News From National Communications & Administrative Coordinator
Making Merits
Interactive Article by John Hicks, National Communications &
Administrative Coordinator
Since
its inception in 1962, Royal Rangers has been at its core an outdoor,
action-oriented program. Our aim, as stated in the 1998 edition of the
LeadersManual,
is “to instruct, challenge, and inspire
our boys in the areas of Bible doctrine, Christian service, moral conduct,
and basic beliefs of ourchurch
through interesting
activities the boys enjoy.”
[Emphasis added.] In keeping with this tradition, page 4 of the Leaders Guides
for both the Discovery and Adventure Rangers programs begin by describing Royal
Rangers as“ an action-packed, life-changing ministry to boys of all ages. ”These
resources go on to describe the program as having weekly meetings “filled with
the activities, camaraderie, and spiritual challenge that boys need.” It
has long been understood that boys
need
activity and learn best in an
environment rich with hands-on activities and student participation. It is,
therefore, essential that the weekly Royal Rangers meeting be a place where boys
are given the opportunity to learn by interactive means and to be directly
involved in a variety of physical activities.
Lecture sessions with PowerPoint
presentations where the boys’ primary means of participation is limited to
listening and writing should be avoided.
In order to maximize our effectiveness, it
is essential that we utilize methods of instruction that are most effective for
teaching boys. With these thoughts in mind, consider the following as tips and
alternatives when teaching your next weekly meeting:
❚
Whenever possible, complete merit
requirements orally as a group rather than in written format. Requirements
beginning with words like
explain, list, or
tell
do not need to be completed in written
format but may be completed as a group discussion. Every boy present may then
receive credit for having completed that requirement.❚
Allow essay requirements to be
satisfied orally by short individual presentations to the group. This will
satisfy the purpose of the requirement (i.e., knowledge of the subject) while
avoiding a written format that couldbe a major obstacle to younger boys. For
those who aren’t comfortable with oral presentations or when the size of the
group makes this option unsuitable, the boys may create illustrated reports by
researching and assembling collages of photos or images with captions describing
the subjects. ❚
Look for ways to get the boys physically
involved in the learning process. Requirements that begin with
demonstrate
should always involve physical activity
not merely explaining or writing a response. “Sit and listen” times should be
limited to approximately 1 minute per age. For example, a 7-year-old Ranger Kid
can “sit and listen” for approximately 7 minutes; a 12-year-old Adventure Ranger
for about 12 minutes. Look for ways to utilize the “hear, see, do” principle of
instruction. Let the boys
hear you explain how to do
something, see you demonstrate the skill, and then
do
or practice the skill themselves.
❚
Provide opportunities for the boys to
complete requirements as a group or patrol. Interaction with friends makes any
task more fun and enhances learning for everyone. It should be noted that the
requirements for the merits cannot be changed and should be completed as
written. The handbooks and workbooks are still necessary resources to direct and
track each boy’s progress through the advancement system. However, the
methods used to satisfy requirements should be flexible, allowing for differing
abilities and maturity levels of boys. As Royal Ranger leaders, we enjoy a
tremendous privilege to serve our Master Ranger, Jesus Christ, through the
ministry of Royal Rangers. Along with any privilege comes responsibility. It is
our responsibility to provide our boys with an “action-packed, life-changing
ministry” that will “instruct, challenge, and inspire” them in their personal
growth and achievement as they daily grow into the image of Christ.
Making Merits
Interactive
church
through interesting
activities the boys enjoy.”
[Emphasis added.] In keeping with this tradition, page 4 of the Leaders Guides
for both the Discovery and Adventure Rangers programs begin by describing Royal
Rangers as“ an action-packed, life-changing ministry to boys of all ages. ”These
resources go on to describe the program as having weekly meetings “filled with
the activities, camaraderie, and spiritual challenge that boys need.” It
has long been understood that boys
need
activity and learn best in an
environment rich with hands-on activities and student participation. It is,
therefore, essential that the weekly Royal Rangers meeting be a place where boys
are given the opportunity to learn by interactive means and to be directly
involved in a variety of physical activities.
Lecture sessions with PowerPoint
presentations where the boys’ primary means of participation is limited to
listening and writing should be avoided.
In order to maximize our effectiveness, it
is essential that we utilize methods of instruction that are most effective for
teaching boys. With these thoughts in mind, consider the following as tips and
alternatives when teaching your next weekly meeting:
❚
Whenever possible, complete merit
requirements orally as a group rather than in written format. Requirements
beginning with words like
explain, list, or
tell
do not need to be completed in written
format but may be completed as a group discussion. Every boy present may then
receive credit for having completed that requirement.❚
Allow essay requirements to be
satisfied orally by short individual presentations to the group. This will
satisfy the purpose of the requirement (i.e., knowledge of the subject) while
avoiding a written format that couldbe a major obstacle to younger boys. For
those who aren’t comfortable with oral presentations or when the size of the
group makes this option unsuitable, the boys may create illustrated reports by
researching and assembling collages of photos or images with captions describing
the subjects. ❚
Look for ways to get the boys physically
involved in the learning process. Requirements that begin with
demonstrate
should always involve physical activity
not merely explaining or writing a response. “Sit and listen” times should be
limited to approximately 1 minute per age. For example, a 7-year-old Ranger Kid
can “sit and listen” for approximately 7 minutes; a 12-year-old Adventure Ranger
for about 12 minutes. Look for ways to utilize the “hear, see, do” principle of
instruction. Let the boys
hear you explain how to do
something, see you demonstrate the skill, and then
do
or practice the skill themselves.
❚
Provide opportunities for the boys to
complete requirements as a group or patrol. Interaction with friends makes any
task more fun and enhances learning for everyone. It should be noted that the
requirements for the merits cannot be changed and should be completed as
written. The handbooks and workbooks are still necessary resources to direct and
track each boy’s progress through the advancement system. However, the
methods used to satisfy requirements should be flexible, allowing for differing
abilities and maturity levels of boys. As Royal Ranger leaders, we enjoy a
tremendous privilege to serve our Master Ranger, Jesus Christ, through the
ministry of Royal Rangers. Along with any privilege comes responsibility. It is
our responsibility to provide our boys with an “action-packed, life-changing
ministry” that will “instruct, challenge, and inspire” them in their personal
growth and achievement as they daily grow into the image of Christ.
