Camp Wilderness - Royal Rangers

Florida's vast landscapes offer a diverse array of outdoor experiences, from serene coastal getaways to adventurous inland expeditions. While many think of casual camping, some destinations provide a deeper, more purpose-driven engagement with the outdoors, particularly for youth development. Camp Wilderness, affiliated with the Royal Rangers organization in Fort Meade, represents one such unique establishment. It's not just a place to pitch a tent; it's a dedicated environment designed to foster character, leadership, and spiritual growth in boys and young men through activity-based, outdoor ministry.

The Royal Rangers program itself is a global, church-based ministry focused on evangelizing, equipping, and empowering boys and young men (grades K-12) to become Christlike men and lifelong servant leaders. Camp Wilderness serves as a pivotal facility for this mission, providing the natural setting and infrastructure for various training events, camps, and gatherings like the annual Pow Wow. For Floridians seeking meaningful outdoor experiences that go beyond mere recreation, offering a blend of adventure and spiritual development for the younger generation, Camp Wilderness presents a compelling option. Its focus on building character through hands-on activities in a natural environment makes it a distinctive and valuable resource in Central Florida.

Camp Wilderness - Royal Rangers is located at 3065 US-17, Fort Meade, FL 33841, USA. Fort Meade is a historic city nestled in Polk County, Central Florida, known for its small-town charm and proximity to the Peace River. This strategic location offers a sense of seclusion and natural immersion while remaining accessible from various parts of Florida.

The camp's address on US-17 (Broadway Street) provides direct road access, making it relatively easy to reach by vehicle. Fort Meade itself is situated between larger cities like Lakeland and Sebring, making it a convenient drive for families and groups coming from across Central Florida. The area is characterized by its natural beauty, including the winding Peace River, which is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area, located along the Peace River, offers additional opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the woodlands. This natural backdrop provides the perfect setting for the outdoor and skills-based activities that are central to the Royal Rangers program. While not in a bustling urban center, the accessibility to basic services in Fort Meade ensures that necessary provisions are within reach, striking a balance between an immersive outdoor experience and practical convenience.

Camp Wilderness - Royal Rangers, as a dedicated ministry facility, offers a range of services primarily geared towards supporting the Royal Rangers program and its events. While it functions as a campground, its services are specifically tailored to host large groups and facilitate outdoor education and spiritual development.

• Group Camping Facilities: The camp is equipped to host large groups, with the capacity to accommodate thousands of campers for major events like the Pow Wow. This includes designated primitive campsites and potentially some RV sites with full hookups (6-8 RV sites are mentioned). Amenities include showers and running water throughout the camp.

• Large Event Infrastructure: Features like a 6000 sq ft Camping Lodge and a Special Events Amphitheater with seating for 2,000 indicate the capacity to host significant gatherings, seminars, and worship services.

• Outdoor Program Facilities: The camp provides specialized areas for Royal Rangers activities, such as a Shooting Range, a BMX Track, and dedicated spaces for various outdoor skills training.

• Training and Leadership Development: As part of the Royal Rangers mission, the camp facilitates junior leadership training camps, advanced training, and other programs aimed at developing character and leadership skills in boys and young men.

• Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (FCF) Activities: The camp supports FCF events, which focus on specialized outdoor skills and traditions inspired by early American frontiersmen.

• Venue Rental: Camp Wilderness is also available for booking for other large groups, weddings, and retreats, showcasing its versatility beyond Royal Rangers specific events.

Reviews emphasize the "incredible" services at night during events like the Pow Wow, suggesting well-organized programming and a supportive environment for attendees. The focus is clearly on providing a comprehensive experience that aligns with the ministry's goals.

Camp Wilderness - Royal Rangers stands out due to its comprehensive facilities and its unique mission-driven approach to outdoor education and youth development. The features are designed to create an engaging and impactful experience for all who visit:

• Extensive Acreage: Encompassing over 85 acres of Florida nature, the camp provides ample space for diverse outdoor activities and immersive experiences.

• Access to Peace River: The camp boasts access to the Peace River, offering opportunities for water-based activities like canoeing, kayaking, and enjoying the natural waterway.

• Special Events Amphitheater: A dedicated amphitheater with seating for 2,000, ideal for large gatherings, presentations, and spiritual services, as noted by a reviewer who found the "services at night are incredible."

• Rustic Lodge: A 6000 sq ft Camping Lodge provides a central indoor space for meetings, meals, and communal activities, offering comfort even in a wilderness setting.

• Specialized Activity Zones: Features like Water Slides, a Western Town, a Frontier Village, and a BMX Track offer unique and engaging experiences tailored to the adventurous spirit of youth.

• Shooting Range: A controlled environment for learning and practicing shooting skills, integral to some Royal Rangers programs.

• Youth Leadership Development: The camp is a hub for training future leaders, with specific programs like Junior Training Camps and Advanced Junior Training Camps, focusing on teamwork, campcraft, and servant leadership.

• Spiritual Emphasis: As a Christian ministry, all activities and training have a spiritual emphasis, aiming to develop Christlike character, as highlighted by reviewers who noted "wonderful things happen" and the focus on "Christlike boy to become man."

• Well-Maintained Grounds: Despite its rustic nature, the ongoing "Camp Workdays" and commitment to ground maintenance ensure a clean and functional environment.

For more information about Camp Wilderness - Royal Rangers, including details on upcoming events, program specifics, or booking inquiries for groups, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 3065 US-17, Fort Meade, FL 33841, USA

• Phone: (813) 299-4877

• Mobile Phone: +1 813-299-4877

It is advisable to contact the camp directly for specific schedules, registration details, and any requirements for participation in Royal Rangers programs or for general campground use.

For Floridians seeking more than just a typical camping trip, Camp Wilderness - Royal Rangers in Fort Meade offers a deeply enriching and purposeful experience, particularly for families with boys and young men. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects that align with common desires for personal growth, community engagement, and unique outdoor activities.

Firstly, for parents in Florida looking for programs that emphasize character development and leadership skills in a structured, faith-based environment, Camp Wilderness provides an invaluable resource. The Royal Rangers curriculum, delivered through engaging outdoor activities like camping, shooting sports, and team challenges, offers a powerful alternative to secular youth programs. The glowing reviews from attendees, highlighting "amazing place for kids" and a focus on "Christlike men," underscore its effectiveness in achieving these goals.

Secondly, the camp's unique facilities, from the large amphitheater to specialized activity zones, mean that it can host significant events like the Pow Wow, drawing participants from across the state and fostering a broad sense of community and shared purpose. This offers locals an opportunity to be part of larger, impactful gatherings that promote camaraderie and shared values.

Lastly, its Central Florida location in Fort Meade provides a convenient and accessible escape into nature. While offering a rustic environment, it's close enough to urban centers to be a feasible destination for weekend training sessions or annual camps. For local families, youth groups, or churches looking for a well-equipped and mission-driven campground that focuses on holistic development, Camp Wilderness - Royal Rangers stands out as an exceptional and highly recommended choice in the heart of the Sunshine State.

Camp Wilderness - Royal Rangers

3065 US-17, Fort Meade, FL 33841, USA