Worth Ranch The Big Adventure

Our history

Founders, rangers & legends

Rangers became legends, legends became stories, and stories became standards for the next generation.

  • A. J. "Jerry" Fulkerson

    Scout Executive · Died 1947

    Supplied the drive and leadership to found Worth Ranch, famous for making every dollar work. He wrote the Worth Ranch Grace. The memorial chapel bears his name.

  • Joseph H. "Joe" Taylor

    First foreman and "Hike Master" · 1929–

    A hunter, trapper, cowboy, rancher, and naturalist who guided Fort Worth troops into the Palo Pinto country and recommended the site.

  • Charles F. Roeser

    Boy Scout Foundation president · 1929

    Gathered Fort Worth business leaders to sponsor the original buildings, and gave Roeser Hall.

  • A. L. Shuman

    Council president · 1929

    Rallied the donors. The LeRoy Shuman Museum was the Shuman family's gift.

  • Clyde A. Penry

    Volunteer contractor · 1929–1930

    Led the building committee and oversaw construction of the native-stone complex.

  • An elderly man in a white western shirt holds a straw cowboy hat.

    Henry McClure

    Stone hauler · 1929–1930

    Hauled building stone by horse and wagon. The council bought the Henry and Bess McClure farm in 1998.

  • Painted portrait of Cap Kidd in a campaign hat, glasses, and a Longhorn Council uniform.

    Frank "Cap" Kidd and Beryl Kidd

    Ranger · 1936–1957

    Cap could run a summer program, fix a water system, teach outdoor cooking, and lead a song. His early-morning coffee for unit leaders became legend.

  • Oscar Bilger

    Ranger · 1957–1967

    Brought the mechanical skill an aging camp needed, and could fix nearly anything.

  • Jeff Mason Robinson

    Ranger · 1967–

    Added building eaves, windows, and the familiar gazebo near the parade ground.

  • Allen Johnson

    Ranger · 1977–2001

    Served 24 years, the longest ranger tenure to that date.

  • John Breitling

    Camp director and Scouting author

    Former Worth Ranch camp director and national Scouting author; Breitling Campsite honors him.

  • Bob Duncan

    Donor · 2000

    The Arlington businessman whose gift built Duncan Dining Hall.

  • Faust Nobles

    1929 staff · 1929

    Early staff member and author of the Worth Ranch song.