Federation of North-American Explorers

The Federation of North-American Explorers (FNE) is a Roman Catholic faith-based, outdoor youth movement[1][2] in Canada and the United States of America based on the methods of Lord Robert Baden-Powell and Venerable Jacques Sevin, SJ. It was founded in 1999[3] and serves more than 1100 members in 31 active groups throughout North America.[4][5][6] The association is a member of the International Union of Guides and Scouts of Europe.[7] However, due to fundamental differences in the values and ideals of the FNE and those of scouting as it has developed in North America, the FNE program stresses that they are Explorers and not scouts.

Federation of North-American Explorers
HeadquartersToronto, Ontario
CountryCanada and USA
Founded1999
FounderPaul Ritchi
Membership1100
General CommissionerPaul Ritchi
AffiliationUIGSE-FSE
Website
http://www.fneexplorers.com/

Program

The association is divided in four sections according to age.[8][9][10][11] These ages are the same for both the male and the female programs, both of which are separated by age and gender.[9] The age level groups are:[12][13]

  • Otters, ages 6 to 7
  • Timber Wolves, ages 8 to 12
  • Explorers, ages 12 to 16
  • Wayfarers, ages 17 to 24

Program Extent and Pontifical Recognition

Although the FNE program in North America is limited to its 31 groups and approximately 1100 members, it is one of the 21 national associations that make up the International Union of Guides and Scouts of Europe (UIGSE-FSE). Combined, these countries account for more than 65,000 members. In 2003, the UIGSE-FSE received official recognition from the Vatican's Pontifical Council of the Laity as an International Association of the Faithful of Pontifical Right.[14] In 2008, the association was further recognized in a letter from Vatican Secretary Josef Clemens, where he thanked them for their efforts.[15]

See also

References
  1. "Explorers of the Faith". Retrieved 2015-10-16.
  2. "Catholics Explore Scouting Options". Retrieved 2015-10-16.
  3. "Catholic Scouts Celebrate 10 Years". Retrieved 2015-10-16.
  4. "FNE Group Directory". Retrieved 2014-09-22.
  5. "FNE Group Locator Map". Retrieved 2014-10-16.
  6. "Seeking an Alternative to the Boy Scouts". 2015-09-29. Retrieved 2015-10-16.
  7. "FSE Nation List". Retrieved 2014-09-22.
  8. "FNE Explorers grow closer to God". Retrieved 2015-10-16.
  9. "FNE Youth Programs". Retrieved 2014-09-22.
  10. "North Star Youth Programs". Retrieved 2014-09-22.
  11. "Stella Maris Youth Programs". Retrieved 2014-09-22.
  12. Girard, Carolyn (May 22, 2009). "Catholic scouts celebrate 10 years". The Catholic Register. Retrieved October 16, 2015.
  13. Wondrash, Kevin (July 24, 2014). "FNE scouts do their 'best,' grow closer to God". Catholic Herald. Diocese of Madison. Retrieved October 16, 2015.
  14. "International Union of European Guides and Scouts". Retrieved 2015-10-16.
  15. "About Us | Federation of North-American Explorers". Federation of North-American Explorers. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018.


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