Welcome to the West Florida District Royal Rangers website! 

I’m Mike Simmons, the District Commander. 

Whether you are a pastor, a Royal Rangers leader, a Ranger, or just passing by, take a few minutes and look around.  You will soon see that the Royal Rangers ministry is the most effective boys’ ministry that exists!  And our website is the “resource center” for all Royal Rangers questions in the West Florida District.

If you are familiar with the Royal Rangers, then let me share a secret with you…the ministry has changed – drastically!  We have moved into the modern world, where boys are interested in more than just camping.  Stick around and you will see that boys get hands-on attention with everything from sports to the latest technology.

If you don’t know about Rangers, then take some time to find out more about it.  You will soon see that the Royal Rangers program reaches, teaches and keeps boys for Christ.  That is our mission!

Be sure to contact us if we can be of assistance.

In His Service,
Mike Simmons
District Director

  District Commander announces a new program for boys and young leaders....

  "The Spec Ops Unit"  

Yesterday, we completed the first Junior Training Camp that we have had in a few years.  I think everyone who attended will attest that this was a great event.  On one hand, we had only 10 boys present.  On the other hand, some great training took place.  While we had only 10 boys (three of which were junior leaders), we had a total of 14 men who took part in putting on this camp!  Some excellent training took place.

While the camp was taking place, a new West Florida Ranger program was announced.  For older Rangers (grades 6-12) and younger leaders (ages 18-20), the Rangers Special Operations Unit has been formed.  The Special Operations Unit (or Spec Ops) is defined, initiated, and maintained by the young men who are members.  They came up with the name and uniforms, and have committed to serve the district in several areas:

1.       They will serve as a color guard or honor guard for district functions (Pow Wow, Field Day, ceremonies, funerals, etc. 

2.     They will serve as instructors for training camps.

3.      They will help provide security for large events.

4.      They will help out with miscellaneous duties at events (cooking, manage games, etc.)

5.      Other duties as needed.

Currently, there are five men in the unit.  Here is how a young man can become a member. 

If he is in grade 6-12, and is not yet 18 years old, he must: 1) be a member of an outpost; 2) graduate JTC; 3) graduate AJTC; 4) have his senior commander’s approval. 

If he is 18 – 20, he must earn his LMA. 

These requirements have been set in place to ensure that a member is committed, because the unit will be called upon often, and a level of commitment is needed beyond the usual. 

As you can see, this will prove very beneficial to the district Rangers.  More later…

Mike