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Timberwolves: Growing in Courage, Friendship and Faith

For boys or girls ages 8–12. Discover the joy of adventure, friendship and growing closer to Jesus. Through exciting games, outdoor adventures, camping and life in the Timberwolf Den, children learn to do their best, keep their promises, develop good habits and grow in courage, Catholic faith and Christian character.

A group of Timberwolves in uniform sits attentively, with one boy in the foreground listening intently.
FNE Timberwolves gather around a pot cooking over a campfire while one girl adjusts the firewood beneath the grill.

Welcome to the Timberwolf Den

Inspired by Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, Timberwolves enter an imaginative world of adventure, friendship and discovery.

Alongside familiar characters such as Akela, Baloo and Mowgli, children discover valuable lessons about courage, loyalty, obedience, honesty and helping others.

These stories and traditions are more than entertainment. They provide a memorable way to help children understand the importance of good character and living according to Christian virtues.

The Timberwolf Den is a happy family where children learn, play, explore and grow together.

Through games, challenges, stories, practical activities and shared adventures, Timberwolves discover their abilities and learn that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

Guided by dedicated volunteer leaders, they are encouraged to do their best, keep their word, finish what they begin and face difficulties with courage and a joyful spirit.

The adventures are exciting, the friendships are real, and the lessons learned can last a lifetime.

Growing in Character and Christian Virtue

The Timberwolf programme helps children develop the good habits and virtues that will guide them throughout their lives.

Character is not simply something Timberwolves learn about. It is something they practise through everyday activities, friendship and life in the Den.

An FNE Timberwolf hangs upside down from a rope line strung between trees, pulling himself across.

Courage and Perseverance

Trying new things, accepting challenges and learning to keep going when something is difficult.

Whether mastering a new skill or participating in an outdoor adventure, Timberwolves discover that courage grows when they make the effort to do their best.

FNE Timberwolves in berets and green-and-blue scarves share a picnic in a park, one flashing a Timberwolf sign.

Honesty and Trust

Learning to tell the truth, keep promises, play fairly and become someone others can depend upon.

Three FNE Timberwolves in navy T-shirts and scarves share a microphone on a bench during a camp show.

Friendship and Loyalty

Building lasting friendships, respecting others and discovering the happiness of belonging to the Timberwolf Den.

Children learn that being a good friend means thinking of others, offering encouragement and helping those in need.

A smiling leader in a Stetson hat helps FNE Timberwolves with picture cards during an indoor meeting.

Responsibility and Obedience

Learning to listen carefully, follow proper instructions, care for their belongings and complete the tasks entrusted to them.

Through simple responsibilities, Timberwolves begin discovering the satisfaction of doing their duty well.

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Love and Service

Understanding that true happiness comes from loving God, caring for one's family and helping one's neighbour.

Timberwolves are encouraged to notice opportunities to be helpful, generous and kind.

A smiling FNE Timberwolf holds out red and yellow semaphore flags as a leader and den mates read a signal card.

Joy and Confidence

Growing in confidence through new experiences and learning to face difficulties with determination, good humour and a smile.

Timberwolf Adventures and Activities

Life in the Timberwolf Den is filled with exciting activities that encourage children to become active, resourceful, responsible and helpful.

FNE Timberwolves in berets and scarves pull together in a game of tug of war at camp.

Games and Outdoor Activities

Energetic games, team challenges and outdoor adventures develop cooperation, courage, fair play and friendship.

Children learn to participate enthusiastically, follow rules, encourage others and accept both success and disappointment with a good spirit.

FNE Timberwolf girls carry a den mate on a homemade pole-and-rope stretcher during a first aid activity at camp.

Badge Work and Practical Skills

Through progressive challenges and badge work, Timberwolves discover their talents, acquire useful skills and experience the satisfaction of achieving goals through effort and perseverance.

Whether learning about nature, developing creative abilities or mastering practical tasks, they are encouraged to take pride in work well done.

FNE Timberwolves lean over the edge of a dock to watch a den mate scoop the water with a green net.

Camping and Nature

Cabin camps, outdoor adventures and summer camps offer memorable opportunities to explore God's creation, develop independence and enjoy the simplicity of life outdoors.

Away from everyday distractions, Timberwolves learn to appreciate fresh air, friendship, cooperation and the beauty of the natural world.

FNE Timberwolves in navy T-shirts sit on log benches around a smoky campfire circle in a pine forest at camp.

Jungle Book Traditions, Stories and Songs

The characters, stories and traditions of The Jungle Book bring the Timberwolf experience to life.

Through imagination, songs, creative activities and shared traditions, children discover meaningful lessons about loyalty, discipline, courage and belonging.

An FNE Timberwolf receives Holy Communion from a priest in green vestments as altar servers kneel in prayer.

Catholic Faith and Prayer

Prayer, Catholic formation, participation in Holy Mass and opportunities for Confession help Timberwolves grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

They learn that their faith is not limited to church or prayer time, but should guide how they speak, act and treat others.

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Service and Helping Others

Through simple acts of generosity and service, Timberwolves learn to recognize the needs of others and discover the joy of doing good without expecting a reward.

Depending on their local FNE group, Timberwolves may also enjoy special outings, retreats, pilgrimages, camps and opportunities to meet members of the wider FNE family.

FNE Timberwolves walk in a Eucharistic procession as a priest carries the monstrance beneath a gold canopy at camp.

Growing Closer to Jesus

Faith at the Heart of the Den

At the heart of the Timberwolf programme is the desire to help every child grow in love for Jesus Christ.

Through prayer, participation in Holy Mass, opportunities for Confession and learning about the teachings of the Catholic Church, Timberwolves are encouraged to develop a deeper and more personal relationship with Our Lord.

They begin to understand that loving God means loving others, keeping their promises, doing their duty and helping those in need.

The stories and traditions of the Den reinforce these lessons, while outdoor adventures offer opportunities to recognize God's goodness in His creation.

As children grow in confidence and responsibility, they also learn that holiness begins with the ordinary things they do each day.

With God's grace, every Timberwolf can strive to become an ordinary saint.

Supporting Parents in Raising Children of Faith and Character

FNE recognizes parents as the first and primary educators of their children.

The Timberwolf programme supports the Catholic faith and values taught at home through wholesome activities, meaningful friendships, exciting adventures and positive guidance from dedicated volunteer leaders.

Away from screens and everyday distractions, children discover the happiness of simple things: playing outdoors, learning new skills, helping others and belonging to a joyful community.

They learn that not everything comes easily, that effort matters and that responsibility brings its own rewards.

Through these experiences, Timberwolves grow in confidence, self-discipline, generosity and love for God and neighbour.

What FNE Parents Say

“Our son has grown immensely since being enrolled in the FNE program. He laughs more, complains less, is more cooperative, and less combative with his brother; above all, he is realizing his own value and abilities, and has increased self-confidence.”

— Winnie & Hayden K., FNE Parents

“Growing in faith is as important as learning any other life skill or academic enrichment program. We are thankful to have discovered the FNE group as they have become a true partner in our child’s development.”

— Connie & Calvin C., FNE Parents

Begin Your Child’s Timberwolf Adventure

Great Adventures. Lasting Friendships. Strong Christian Character Give your child the opportunity to explore God's creation, discover new abilities, make lasting friendships and grow in courage, confidence and Catholic faith.

As Timberwolves grow older, the next stage of their FNE journey awaits. In the Explorer Patrol, they will discover greater challenges, meaningful responsibilities and opportunities to develop leadership through service.

Discover the Explorers Programme →