Rooted in Christ

From Thursday to Saturday, 3 to 5 September 2026, 62 Royal Rangers and 31 Commanders gathered at Ajin Semungkis Campsite in Hulu Langat for the Discovery Rangers and Adventure Rangers Advancement Camp.

This three-day Camp gave the Rangers an opportunity to put into practice the outdoor skills they had learned in the classroom throughout the year. Centred on the theme “Rooted in Christ” (Colossians 2:6–7), the Camp also served as a powerful reminder that, just as a tree needs deep and sturdy roots to stand tall, our young Rangers must be firmly rooted in the unshakeable foundation of Jesus Christ and His Word.

Upon arriving at the campsite, the 49 boys and 13 girls began pitching their tents and settling in. They then gathered in their respective patrols to create patrol yells and banners, giving each patrol its own unique identity while fostering teamwork, camaraderie and a stronger sense of unity among the Rangers.

With the aid of a scale model, the Rangers were taught how to set up a campsite properly, with an emphasis on safety, cleanliness and functionality throughout the Camp. Using broomsticks and bamboo, each patrol then constructed its own table to serve as a kitchen work surface for preparing and cooking meals during their stay.

At the first Council of Fire that evening, Commander Jim shared a devotional thought, reminding the Rangers that their lives should be like seeds planted in fertile soil, developing deep roots in Christ. To round off Day One, the Rangers embarked on a night hike through the surrounding campsite. One enthusiastic Ranger summed up the experience: “Navigating through the darkness with only our flashlights was a really unique and interesting experience, and honestly, super cool.”

Bright and early on Day Two, after preparing and enjoying breakfast, both the Discovery Rangers and Adventure Rangers put their compass skills to the test on courses mapped out by their respective Commanders. The Discovery Rangers embarked on a compass treasure hunt, while the Adventure Rangers navigated from station to station, tackling a different First Aid scenario at each stop.

In the afternoon, the Discovery Rangers crafted chopsticks and bamboo cups from scratch, while the Adventure Rangers learned how to safely build different types of fires. It was an inspiring day of hands-on learning, as the boys and girls rose to the challenge of mastering new outdoor skills with growing confidence.

Beyond the structured activities and teamwork, the Rangers also had time to bond through games and play. After a full day of learning, they enjoyed a refreshing break by cooling off, splashing around and having fun in the nearby river.

That evening, the boys and girls took the lead in their own Council of Fire, planning interactive skits and lively games. They also led in worship, putting leadership, initiative and responsibility into practice. For many of the Rangers, these Councils of Fire became meaningful encounters with God, prompting them to rededicate their lives and discover more profoundly what it means to be truly rooted in Christ.

By the time the Camp drew to a close on Day Three, the Rangers walked away with far more than new merit badges and practical outdoor skills. They returned home with renewed confidence, a stronger sense of unity and most importantly, a deeper understanding of what it means to live a life firmly rooted in Christ.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the dedicated Commanders and parents whose support made this memorable Advancement Camp possible. May the seeds sown take root, grow strong and, in due season, bear fruit for His glory.