Four Programmes. One FNE Family. One Mission. The Federation of North-American Explorers (FNE) is a Catholic, Christ-centred youth movement dedicated to helping young people become ordinary saints. Through outdoor adventures, practical skills, lasting friendships, prayer and service, FNE helps boys and girls grow in faith, character, courage and responsibility.
Our four progressive programmes — Otters, Timberwolves, Explorers and Wayfarers — offer age-appropriate opportunities to discover their new abilities, develop Catholic virtues and grow closer to Jesus Christ.
Boys and girls participate in separate units, guided by dedicated volunteer leaders who support parents in their important mission of raising faithful and responsible young Catholics.
Discovering God’s Creation Through Play. The FNE journey begins with joy, friendship and discovery. Through games, stories, songs, prayer, crafts and outdoor activities, Otters discover the beauty of God's creation while learning to share, cooperate and help others. Within their Otter Lodge, our youngest members begin developing good habits, confidence, lasting friendships and a growing love for Jesus.
Growing in Courage, Friendship and Faith. Inspired by Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, Timberwolves enter a world of adventure, friendship and discovery. Through exciting games, camping, practical skills, badge work and the traditions of the Timberwolf Den, children learn to do their best, keep their promises, face difficulties with courage and help others. Guided by Catholic faith, they grow in honesty, loyalty, responsibility and Christian virtue.
Dare to Be Different. The Explorer adventure challenges young people to grow in honour, courage, leadership and faith. Working together in patrols, Explorers plan adventures, develop outdoor and pioneering skills, accept meaningful responsibilities and learn to lead through service. Guided by the Explorer Promise and Law, they discover the importance of trust, loyalty, Christian charity and living their Catholic faith with courage.
Your Patrol Is Counting on You!
Answering God’s Call. The Wayfarer journey invites young men and women to deepen their Catholic faith, discover their vocation and prepare for a life of Christian commitment and service. Through challenging adventures, prayer, friendship, spiritual formation and service to others, Wayfarers learn to take greater responsibility for their lives and respond generously to God's calling. Within a Wayfarer Crew for men or a Wayfarer Fire for women, members grow in spiritual maturity, personal commitment and Christian leadership.
Each FNE programme builds upon the experiences of the previous stage.
From the joyful discoveries of Otters to the developing character of Timberwolves, the leadership and responsibility of Explorers, and the vocational discernment and commitment of Wayfarers, young people are progressively encouraged to grow in faith, virtue and service.
As they mature, they are entrusted with greater challenges and responsibilities, learning to place their abilities at the service of others.
At every stage, FNE strives to form young people who love God, serve their neighbour and seek to live faithfully as Catholics
Helping Young People Become Ordinary Saints
Our Catholic faith is not simply one activity among many. It is at the heart of everything we do.
Through prayer, Holy Mass, opportunities for Confession, service to others and time spent in God's creation, FNE members are encouraged to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
They learn that faith is something to be lived every day — at home, at school, in their parish and within their communities.
FNE also recognizes parents as the first and primary educators of their children. Our programmes support the Catholic formation begun at home through wholesome friendships, meaningful adventures and the example of dedicated volunteer leaders.
Discover a community where Catholic faith, friendship and adventure come together to help young people grow into the persons God calls them to be.