Welcome to River Rangers, a brand-new scouting-like group for boys and girls from grade school through mid-teens.

The Four Aims of River Rangers

• Service to our communities

• Physical, mental, moral and spiritual growth

• Care for God’s environment

• Friendship and fun in the outdoors

About River Rangers

How does River Rangers relate to other scouting-like programs?

River Rangers is not related to any other scouting or scouting-like organization. It draws on worldwide principles and experiences of scouting, in pursuit of its own, unique Four Aims. Unlike most scouting programs, River Rangers welcomes both boys and girls.

Who are the leaders?

Will Messenger is the initial Rangermaster with additional leadership from men and women from Charles River Church and local communities where River Rangers reside.

How does River Rangers relate to Charles River Church?

River Rangers is a program of Charles River Church, but it has its own particular aims, participants, and activities.

Are River Rangers expected to belong to Charles River Church?

No. River Rangers is its own program with its own members. Of course River Rangers and their families are always welcome at Charles River Church, whether they belong to the church, or belong to some other religious institution or don’t belong to any religious body. River Rangers meetings typically occur just prior to Charles River Church youth or all-church gatherings, which makes it convenient for rangers and their families who also want to participate in the church’s activities.

Is River Rangers a religious program?

River Rangers is a scouting-like program, and like most scouting programs, River Rangers has a spiritual element (see the Four Aims). In particular, River Rangers explore how God could be active in service, growth, the environment and friendship and fun. For example, River Rangers might discuss how a Bible verse such as, “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it,” could help them understand their responsibility for caring for the environment. Most River Ranger adventures have a brief time of prayer or devotion to thank God and ask God’s blessing for the adventure.

Although River Rangers operates in accord with the beliefs of Charles River Church, Rangers are not asked to make any statement of faith or creed as part of River Rangers. Rangers are always welcome to abstain from any part of the program that they (or their parents/guardians) might not be comfortable with.

Is there a cost to participate?

River Rangers charges dues of $20 per year per ranger. Rangers also pay for the costs of each adventure they participate in. In addition, Rangers may choose to purchase uniform items.

Where do River Rangers Meet?

River Ranger meetings are held at the MATCH School, 1001 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston (Boston).

How can I get involved?

Kids and teens can get involved just by coming to a River Ranger meeting or adventure. If you like what you see, you can join River Rangers. (You must become a member to go on any adventure after your first one.) Adults interested in helping out should talk with the Rangermaster.

How can I find out more?

Contact Will Messenger at wmessenger@mba1988.hbs.edu or 617-489-8768.