Adventure every week
Christian scouting in the Black Forest. If you think a little bit crazy counts as perfectly normal, you will fit right in.
The Royal Rangers are a worldwide scouting movement that began in the USA and has since been adapted in many countries. In Germany we have been around for 40 years.
Our aim is to encourage, challenge and involve children and young people as whole persons, learning through experience out in nature. Our approach brings together two passions: for the outdoors and for Jesus Christ.
So the children and young people don't just learn to handle a map, a compass, knots and a campfire. They also discover that God has a plan for his creation and for every one of us. All of this happens in the community of a team, which in turn belongs to an outpost, guided by the principle of valuing others above yourself.
Our outpost
Being at home in nature, campfires, music, camps, scouting skills, learning by doing, being part of a team, having fun and standing on the firm foundation of God's plan for our lives — that is what defines us. Outpost 408 (in German: Stamm 408) is one of two outposts in Freudenstadt. Our leaders are at home in Crossroads International Church.
Growing through serving
Our motivation rests on the foundation of the Royal Rangers. We believe that meeting Jesus Christ is the best thing that can happen to you. At the same time it matters to us that everyone is welcome. Nobody is pushed into faith. Our faith shows in the way we live and is passed on through shared experience and personal stories.
Every Friday
at the Plätzle
4:30 – 6:30 pm
Outpost and team meetings take place every week.
Am Kohlstätter Hardt 20
72250 Freudenstadt
Four stages, from Forscher to Pfadranger.
We pause during school holidays and public holidays in Baden-Württemberg. Just come along — your first three meetings are free and without obligation. Meetings are held in German, and our leaders are happy to help in English.
Four stages,
one path
We never stop learning. As we grow older we grow in every area of life, widen our horizon and gather experiences that carry us forward. The four stages keep their German names — that is what the children hear at the meetings.
Forscher · Explorers
We Explorers are a mixed bunch of boys and girls with our noses in the wind. Together as a team we explore the world of plants and animals, enjoy time with stories and campfires, and practise simple hands-on skills. In six stages we each study one animal and its habitat — from the salamander to the eagle.
Kundschafter · Scouts
We practise the basics of scouting, cook our meals over an open fire, spend time in the forest and get to know God's great plan for us. Starting with the observer test and working up to the master test, we learn about scouting skills, nature and first aid. The annual camp is a highlight for all of us.
Pfadfinder · Pathfinders
Here the bronze, silver and gold lily tests take us to the heart of the scouting and spiritual foundation, and well beyond it. Alongside camps come hikes of several days in our second home: the outdoors. By bike, by canoe or simply on foot — adventure is included and guaranteed.
Pfadranger · Senior Rangers
We build friendship and community in the team, construct our own seating for the trip, and wrestle with the big questions about God and the world. The navigator test challenges us to lend a hand to others. As junior leaders we take on real responsibility and learn to lead — here we are taken seriously as people.
What we
stand on
The word „royal" says whose we are. We follow the highest King — God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Royal describes our identity.
With God's help I will do my best to serve God, my church and my fellow human beings, to keep the Royal Rangers rules and to make the Golden Rule my daily guide.
In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.
The Golden Rule · Matthew 7:12
Our emblem — a star that recalls a compass rose — goes back to our founder Johnnie Barnes. He drew the first star and gave every point its meaning.
The Kluft
The Kluft — our scout shirt — builds a sense of belonging, helps Rangers identify with the group, levels social differences and above all marks us out as scouts. It connects us with scouts worldwide and is a hard-wearing piece of clothing that stays with us through every outdoor activity. The Kluft is not a uniform and has nothing to do with military dress. We wear it at all our meetings.
Every child can work through tests suited to their age. Badges are awarded for them and worn on the Kluft. Where each badge belongs is explained in the guide under „Downloads". You can order the Kluft and badges from the Royal Rangers shop — or simply talk to us at a meeting.
Always ready!
In German: „Allzeit bereit!" As Royal Rangers we are always ready to put our pledge, the Golden Rule and the meaning of our emblem into practice.
The people
behind the outpost
Never further away than a prayer.
Martin Reinecker
Your contact for everything to do with Outpost 408 — from signing up and the Kluft to the simple question of whether your child can just come along and see.
Gideon Häußermann
Every Royal Rangers outpost is a ministry of a local church. We are part of Crossroads International Church in Freudenstadt — an evangelical, pentecostal free church.
Visit the churchEverything you
need to get going
Forms and information about life as a Ranger. All files open as PDFs and are written in German.
Royal Rangers
worldwide
Five districts
We are spread across the whole country. Germany is divided into five districts, one of which is Baden-Württemberg. Freudenstadt belongs to the Black Forest region. Meeting a Ranger from another outpost always feels like family.
royal-rangers.deEurocamp every four years
Almost every European country now has at least a handful of Rangers. Every four years Royal Rangers from across Europe meet for a Eurocamp, with community, exchange across borders and building friendships at the centre.
royalrangerseurope.netOn every continent
It is a staggering thought that all over the world children are meeting in Royal Rangers teams and outposts, finding friendship and getting to know the love of God.
royalrangersinternational.comOur outpost is grateful for every bit of support
Every gift helps children and young people in the Black Forest experience adventure, community and faith.