"An FCF Experience" By Jane "2 Sparks" Nunziato

On a Friday afternoon in May we arrived at the Crusader Youth Camp in Dunn, North Carolina. This was to be my first Family FCF Campout. I didn't know what to expect other than what my husband "2 Chances" has told me over the years. While setting up our campsite we were visited by several people and I was introduced to them after they hugged my husband and patted him on the back. Immediately I could feel the comradery of these men. As we continued to set up, others were doing the same, and help was received and given as needed.

The council fire that night was held indoors (minus the fire) since the wind was blowing and rain was on its way. Imagine that! What would an FCF or Royal Ranger campout be without rain! Mountain Bear told us about the events that were planned for the next day. The boys were excited and so were the ladies.

Saturday morning we awoke to a cloudy, overcast, rather "cool" day. Actually, it was downright cold! But campfires were blazing and breakfast was cooking. The aroma of bacon, sausage and eggs permeated the camp. Formation came shortly thereafter and the events of the day were on their way. The ladies were told of classes just for them in the fine art of "Black Powder" rifle shooting, "Flint & Steel" fire starting, and the ever popular "Trap Setting". We were also told of the ladies Seneca run which consisted of 1) Shooting the black powder rifle 2) starting a fire by the flint & steel method 3) smashing an orange with a rolling pin 4) throwing a cast iron frying pan through a hula hoop suspended from a tree limb 5) setting a trap and 6) throwing a hawk. Thank the Lord, the hawk did not have to stick.

3 Hats assured everyone that, if they wanted to shoot a black powder rifle, he would make sure they had the experience. I went down to the end of the field where they had set up for black powder shooting. Besides my own personal experience (which I thoroughly enjoyed), I don't think I can come up with the words to express what was in my heart watching 3 Hats helping everyone load the rifle, explaining every step to each one. Over and over again just about all day long. His patience was beyond what could be expected from a person.

The ladies and girls went through their classes and learned all there is to know about staring a fire using flint and steel. Mountain Bears' daughter, Stubborn Fawn, gave an excellent presentation and every one of us got our fire started. Mountain Bear then showed us how to set a trap, and once again, we all got it done. After lunch it was time for the "Ladies Seneca Run". I went second and after shooting the black powder rifle, it was off to start my fire. After setting the char cloth against the flint rock just right, I struck the flint with the steel and after just two sparks, got the char cloth glowing and the smoke rising from my birds nest and "woosh" up came the flames. Mountain Bear was watching and shouted out "wow, she got that fire started in two sparks". Hence my new FCF name "2 Sparks". I didn't win the Seneca run, but I sure did have a great time trying.

After the ladies, it was time for the men and boys to have their Seneca Run. Theirs was a little different. (No rolling pin smash or frying pan throw.) They had to 1) shoot the rifle 2) start a fire 3) throw the hawk and knife (theirs had to stick) 4) set a trap (theirs was double sided) 5) carry a log 6) wash some clothes. Once again my heart was overwhelmed when one of the boys didn't quite weigh enough to hold the trap open while he was setting it. He tried several times but just could keep it open. Mountain Bear said, no one was not going to be able to finish and had his Dad come over and help him. Then another boy had a hard time getting his hawk and then his knife to stick. He'd throw, it would drop and he'd throw and it would drop. Time after time and all the while, men and boys were encouraging him, yelling "You can do it", "You're doing fine," "Keep going". The hawk stuck and so did the knife. While this was going on, some of the ladies and men went back to their campsites and started cooking their evening meal. The wonderful smells of camp stew permeated the air. There was a cookoff and the results would be made known on Sunday morning for the best camp stew. (Mrs. Beaver won).

That evening as the sun was setting we were all called to the council fire. Mountain Bear expressed his heartfelt thanks to all the ladies and families that came to the "Annual FCF Family Campout". He explained to us his experience in receiving a new FCF name and what it meant to him. He then asked the men if they wanted to express an FCF name for their wife or any of their children. We all know that FCF names for the ladies aren't "official", but I know those of us who have new names will always keep them. I unofficially became "2 Sparks". One lady became known as "White Dove" and another "Kind Eyes". There were several others and especially moving were when these men gave names to their children. The council fire was lit and "Tiny Toes" gave a talk on "What It Means To Be A Commanders Wife." My husband has been in Royal Rangers since 1993. In fact, our first anniversary was spent at a Royal Ranger Pow Wow. But until this weekend, and listening to Tiny Toes, I don't know that I fully understood what a commitment he had made to this ministry. And since I'm married to Michael, the commitment I have also made to this ministry. If I'm not praying for Michael and supporting him, then he can't do what God has called him to do. I've always known that, but this weekend drove it home all the more. An FCF experience, it certainly was. And I'm looking forward to next year's Family Campout.