes. Eagle Scout as always was superb with keeping the records as our Scribe. Snake Hunter has a great staff and coordinated all the events and instructors well. Special thanks goes to Will "Swamp Rat" Landry and his crew for putting out delicious meals. Everyone worked together well to make it all happen in good order.

2009-11-02T17:46:00.000-08:00

The Jim Bowie chapter FCF traveled to Missouri for the '09 Territorial Rendezvous held last weekend. Even though it rained hard on Thursday, we had a great time of fellowship and renewed friendships.

Snake Hunter with missionary David Jenkins

Cooking up lunch

Grabbing a snack

More cooking

"Twiggy" in front of the Buckskinners store

"Two Forks" in his smithy

Flint Knapping

Knife throwing

Hawk throwing

"White Dove" in front of his lodge

"Copper Head" showing his creations

The Luna guys chilling out

Jim Bowie campers at Rendezvous

2009 Pow Wow

2009-10-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

In spite of rain and tornados in the north part of the state, about 250 brave Rangers and leaders entered the gates of Twin Lakes Camp for the 2009 Royal Rangers Pow Wow. Even though we had to take our council fires inside and lots of folks ended up bunking in the dorms, we were able to do all the scheduled events and give out lots and lots of ribbons and trophies. Check out the photo albums posted on my Facebook page at David Lee Craun for a complete photo gallary of the weekend.

'09 Ranger of the Year

2009-09-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

300% increase sounds like a lot more, but when there were only two contestants last year, 300% adds up to 6 for this year. While the national RR ministry is putting the Ranger of the Year on hold, we are trying several things here in Louisiana to see what works best to give honor to those Rangers who have done exceptionally well in their advancements and Ranger skills and knowledge. Two Discovery, two Adventurer, and two Expedition Rangers worked together to put on a council fire service Friday night while their leadership traits were being evaluated. The end product was very good considering the amount of time they had and the resources that were available to them. Winners will be announced at the up coming Pow Wow in a few weeks.

Church Ministries RR training

2009-09-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

We want to take every opportunity to offer continued training to local Royal Rangers leaders. Today two RR training modules were taught at the Church Ministries conference in Pineville, LA. Rodney Eaton from Shreveport Vinyard Church and Stephen Boyer from Rocky Branch Assembly in Farmerville assisted me with the "Starting a Royal Rangers Outpost" and "Outpost Council" modules. Five churches were represented at the training.

Getting Ready

2009-09-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Pow Wow is just around the corner and we are getting ready. This week we had the Teen Challenge guys come to the camp to do some fall clean up and assist with constructing the back wall of the Ropes Training Center. We had some donated used metal siding that could be salvaged for this purpose that was donated by Bryan Craun and Hosanna First Assembly in Baton Rouge. As funding continues to purchase additional materials, we will proceed with the construction.

Hosanna Church Marrero - Ranger Basics

2009-09-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

Leadership Training is a must if an outpost wants to be successful. Saturday September 12 four newly appointed leaders from Hosanna Church in Marrero pastored by George McLean came to the district office to receive their Ranger Basics. This church has not had Rangers in a very long time so it is all new to the leadership. They have scheduled their first meeting tonight September 13, 2009 and desire to grow their outpost to at least 50 boys in the next 3 years.

Congratulations Hosanna and your newly trained leaders.

'09 Eagle Rock ANTC

2009-09-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

We had 7 Louisiana Ranger Leaders represented at the 09 Eagle Rock Advanced National Training Camp. I was privileged to be on the staff of the very first ANTC in 1976 at the Boy Scout Camp in Conroe, Texas outside of Houston. There is another ANTC scheduled later this year in Texas, but at this time not enough individuals have registered for that camp to be a go. This is the last year that ANTC's will be conducted giving way to the new training format coming in 2011. Clint and Quinton Lenard from Luna Assembly and David Freeman, James Anders, and Tye Sheppard from Rocky Branch came as Trainees, and Dean Tillman from Harvest in West Monroe and myself served on staff.
Enjoy the photos.
Staff Members

Staff and all trainees at the time of the photo graduation morning.

Staff and Louisiana Trainees

Staff and various district trainees

First nights drama - "three muskateers"

Senior Guide Steve Schultz
Camp Commander Norman Massengale

Staff at morning assembly

Front: Chaplain Paul Stanek
Back: Jr. Commander Anthony Hubbard

GMA model presentation

Change of program & service patrol

Advanced Cooking class

Evening formation

Pioneereing: tower and rope bridge

Wilderness Survival class

"The King is Dead" drama

Bastrop First August Awards Ceremony

2009-08-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

I was privileged to be a part of the August awards ceremony for Bastrop First Assembly this past weekend. Nelson & Dossie Jones have headed up this outpost for many years with other leaders as well.

I took the occassion to award the Outstanding Service Medal to Ron Clausing for his exceptional dedication to fabricate an all metal rappelling wall and platform that was installed at the campground just prior to Academy.

Malawi report update

2009-08-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

Well I have finally arrived back home after 17 days overseas. We thank the Lord for keeping his hand of protection upon our who training team from the US, Kenya, and Ghana. It was awesome to see those that received training from the other African nations give back to a third nation what they had received earlier when they were trained in their nation. This is truly Royal Rangers International working the way it is intended - not just Americans going to other nations but those nations reaching out to their fellow countries to give to others what they have received.

I promised some photos of Malawi and Zambia where we went to the game reserve.

David L. Craun, Malawi training team leader

Malawi update continued

2009-08-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

I am back at home in the states thankful for all the blessings of the Lord He has given to me and the executive training team that traveled to Malawi. We had three Kenyan Ranger leaders and the national commander of Ghana join the five of us from the states. Dennis Molnar had to return early due to the death of his father, two of the Louisiana team members headed home Friday afternoon, and Charles Fulmer from Arkansas and I left Saturday afternoon. Dennis Ryan and Charles Fulmer are sharing their experiences on their facebook pages. Dennis can be found as "Cloud Toucher" and Charles under his own name.
Here are some photos I promised.

The Assemblies of God church in Silema where I preached "Wind in the Fire" our first Sunday in Malawi. 16 responded to the invitation for salvation and about 30 received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Charles Fulmer, Arkansas district RR Training Coordinator leading in one of the NTC classes

NTC patrols lined up to start NTC

Setting up the First Aid and Water Safety class

Morning Assembly in Malawi NTC

Malawi NTC Staff and national TV reporter for Malawi

Constructing the "Africa Kitchen" as part of the model campsite.

Outdoor classes take advantage of the cooler breezes.

Lean-to style tent made out of lashed bamboo and plastic

Model campsite orientation gives trainees examples of what is expected for them to accomplish.

Malawi national flag flying between the Christian and Royal Rangers flags

Yours truly being interview on Malawi national television aired last Monday night (in Malawi only)

Speaking to the assembly while being video taped for TV

Dennis Molnar with national men's director Mathias Kawerama on his left, national commander Michael Mwali on his right. Dennis had to leave early due to the death of his father in Florida. He is from the West Florida district.

NTC graduation

Malawi national leadership team completing Instructor Trainer Seminar headed up by Charles Fulmer, and assisted by Mack Billeaud, Dennis Ryan, and David Craun

Mack, Charles, and Dennis in front of Mfuwe Lodge (The Bush Camp) in Zambia, Africa where we went on a two day safari after completing the NTC, ICS, and IT for Malawi

Some of the scenes we expereinced in Zambia:

Malawi Royal Rangers trip report

2009-08-15T01:22:00.001-07:00

Wow! this was truly an adventure to say the least. After applying the AA principle (adapt and adjust) we experienced the DID principle ( the Devil's In the Details). By using the "Monkey see, Monkey do" principle we taught an outstanding NTC, ICS, and IT to the Malawian national Royal Rangers leadership.
I will be posting photos after I return. It takes too long on the internet system we have here in Malawi.

David L. Craun at missionary Larry & Rhonda's home in Lilongewe, Malawi

Malawi Royal Rangers trip report

2009-08-15T01:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! this was truly an adventure to say the least. After applying the AA principle (adapt and adjust) we experienced the DID principle ( the Devil's In the Details)

Malawi ahead

2009-07-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

Our training team composed of myself, Dennis Ryan - district Public Relations coordinator, Mack Billeaud - district Missions coordinator, Charles Fulmer - Arkansas district Training coordinator, and Dennis Molnar - West Florida special aid-de-camp will be leaving for Malawi this week. We are excited especially about this training event in Malawi. It will truly be an international staff with 3 leaders from Kenya and the national commander of Ghana joining us.

The training will take place in Silema a lake side community about 30 miles from the capitol city. Malawi just started Rangers last year when Dennis Molnar conducted their Ranger Essentials course. They are expecting almost 100 leaders to participate in the upcoming training.

Keep our team members in your prayers.

Looking Ahead

2009-07-05T20:33:00.001-07:00

Now that the 2009 LA RR Adventure Academy is history, we are looking ahead to the near future. I will be heading up an international leadership team going to the African nation of Malawi to help establish Royal Rangers in that country. We were asked to bring 10 tents to assist the national RR leadership with their camping equipment.
Lafayette First Assembly and pastor Tommy Faulk graciously shared a blessing that they had received by donating the tents for the Malawian Royal Rangers ministry. We dedicated those tents Sunday morning as the leadership representatives of the local churches ministries laid hands on the tents. Pastor Tommy and local commander Bob Faulk prayed a blessing over Ammie and I to place a capstone on the service. We were mightily blessed.

2009 Academy-Wednesday

2009-06-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

What a time we are having. Yes, it rained briefly today - Oh so briefly. It was the most rain we have had for two weeks.

Lots of good things going on today. I had lunch with the Melancon's where Debbie cooked a faboulous meal. I ate supper out in the national forest with the STT where they were doing their wilderness survival night.

Church service was outstanding with the 3rd act of the drama - "Back to the Future." Bro. Schultz spoke on needing the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and many boys were Spirit baptized.

I am uploading some pics and short videos.

David L. Craun

2009 Academy - Tuesday

2009-06-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Well, Academy is off to a good start and it is HOT! Wow, the guys are doing good at beating the heat as best as they can for the groups doing outdoor activities.

Enjoy the pics.

09 Academy - day one

2009-06-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

With almost 300 in attendance the 2009 Louisiana Adventure Academy is off to a great start. Take a look at some of the photos of the day.

Going Up to go down

2009-06-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

The old rappelling platform constructed out of treated lumber has served us well since 1989. However the structure was past its "half life" and needed to be replaced.

Replace is what has been done. Bro. Ron Clausen form Bastrop First Assembly has designed and fabricated a new 40 rappelling wall with a 20 foot platform. This new structure is now in place and ready for this years Special Forces and Pathfinders to do their thing.

Enjoy the pics.

David L. Craun

Camp Improvements - Spring 2009

2009-06-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

Getting the campground ready for summer camps including the Louisiana Adventure Academy is intensive but rewarding work. Royal Rangers use more of the Twin Lakes Camp acres than any other group.

Some of the improvements we are currently working on are a joint effort to install a zip line over the lower lake, road improvements to the upper lake and development of the Ropes Training Center. The road improvements will make it possible to start developing new primitive camping areas in the back of our campground.

Work is also progressing on construction of a new rappelling wall. This will make us one step closer to offering a full range of ropes adventure challenges - low ropes leadership initiative, high ropes personal confidence, and rappelling wilderness exploration and rescue.

Enjoy the photos.

Colorado Western Play Day

2009-05-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

Wow! what a weekend I just experienced. I headed out to Colorado Springs via air from home last weekend to be a part of the Colorado Western Play Day - a rodeo style competition for Rangers and MPact Girls. I was the guest of Rev. Paul and Linda Scholtz our Assemblies of God rodeo chaplains. This couple have dedicated their lives to reaching the world of rodeo for Christ. Using their expertize from years of experience, they have headed up a fabulous event filled with adventure and excitement. The photos and video clips will tell it all.

Western Play Day visuals

2009-05-13T17:54:00.001-07:00

Northwest Sectional Pow Wow

2009-04-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a fun day canoeing with the boys at the 2009 Northwest Sectional Pow Wow sponsored by the Shreveport section. Spending time with the boys is what it is all about.

Ranger Kids Wild West Day

2009-04-22T08:23:00.001-07:00

What an exciting time we had last weekend at the Wild West Day! Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I am going to share photos of the day.

Instructor Certification and Leadership Training

2009-03-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

The last weekend of March was leadership training time here in Louisiana Rangers. We had three new leaders who qualified to become instructors of the leadership training for Ranger leaders. William and Rebecca Harper and Dale Landry. District Training Coordinator Alton Foster, District Commander David Craun, and Deputy District Training Coordinator Lee Hernandez headed up the seminar.

Not only did they three become new instructors, we had leaders from all across Louisiana who renewed their instructor status and others who assisted in conducting the training seminar.

Along with the Instructor Certification Seminar, we conducted leadereship training modules for Ranger Basics, Discipleship I and II, Successful Outpost, and Discovery/Adventure Rangers Activities. All in all it was a successful time of equipping this generation of leaders to go back and prepare the next generation of boys to become leaders.

Lafayette Section meeting

2009-03-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

The Ranger Leader in the Lafayette section came together Tuesday night March 24 to hear from Commander Craun on the updates he shared from his recent trip to the national Royal Rangers Council in Springfield, MO.

Commander Craun shared about the new upcoming on-line chartering starting in August of this year and also the on-line curriculum that will be offered soon. More details will be given to certified leaders this weekend at the Instructors Certification Seminar.
You know Louisiana guys eat most of the time we get together and the Lafayette section was no exception. Thanks to all those who helped make this event the great success it was.

enjoy the pics

National RR Council from where I sit

2009-03-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

The 2009 National Royal Rangers Council began with me attending the new National Directors round table. Yes, that is what we are being called now - District Commanders now have the title of "district director". Some of the key note speakers were Doug Marsh - national RR director, Harry Hunt - newly elected council president and the Assistant General Superintendent for the Assemblies of God Alton Garrison. Not pictured was also a visit for the Assemblies of God top man Rev. George Wood. All of these guys were highly encouraging to us all.

The next day found about 400 organizational leaders from all over the country together learning about the great dynamics taking place to implement all the improvements in our mission to evangelize, equip, and empower the next generation of boys. One of the key concepts is that Royal Rangers is a MENtoRRing ministry. We carry out our purpose through interacting with and dynamically coming into the world of a boy in a way that will cause them to want to come into adulthood as a godly man who loves his Lord.

The theme of the silver eagle celebration was "our heroes". We had a lot of fun as district directors who were caped with our red hero shield and mantled with our black mask.

Rev. Doug Clay challenged us at the silver eagle celebration with his moving testimony of how as a boy whose father died when he was 9 felt sorry for the other boys who had only one father, because his Royal Rangers leaders helped him learn what it meant to be loved by God.

2009 Leaders Equipping Conference

2009-02-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-17T20:01:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

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/

09 Academy Leaders School Report

2009-01-20T20:35:00.000-08:00

Adventure is at the heart of what we do in Rangers here in Louisiana. The Louisiana Adventure Academy is designed for boys 8-17 to find age appropriate adventure activities. The last year a Ranger can spend at Academy is in Pathfinders where they learn Wilderness Rescue Techniques. In order to run this camp we need highly skilled and trained leaders who know how to safely conduct all the activities encountered in this Corps of Academy.

This past weekend 8 leaders and 4 instructors came together at Twin Lakes Camp to enhance those skills and meet our Lord Jesus in a much deeper encounter. We made use of new video equipment to capture much of the training classes which can be used to help our Rangers learn more of the technical skills use in Pathfinders.

We want to be the best we can be for the boys of this generation so they will be able to pass on the knowledge of the Lord and Adventure skills that have been entrusted to us.

I wanted to share some of the photos from the camp.

2009 January FCF Trace

2009-01-15T20:31:00.000-08:00

Wow! the year is already started with a real bang. I mean BANG! Yep, that's what was taking place this past weekend at the Jim Bowie chapter of the FCF '09 winter Trace. Fifty hearty souls braved Louisiana's changing weather from warm days, to rainy ones until it got down right COLD. Anything can happen in central Louisiana during January. Four hearty souls braved all these elements and left the Trace honored with the rank of Wilderness.

Saturday night 8 Frontiersmen advanced up to the Buckskin level.

We were privileged to have as our special guest speaker David Jenkins a candidate missionary for Royal Rangers International. David challenged us to really make the heart of missions our daily concern to reach souls for Christ.

Lots of fun activities took place: the usual black powder shoot, hawk and knife throw, flint & steel fire starting. This year we added a primitive bow and arrow blanket shoot. The prizes were donated by each shooter and laid on a blanket. The first place winner got first choice all the way down to the last place winner who took what was left by the others. It's lots of fun and some wonderful prizes were offered. Our hats are off to Nelson "Snake Hunter" Jones and his outstanding staff for leading and organizing this outstanding event.

As usual, I pounded away on the blacksmith anvil making implements for those present and a musical triangle (ol' time ranch style) to auction at the Gulf Regional Leaders Conference in Memphis a couple weeks from now.

Enjoy the pics and video clips, especially if you could not be there in person.

2009-01-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! Life is going by quickly and the year has already begun.

I have just returned from Springfield, MO where I said good-by to a dear friend and best friend of my wife Ammie.

Rhona Stanek went to be with the Lord Christmas eve and was buried last Monday. She had been a cancer survivor for many years, but her body was attacked many times in many places. She lived a victorious life in Christ giving her skills and talents to the Lord, His church, and her community.
The day she went to her eternal home her son was in the house sitting in the living room. Her husband Paul and a nurse were in the bed room with Rhona. She looked up at Paul, smiled and then looked off in the distance and took her last breath.

Meanwhile in the living room Chip heard a wind blowing - it was blowing in the house moving the plants even though the doors and windows were closed. The wind went past him toward the bedroom and left behind a glowing cloud that sparkled like star dust. Chip felt that it was an angel and his sister Heidi who had come to take his mother home. Heidi was killed in and accident at 14 years old. After the cloud dissipated, Paul came down the hall to tell Chip that Rhona was with the Lord. Chip said, I know Dad.

The old spiritual song says: " Angels comin' after me, angels comin' after me." The scripture says to be absent from the body for the Christian is to be with the Lord. Even though we will miss being able to see our friend here in this life, we know this life is only the prelude to eternal life together with Christ and all those who have loved and served him throughout the ages.

Imagine Christmas outreach

2008-12-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas is "the most wonderful time of the Year." This was the theme for the "Imagine Christmas" outreach hosted by Hosanna Assemblies of God in Morrero, LA.

Louisiana Rangers provided the outdoor games enjoyed by hundreds of kids in the greater New Orleans area who came to the event. It was a great experience with a great church and pastor and wife - George & Sonya McLean.

Ammie and I never get too old to enjoy a trip to the North Pole and stop in to visit Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause.

We were reminded of the Royal Rangers outreach at the Baton Rouge State Fair we spear headed many years ago before I became district commander. We love watching families have a great time while we present the love of Jesus through our lives and written word.

I was given the opportunity to minister this morning at Hosanna where I preached on "The Manifestations of Inexpressible Joy." The message of the angels was "Joy to the World" because the Lord has come. It is Joy unspeakable and full of glory. Living for Christ is indeed the happiest way to live. The joy runs so deep it can not be completely explained.

Enjoy the pics

David L. Craun
Louisiana District Royal Rangers Commander

Executive Staff Meeting

2008-12-06T13:17:00.001-08:00

Our Louisiana Rangers Executive staff met this weekend. Friday night the committee on development of a Louisiana Ranger of the Year program met to bridge the lack of anything offered from the national office. We will be working on guidelines that will be announced right after the first of next year and will be listed on the 2009 LARR CD which will be in the charter packets and given out to ministers who pastor our Ranger based churches. Loren Klein stayed over for the staff meeting to be our recorder of the meeting minutes.

We are blessed to have such an outstanding staff for Louisiana. Some wonderful creative ideas were placed on the table and will be implemented as the year develops. We will be sharing them with commanders in January at the Regional meetings we will be scheduling and later at the end of February at the Leaders Conference.

I am adding a photo of the group where we met at my home.

Merry Christmas

David L. Craun

David Jenkins' visit

2008-12-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hi, I am at my office with missionary associate David Jenkins assigned to Royal Rangers International. David is going to be our FCF Trace speaker for Saturday night. He is traveling in the south right now raising support for his call to work in the international side of Rangers.

You learn more about David's ministry by going to http://www.senddavid.org/ I am attaching a photo of us at my office.

I trust you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

David L. Craun

Camp site development

2008-11-28T10:08:00.000-08:00

We have been looking at the prospects of developing camping sites between the two lakes at Twin Lakes Campgrounds here in Woodworth. The area has been undeveloped for more than 30 years so it is grown up with brush around the lake.

Last week I started the process of clearing out the beaver dams that had the lake level raised too high to get equipment close enough to clean off the edge of the lake. I had our neighbor take a picture of me working on the backhoe. We had rented this equipment to clear out the gravel and silt that had been washed into the outfall of the lower lake causing the water level to rise too high flooding out the dock. While we had the equipment, we cleared off the edge of the lake front there as well.

Enjoy the pics.

David L. Craun

Chris Verrett's GMA Ceremony

2008-11-16T21:19:00.000-08:00

As promised I am back to blogging so I can share right away the photos of Chris Verrett's GMA ceremony. Wow! Rocky Branch did it up right - the whole back platform filled with RR related props, opening flag ceremony, GMA candidate sword escort, and to top it off after Chris received his GMA medal the church presented him with a full set of outstanding golf clubs.

Enough of chatter: enjoy the pics

Good News

2008-11-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

Friends,

While I was in the middle of the Ranger of the Year testing, I received a call from Alton Foster our district training coordinator. Alton gave a good report on his heart surgery - they placed a stint in one artery. He sounded strong on the phone and thanked all those who were praying for him. Keep Alton and Nelson Jones in your prayers. Nelson had a 45% blockage in one of his arteries, but it will be treated with medicine.

Well, I am putting last minute preps on my sermon for tonight's GMA at Rocky Branch where we will be honoring Chris Verett. I will place some photos on the blog soon after I get back.

2008-11-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

I'm back! We just finished the Louisiana District Ranger of the Year testing. Andrew Klein will represent Louisiana for Adventure Rangers and Joseph Reynold will join him at Regional competition as our Expedition Rangers candidate. Enjoy the photo of me with these two great Rangers.

Getting in the Groove

2008-11-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like blogging is the thing now; so I guess I will be posting updates to this blog each week or so.

I want to make an easy way for our Ranger leaders to be able to keep track of updates and recent activities on the Louisiana district Ranger scene.

In the process of getting ready for Ranger of the Year, I found out today that Bro. Alton Foster, our district training coordinator, just had a mild heart attack while taking a pre-op test for a scheduled shoulder surgery. Let's keep Alton in our prayers. He was planning on being our coordinator for the Ranger of the Year this weekend so we will have to re-group.

I will update this blog site with some ROY photos early next week.