The advancement trails for Discovery Rangers (grades 3-5), Adventure Rangers (grades 6-8), and Expedition Rangers (grades 9-12) are largely based on the completion of a specified number of skill merits. Groups may choose from a list of over 200 merits currently available. However, some merits require special facilities, gear, or expertise to teach effectively. In order to assist you in identifying merits that may be most suitable for new groups, we recommend the following. The lists below represent the popular merits that typically require little or no previous experience in that subject area, and require facilities and gear commonly available in most churches.

The purpose of the Royal Rangers ministry is to reach boys with the gospel of Jesus Christ, connect them with Christlike men, and lead them through a process of growth into Christlike manhood. Our goal is that every boy be introduced to the Savior and brought to an understanding of His purpose for his life. But ministry leaders in smaller churches often face unique challenges that require them to implement their ministries in alternative formats that achieve their ministry objectives while working within the context of their environment.

The Royal Rangers program provides churches with a powerful tool for developing boys into Christlike young men. But as with any program, the full benefits of the program are only achieved as the result of a well-planned and well-conducted process. A systematic process of planning and preparation is, therefore, essential to the success of any outpost.

While Royal Rangers is a boys program seeking to develop boys into Christlike men, we realize the immense value of nurturing our girls into beautiful, loving women of God. We therefore highly value our relationship with our partner program for girls – Girls Ministries. This church-based discipleship program has a legacy of godly women coming alongside girls, guiding them on a path to become mature and godly women. The goal of Girls Ministries simple – to see every girl moving toward a deep relationship with Jesus Christ, and to realize her importance and potential in the kingdom of God.