Reflections
Every Boy Deserves the Chance to Become a Man
In a world that questions masculinity, how FNE Explorers helps boys grow into strong, faithful Catholic men through camping, challenge and Christ.
FNE Explorers and Faith – Our reason for being as a movement by Paul Ritchi, Founder
The Federation of North American Explorers was founded on 10 August 1999, with only 10 boys (Timberwolves) and three leaders.
Why? The Lord moved powerfully by opening my heart and then the necessary doors to initiate a new movement in North America, using the teachings of Father Jacques Sevin, the primary founder of Catholic scouting, embraced through a movement in Europe known as the FSE or UIGSE.
The mission was straightforward yet countercultural: “to Save Souls” through this proven method. Initially, this unnerved me as I am a simple man who is anything but a saint. Over time, Christ reached out to me to say this movement is mine, I will guide and protect it and its members. And that he has had from the very first days of the movement. Let me share an example.
A vision on a summer walk
In July 2000, a small group of seven Timberwolves, including my only son, David, and three leaders, embarked on a routine summer walk along an old, abandoned railway line in the vast Canadian wilderness. During the walk, which was simple by its very nature, I suddenly had a vision of a bear emerging from the woods and attacking our group, killing my son as I hurried up to try and fend off the bear with a flagpole I was carrying. The vision was so vivid that it frightened me to the point where I called out to the boys to stop, claiming it was to take a photograph. As I raised the camera, a baby bear cub dashed across the path, just behind the Timberwolves. I suddenly realised we had unintentionally positioned ourselves between the baby bear and its lurking mother nearby. I shouted for the Timberwolves to run for their lives. Had I not experienced this vision, which I could not ignore, it would have become a reality; I would have lost my only son, and FNE would never have come into existence.
Over the years, this experience and several other miracles have clearly demonstrated the Lord’s love for His young and old children and for His FNE Explorer movement.
Built on Christ and His Church
The development of the FNE/FSE programme has been very deliberate, designed to complement the teachings of Christ and his Catholic Church, whereas FNE, by its very nature, is countercultural.
Through the FNE Explorer Promise and Law and programme, we help its members embrace this teaching from Jesus (1 John 2:15-17) Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Society, the Church and FNE
Let’s take a closer look at the key teachings of Society, the Church and FNE from three distinct perspectives: 1) Society, 2) Christ and his Catholic Church and 3) FNE
Example A
Society: Religion is private and not for public lives (career, school) or places.
Christ and His Church: Worship Christ and help others discover and live the one true faith.
FNE: Formed to help save souls, FNE belongs to Christ. Embracing the sacraments of confession and the Eucharist, the use of the rosary, etc. Seeing God at work in nature and amongst each other. Brotherhood, sisterhood and love. Service and self-sacrifice.
Example B
Society: A deep focus on me, myself and I.
Christ and His Church: To serve is what Christ demands from his children.
FNE: An Explorer is made to serve and save his or her neighbour. (3rd Explorer Law).
Example C
Society: The devil is not real, and a good God would not send people to hell. I am a good person.
Christ and His Church: The reality of venial and mortal sin, judgment and confession.
FNE: FNE members grow to hate personal sin and seek forgiveness through confession at camps and meetings. The Explorer Law points the way forward to sainthood in this lifetime.
Example D
Society: Most people, especially children, have little interest in God or the afterlife. They live for today and not for the afterlife.
Christ and His Church: The truth will set you free. A personal, deep hunger will never be met outside of God, and children are hungry for Christ and his teachings.
FNE: Youth encounter Christ throughout the program through the great outdoors, living the law and promise, in each other, through stories, and being loved.
Example E
Society: Fame, power, money and sexual values of all types are good and OK to be celebrated. To be rich in spirit.
Christ and His Church: Follow Christ’s examples and teachings. To be truly poor in spirit.
FNE: The simple things of life, as discovered through the FNE program, and realising that we depend on Christ for everything, are wonderful. The 10th Explorer Law – “An Explorer is pure in thought, word and deed”
Example F
Society: My truth must become your truth; to do otherwise is hate or discrimination.
Christ and His Church: There is only one truth: God, the bible, the commandments and the church’s teachings.
FNE: Speak the truth even if it hurts in school or society.
A movement, not a club
The Federation of North American Explorers (its official name), often called FNE Explorers, is a movement rather than a team, institution, club, or organisation.
A movement is a Way of Life, a path of formation, and a spiritual journey. FNE is rooted in a consistent and genuine pedagogy even as society shifts its values and beliefs.
A movement adheres to a consistent method of education and formation — in FNE’s case, the Explorer method, rooted in the Catholic faith and the principles of Blessed Jacques Sevin, Baden-Powell, and the UIGSE-FSE (International Union of Guides and Scouts of Europe).
A club, team, or organisation exists for fun, sports skills, or social connections. The FNE movement exists to lead youth and adults to Christ through the outdoors, fraternity, and service. Every campfire, hike, and patrol council is part of a spiritual formation—helping each member grow closer to God and live the Gospel in the world.
FNE is deeply ecclesial — it resides within the Church, for the Church. Its members are not just volunteers; they are missionaries in their parishes, schools, and families. Movements shape people who, in turn, shape others — passing on a living tradition. FNE does not merely entertain youth; it develops leaders, parents, priests, and citizens grounded in faith, service, and truth through its programme, while exploring nature, the outdoors, community, service, and faith in a positive, constructive, and safe manner.
What families see
FNE is often best seen in the quiet transformations that happen within families. Some examples cited by many leaders and parents include:
Growth in Faith and Prayer Life
Many children develop a greater love for the Mass and the Sacraments. Parents observe their sons and daughters praying before meals, during hikes, or before bed — often leading their siblings in prayer. Many parents notice increased reverence, gratitude, and moral awareness in daily life as their child grows in love and obedience to their parents. One parent reported, “My son began to see his faith not just as something for Sundays, but as a daily adventure with Christ.”
Increased Responsibility and Maturity
Ownership of tasks: Explorers learn to pack their own gear, cook, clean, and care for others — and carry that initiative home. This fosters increased self-discipline that promotes personal order, punctuality, and perseverance in chores, schoolwork, and commitments. Another parent reported, “My daughter became more mature in just one year — she now helps her younger siblings without being asked.”
Stronger Family Bonds
The Explorer method reinforces the same virtues parents aim to teach — honesty, service, reverence, and courage. FNE encourages families to pray, camp, and serve together. Many families say it has brought them closer. Parents report their children are less attached to devices and more eager for genuine adventure and relationships. From another parent: “FNE reduced and in some cases actually replaced our kids’ screens with stars, songs, and faith. It changed our home.”
Confidence, Resilience, and Joy
Children learn to obey cheerfully and accept correction through the Explorer patrol system and service roles. Explorers develop teamwork, reconciliation, and genuine concern for others. This is not common in larger society or organisations. The Explorer environment upholds virtue and fosters noble friendships and respect for oneself and others, particularly regarding personal holiness and purity.
FNE continues to help its members receive many graces and blessings as we all strive to follow the path to salvation and heaven.
FNE Explorers Programme Levels and Faith Considerations
Otters (ages 5 to 7)
Age of discovery
Want to love and be loved
First Confession and Eucharist
Age of reason
Begin to understand sin and shy away from it because of its bad effects
Little stories from patron – St. Dominic Savio
Timberwolves (ages 8 to 12)
Develop a true sense of justice
Deep belief in what Akela and Father teach them, and the example of St. Francis of Assisi
Learn from stories and discussions
Through the Council Rock and Jungle Stories, learn life lessons and hard truths
Grow in love for the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Mass
Eagerly and happily go to confession on a regular basis
Explorers (12 to 16)
Start to realise that their school peers do not share in church teachings or practices.
An ever-increasing sense of temptations and distractions from social media and smartphones.
Turning to Christ, especially in difficult times, and seeking confession, unlike what their peers at school are doing.
Begin to be more discerning about who one chooses to associate with, especially regarding peer pressure to conform.
The Patrol becomes their safe place; its members are loved, supported, and respected, and lifelong friends are often made.
Wayfarer Explorers (17-22 and then adulthood)
It is here most often that the faith anchor is planted to hold onto when entering the post-secondary world and way of life.
Greater understanding that life has a purpose and that God has a plan for them.
Rely more on their brother or sister Wayfarer Explorers to move forward. The programme is designed to help members discover their personal vocation in life. What is God calling them to?
The vast majority of FNE Wayfarer Explorers stay active in their faith and remain members of the church, compared to peers outside of FNE who more often than not abandon the church and its teachings.
FNE Leaders: Bringing Youth Closer to Christ
As leaders, we are not simply organising activities or teaching outdoor skills; we are cooperating with Christ in the salvation of souls — including our own.
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36
Our youth, especially Timberwolves, can often recognise falsehood. As leaders, we must embody the Faith with authenticity and joy. “You cannot give what you do not have.”
Christ often says to keep our relationship and love for him from a position of simplicity. Consider some of the following recommendations: Personal holiness is the foundation. Start and finish each day with prayer. Attend Confession regularly and stay close to the Eucharist. Be visibly Catholic. Make the Sign of the Cross reverently, pray before meals, and show gratitude and humility.
Radiate joy. Youth respond more to happiness than to words. A joyful leader who laughs easily and forgives swiftly reflects Christ much more powerfully than lectures ever could. Admit when you are wrong, ask for pardon or forgiveness without fear.
Pray With and For the Youth
“When you pray for them, you love them as Christ does.”
Pray purposefully for each Explorer in your care by name — at Mass, during personal prayer, or during your commute.
Incorporate prayer naturally into each meeting or camp morning offering, grace before meals, a decade of the Rosary on a walk, and night prayers beside the campfire.
Offer spiritual sacrifices for them — fasting, small acts of patience, or acceptance of inconvenience — to help them convert and grow. Embrace your cross well.
Ask for their prayers as well. When they see their leader humbly request prayer, they understand that we are a spiritual family journeying together. Never underestimate the power of prayer from a child in the eyes of our Lord.
Make Christ Present in the Life of your individual FNE Explorer Unit. Remember “Where two or three are gathered in My Name”. Invite the priest and sacraments regularly. Aim to have Mass, Adoration, or Confession at camps or during regular meetings.
Embed faith into the FNE Explorer method, rather than as a supplementary element. A hike becomes a pilgrimage; a flag ceremony begins with a prayer for peace; a good turn transforms into a way of serving Christ.
Use the FNE Explorer symbols and traditions correctly. The uniform, patrol flag, songs, and ceremonies all come from the heart — ensure they reflect reverence, service, and the divine. Remember that our FNE uniform is our Catholic shield, so pay attention to detail and always wear our uniforms properly and simply.
Create sacred moments. A silent campfire reflection, a sunrise prayer, or a talk about God’s beauty in nature can profoundly open hearts. The Explorer Method, as designed, will develop their Character through Genuine Demands and Genuine Trust. “Discipline is the training ground of freedom.”
Expect greatness. Explorers rise to real responsibility when trusted. Give meaningful duties, not busywork.
Let them take the lead. The patrol system fosters responsibility, humility, and consideration for others.
Teach them to offer up hardship. A cold night, a long hike, or washing dishes can become a sacrifice offered to Christ.
Correct with love, not irritation. The goal is their holiness, not your comfort. Every correction is a seed of conversion if done with charity.
Build Brotherhood/Sisterhood in Christ
The true sign of success for your FNE unit or group is simple: “See how they love one another!”
Create a culture of respect and genuine friendship. Fraternity is where Christ’s love becomes tangible. Celebrate virtues openly. Honour acts of kindness, bravery, and humility more than accomplishments or talents. Model forgiveness. When conflict arises (and it will), guide reconciliation. Teach that unity and mercy are stronger than pride. Live servant leadership. Leaders eat last, rise first, and smile most — quietly demonstrating that authority is service.
As FNE leaders, we must not lose sight of our own souls! “The measure you give will be the measure you get back.” — Luke 6:38 Our youth look to us for example, do we walk the talk? Our example influences eternity. The explorer’s salvation may depend on our witness, and our salvation could be affected by our fidelity to the FNE mission. Lastly, persevere with hope. We are not alone — the Holy Spirit does the real work. Our role is to remain faithful.
Grow to love each member of your local FNE unit, even those who test your patience and endurance. Plant seeds of encouragement rather than discouragement. Keep all members honest and responsible. Embrace and uphold the Explorer Promise and Law, expecting nothing less. Stay humble. Cast out seeds of discouragement, internal division, and self-pity. Find and celebrate the positives.
Use your weapon on your belt, the Rosary, often. Go and adore Christ as an individual and with your youth regularly through Eucharistic Adoration.
Finally, trust in Christ for all things, listen for prompts from the Holy Spirit, and act upon them.
In conclusion
Our mission is not to build the largest troop, Den, Lodge, or Crew of Fire, but to create saints.
If we embrace our vocation as Explorer leaders with faith, prayer, humility, and joy, Christ Himself will draw both the young hearts and ours to Heaven.
Thank you, sister and brother leaders, for all you do for the Lord’s FNE Explorer movement. Christ is very pleased by your service and efforts to protect, deliver and grow HIS FNE Explorer movement.
Paul Ritchi
Founder, FNE Explorers
4 November 2025
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