Adventure, Faith and Friendship for Catholic Youth

I Joined for My Son—and Found a Mission. I became an FNE leader because my son wanted to join. What started as a way to support him became an opportunity to help other boys grow in faith, confidence, and character. One of the most meaningful parts for me is teaching the faith through God’s creation and watching the boys grow into the young men they are becoming.

The Adventure of Being an FNE Leader. Being an FNE leader is fun, and we have a great time. One of my favourite things is the adventure: building rafts, big campfires, electrical projects with the kids and great games. These are things you would never get to do if you weren’t part of the Explorer movement.

Why Become an FNE Leader? You should become an FNE leader because you care about youth. You want the best for the children in your life and you want to guide them to heaven. The outdoors and the FNE model help me guide children closer to Christ, closer to their families and closer to their faith, so they can become ordinary saints on their journey to heaven.

From Wanting to Belong to Building Something Together. One of the first things I see in the youth I lead is their desire to be part of something. Many come because a friend invited them. Over time they realize it is also a lot of work, and that excitement grows into something deeper: we are making something together, something bigger than any one of us could build alone.

How Serving as an FNE Leader Made Me Better at Home. At one camp I really missed my family and wondered why I wasn’t home with my wife and children. But when I came back, I was better at helping with the dishes and better at helping my daughter with her homework. Serving makes me better at home, and I have had many close encounters with Christ in those moments of being apart and coming back together.

A Priest’s Perspective: Hope for the Next Generation. As a religious advisor, my joy is watching young people grow, both naturally and in their faith. The Explorers, and even the younger ones, are very devout: eager to go to Confession and to receive the Holy Eucharist at Mass. In a world filled with relativism and materialism, seeing them let go of their comforts and embrace the spiritual life gives me real hope for the next generation.

From FNE Parent to Volunteer Leader. I first got involved when my daughter was five and I saw the program at our parish. I was a parent, not a volunteer, but the more time I spent there, the more I realized it was great for me too. A few years later my wife experienced the same thing, and now our whole family is involved. It’s something we share together.

Finding Christ in the Outdoors. I love being an FNE leader. The movement has been essential to me growing closer to Christ through the outdoors and the immense beauty of nature. While so many kids are sitting on the couch playing video games, my kids are out around a big campfire under a full moon, praying the Rosary. They are taking something awesome away.

How Becoming an FNE Leader Strengthened My Faith and Family Life. I encourage other men to become FNE leaders, because through the ideals, the principles and the camps, I am able to love my wife and my children better, and ultimately to love God better.

Finding Faith, Community and Purpose. I joined FNE to serve young people, but I discovered that I was being formed too. God has used FNE to bring me back to what is real: nature, meaningful relationships, helping others and learning to live in community. My time with the children and the other leaders has brought a deeper meaning to my life.

Is It Easy? No. Is It Worth It? Absolutely. Being an FNE leader is always fun, but it is not always easy. There are moments when I’m unsure of my decisions and wonder how much longer I can go on. But I have found that the harder the weekend, the more it helped someone there. If I’m having a tough week before an event, I know it will be an important event for somebody.

The Gift of Service Gives Back Tenfold. I encourage other men to become leaders, because if you are doing this movement right, it changes you. Until the day we die, we are trying to become the best men we can be. FNE lets us help form the young men of our society, and in doing so we become holier and more well-rounded ourselves. The gift of giving gives back tenfold.

FNE Has Been a Great Blessing for Our Children. Having our children in the FNE movement has been a great blessing. We have seen them grow spiritually and emotionally and gain many tools for independence and personal development. Through weekly meetings and camps, they receive spiritual formation in a kind, fun and safe environment. We are grateful to all the leaders, and especially to Paul Ritchi, Akela, for their dedication and commitment.

FNE Helped My Three Sons Become Young Leaders. I truly believe FNE played an important role in helping my three sons become more responsible, independent and confident young leaders.

My First Camp as Patrol Chief. Fall camp was my first time as a patrol chief, leading the brothers I have been with since I joined FNE. It was difficult: I had to stay focused, because if I slacked off, my patrol would too. FNE has taught me leadership, time management and loyalty, and how to use tools like a pocket knife, axe and saw. It has also strengthened my relationship with God, and my brothers make FNE meaningful and important in my life.

Growing Closer to God Through Leadership. I have been in FNE for close to 10 years, and this is my first year as a patrol chief. FNE taught me life and survival skills and brought me closer to God. I learned to altar serve in FNE and have served for almost 8 years. Our goal is to become ordinary saints, and with Friday Mass before meetings, monthly Confession and prayer every morning, meal and night at camp, FNE keeps us close to God.

From Patrol Leadership to University. I just finished my first year of Commerce at Queen’s University, and my time as a patrol chief is part of the reason I am where I am today. Universities look for people who can lead and work in a team, and I wrote about FNE in every one of my supplementary applications. FNE taught me not to be afraid of failure, because that is where you learn to bounce back. It shaped my character into who I am today.

What Does FNE Mean to Us? In one word, FNE means faith, togetherness, brotherhood, bonding, friendship, holiness and faithfulness.

50 Years as an Akela. I have been an Akela for 50 years now, and it is such a pleasure, an opportunity and a privilege. I am also the leader of an Explorer troop and the founder of the Federation of North-American Explorers. I have never regretted starting FNE in August 1999; it was the best move I ever made, and it opened doors I could never have imagined. God has protected this movement and its youth, and I want to keep serving this way for as long as He wants me to.

On 50 Years as an Akela. Paul has found his vocation. The Lord has given him many gifts and talents to mentor these boys at a time when that mentorship may be lacking, at school or even in their own families. The boys find a leader who encourages them to be better, and who fosters and nurtures that in them, making them better people.

On 50 Years as an Akela. Paul has been an absolute inspiration for me, a real mentor. I first met him in Ottawa in 2012, when he was attending Mass with his Toronto group at St. Patrick’s Basilica. Ever since then, he has been a friend, a mentor and a role model to me.

On 50 Years as an Akela. Akela Paul (Grey Wolf) always puts God first, in front of everything else, and through that I have learned a lot, especially to make sure my trust is always in God. Another great thing about him is that he always has great advice to give, and he is always there to encourage me whenever I’m down.

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.

I really love FNE and think it should be something everyone should be part of; because I know I am part of something big, something beautiful, something that really teaches me what brotherhood really is. It’s something you don’t feel at school. I feel such a sense of belonging and love that I’ve only otherwise felt in my family. FNE helps me grow immensely. If it weren’t for FNE, I don’t even know where I’d be right now.

I would like to encourage anyone who has any thought of becoming an FNE leader to just do it. We are all called to help our youth prepare for the future. Our society, our church, and the world need and are counting on us. I myself do not have any experience in youth leadership at all. No prior experience is required. Just come as you are. Your skills and faith can have a huge impact on our youth.

He has traveled to places a boy his age would not have imagined crossing mountains, borders, and even oceans. The best thing he now possesses is the new friends and family he has acquired with his FNE brothers that he will have forever.

For me, FNE is so much more than an extracurricular activity or even just a youth group. For me, FNE is my second family. Outside of the home, there is nowhere else that I can express my ideas, my emotions, my feelings with my peers. In today’s secular society there is no other youth group in the world that will encourage young men and women to explore and grow in their faith. FNE has helped me grow in so many ways, in my faith, who I am and who I will be.

I see God everywhere through the Girl Timberwolves movement. It is a unique wonderful program like no other: a combination of spiritual, service, outdoor/physical activities with focus on team building, character and faith formation. From regular meetings to nature explorations; from local outreach to oversea pilgrimages, we were blessed for our daughters have these opportunities to embrace God's love through FNE.

My son can’t wait to get to his Otter lodge to play with his new friends, to listen to stories and enjoy one adventure after another. We see an increased sense of self-confidence, joy and a growing discovering of the love of Jesus for our son and the other members of his lodge. This is an awesome program.

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.

Through spending quality time together in a Christ centred environment that foster prayer, service and appreciation of the nature and each other; we are encouraged to be an authentic Christian citizen living and serving our society. Something that is rarely emphasized nowadays. My daughter and I are proud to be part of the FNE movement!

Being an Explorer is not easy; we do our very best to participate. The hard part is stepping outside one's comfort zone.

FNE surprised me when I found so many other faith-driven teenage boys like me. Yea!

When I am struggling or sad, my brother patrol members come to my aid, they have my back, I know that I am loved and a valued member of my patrol, troop and as an FNE Explorer at large.

Sometimes FNE is hard as we cook in the outdoors, even when it is raining, and we need to be physical, such as running or helping to carry heavy patrol equipment.

FNE offers a place to be with God and with friends for good, clean, wholesome fun.

What surprised me about FNE is the devotion of non-lukewarm Catholic boys. On the first outing, watching the other explorers pray reverently inspired me.

FNE brought me closer to God by answering various questions I had about Christianity. For example, I always questioned the significance of transubstantiation during Mass. The leaders shared a video that showed our guardian angel going to the altar with Jesus and singing praises. Then I saw how great transubstantiation really was.

I have definitely built a bond with my patrol for the two years I was in Manatee Patrol. Because we went through Summer Camp together, we showed each other our strengths, weaknesses and vulnerability and grew closer from that experience. Regularly being together and working together also supported the brotherhood in my patrol.

I became an Explorer to strengthen my faith in Jesus and to learn more about outdoor skills.

At times, it's hard to be an Explorer because you are expected to obey and live all 10 Explorer Laws and follow God while also helping everyone in your life at the same time. We also learn new skills all the time.

FNE has helped me by bringing me closer to God and to learn about our Catholic faith, and FNE also encouraged me to go to Mass more.

I am an Explorer because I want to thrive as a Catholic and as a boy. I want to be a good Catholic in the current world and become an ordinary saint.

I have been surprised by the troop's attention to detail and inclusivity. It has brought me from a young, culturally Catholic to a devoted Catholic who is loved by the troop.

There is brotherhood in my patrol and troop. I feel loved and cared for by everyone. The commitment needed in FNE is hard, but the outcome is priceless.

The thing that surprised me about FNE is how close the FNE family is. Such as how we pray, help, and care for each other.

FNE offers an opportunity to grow not just physically but mentally in leadership and mental fortitude.

As an explorer, many challenges will come, but because of the troops' brotherhood and friendships, we tend to overcome them very well.

Explorers has surprised me as to how beneficial this has been for me physically, mentally, and spiritually. FNE is awesome. I thank Jesus for HIS FNE movement.

FNE surprised me as to how tall and athletic my brother Explorers are.

FNE has helped me by teaching me about God and about the consequences of disobeying God.

There is brotherhood, and it feels and gives me a good sense of belonging.

FNE surprised me with how faithful everyone is, it offers outdoor skills and connection to nature. FNE has helped me understand that God is present in miracles in the present. There is a brotherhood that makes me feel that I am part of the larger family.

It is not easy to be an Explorer since there are many challenges and activities that will push me to my limits and outside of my comfort zone. This is good for me and I like it.

It is not easy to be an FNE Explorer because you have to give 100% effort, but the world and the devil will try to take you further away from God.

I am an explorer because I want to become closer to God, to make new friends, to have fun and learn important life skills, and I want to learn to be a leader.

FNE has helped my belief in Christ through our shared prayers, adoration, and it offers us how to love God with all your heart and how to love your neighbour.

It is not easy to be an FNE explorers as our meetings are long, and the camps are hard, and the evil one tries to take us away from all the great things in FNE, like praying to God and how to love. But I persevere because this is what God wants, and I want to be his servant, and I want to love him.

I am an explorer to continue my journey from Timberwolves and to grow both body and spirit.

When I joined the explorers, I was surprised to find they were more active than I expected. It also surprised me by the amount of dedication that my fellow brothers had. I was also surprised by how supportive they were, as they always pushed me past my limits.

As to the brotherhood, it is put simply, unlike other programs. FNE provides not just friendship but a bond like the one you make with your family. Furthermore, FNE shows great dedication to their work and ensures everything is in order, which makes a good impression on me.

Our patrol shows a real sense of brotherhood. I say this because even though we have our ups and downs and might not always agree with one another, we still support each other no matter what and sometimes that's what brotherhood really is.

It is NOT easy to be an FNE explorer, but that's what sets FNE apart: it pushes you past your limits and makes you stronger. And, truth be told, if FNE were easy, I doubt it would be where it is today.

What surprised me most about Explorers is how many friends I have made. It's not only the people in my patrol, but it is also the explorers in Portugal, Ottawa, and France. I have grown my connections and gained so much experience talking to a variety of people from different backgrounds.

It's not easy being an FNE Explorer because growing your faith in Jesus can be hard, since you can get distracted by bad influences and not really believe in God. But the leaders and FNE show us what's right and how we can do little things to serve others and grow closer to Jesus, little by little.

I came to FNE to find my vocation and to show me what God is truly like and how he can turn me into a faithful man. Also, to help me make better choices in life, based on what I experience and learn as an FNE Explorer.

In FNE, during confession, the Priest gave me advice on how to improve my faith, rather than just saying prayers and responding without meaning or true belief. I started to say the words not just to recite them, but to actually mean what I was saying.

There is a very strong brotherhood in our patrol and in the troop. This makes FNE more fun.

Being an FNE explorer isn't overly hard, but following and upholding the explorer promise and law is.

I have experienced brotherhood with many of my connections from FNE. These have aided me in my journey through FNE and my faith.

It is not easy to be an FNE Explorer due to the character-building camps and long hikes. This helps me become a strong man one day.

FNE surprised me through the intensity of the camps and the responsibility that gets placed upon you once you join. I like it this way.

FNE offers a variety of Catholic and spiritual influences that aren't easily found elsewhere. This encourages you to seek to God in a special way.

FNE Brotherhood - in my experience, there is a strong bond between patrol members. I view this experience as an amazing way to develop friendships and connections which will aid me through my life and faith.

It is not easy to be an FNE Explorer because of the extensive character building, habit formation, and responsibility it cultivates. FNE uses long hikes, hard camps and challenging problems thrown at you. It's great!