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National Commander Richard Mariott was
key-note speaker at the annual district commanders’ conference held in
Great Falls last February.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Cdr. Mariott's main focus was the pending changes to the ranger program. He was careful to emphasize that the overhaul of the program is still in flux. Cdr. Mariott stated that he began to see the need for improvements in royal rangers while still district commander in California. Commanders there report being quite happy with the changes he made. In keeping with his vision to impact every boy in America, Cdr. Mariott undertook to revamp the system in three areas: to put rangers into easier reach of boys, leaders and more churches, particularly small and urban churches. To do that, a redesign of the advancement trail, leader training and organizational structure were in order. This has been controversial in Montana and across the nation, particularly dropping the camping requirement to optional. Some leaders feel that given human nature, that will only spell the demise of any camping activity in many outposts. Thus will be lost royal rangers' appeal to boys. Despite the camping controversy, many see most of the proposals as much needed improvements in rangers. How it will all fall out remains to be seen. However, if God is in it, as Cdr. Mariott’s stories of miraculous progress at national office would seem to indicate, it can not help but succeed. Roll-out for the new royal rangers is slated for fall of 2002. [Scribe’s note: An updated version of Cdr. Mariott’s PowerPoint presentation will soon be available on the web at: http://ag.org/Royal-Rangers/.] |