Royal Rangers is a worldwide movement of the Assemblies of God designed to provide young people with activities while providing them with religious instruction. A camping theme is at the heart of most activities, along with a merit award system whereby Royal Rangers must demonstrate specific knowledge and abilities. Since 1962, this program, developed originally by North Texas Youth Director Rev. John Henry "Johnnie" Barnes, has since spread from the Assemblies of God to many other denominations (notably the International Pentecostal Holiness Church) and from the United States to over 73 countries. Most of the sponsoring churches sponsor Royal Rangers as an alternative to more secular youth movements such as Scouting. Royal Rangers International and Royal Rangers America do not consider themselves as part of the Scouting movement, although Royal Rangers Germany does.
The Royal Rangers Emblem is a stylized compass rose containing points in three different colors: Red, Blue, and Gold. Each color has a different meaning.
Age groups In the United States, the boys in Royal Rangers are divided into four groups
Ranger Kids (Kindergarten-2nd Grade) Discovery Rangers (3rd Grade-5th Grade) Adventure Rangers (6th Grade-8th Grade) Expedition Rangers (9th Grade-12th Grade.