National Ranger Ministry Camp
Eagle Rock Missouri
09-09-2016 8:30 am to 09-12-2016 noon.
Approx 27 Trainees and another 13 staff. 

Weather on Friday was 88.  Saturday over cast and cool breeze.  Sunday morning 51 for a low.

NRMC 2016 Attendies more pictures at bottom of report. Click on a picture for a larger view.

 

I arrived at Eagle Rock at 8:30 am was welcomed at the gate.  Directed to the 1st food pavilion where I was instructed to get my books and go to Registration down by the Chapel.  From there I was given my new NRMC book and id and told to head up the hill to the Tech Building at the top of the hill.  Panting as I walked in the door I found most of the trainees were already busy reading the new NRMC work book. 

Over the course of 2.5 days I found NRMC to be the BEST National Camp I have been to.  Previous camps were BSTC, NTC 2 times, ANTC, WCO 3 times to name a few. 

 

The past 8 years I had let all my certifications go and came back to entry level.  Why? 35 years ago I had came out of cult called Jehovah's Witnesses.  In our AG Fellowship I perceived a leaning more towards works then faith in the HOLY Spirit.  It may have just been me or it may not. I just know I felt convicted and stayed back and distanced myself from the purpose driven life montra.  I just don't agree with it.  To me it was a close to being a Jehovah's Witness as you could with out changing the name and being one.  I put it out at arms length.

 

I found this camp to be filled with HOLY Spirit lead teaching.  Spirit Lead Services.  Men that were interested in developing us as Leaders and leading by example.  A completely positive experience. 

Every step of the way we were taught " Boy Lead, Adult Facilitated"  in a kind and helpful way. 

Even I learned some new things and enjoyed the brain teaser initiative challenges.   Camping was fun. We had all we needed.  We had good food and when things were broken or missing.  WE were given the right stuff and helped. 

 

The activities on Saturday were brief and modeled with ALL YOU NEEDED TO SUCCEED.  Very well organized and ALWAYS ON SCHEDULE.  They let us decide.  They encouraged us to work together to draw from one another in decisions. 

 

Our Patrol while in competition with the other 4 patrols 5 total.  We enjoyed each others spirit.  We laughed and were inspired by each ones creativity and often humor.  This camp allowed us to have fun along the way.  So vital in our events and outings.  I don't recall where anyone was called down for something.  Perhaps we were just a excellent group of men that just put out a good job done by all. 
I know working with boys it would be rare to not have to correct something yet trying to be corrective instead of punishing is by far the best method. 

 

NRMC is a WIN WIN for you. Commanders make the effort to go. You will be blessed. 

 

National Staff.  Wow a wonderful camp and a wonderful job of organization.  You guys nailed it.
National Commander Karl.  Your heart shows in your preaching.  You and your team have inspired me!
With God's help I hope to Live the Adventure and full fill the Gospel Calling. 
 

Mark Jones