Volunteer With FNE – Answer the Call to Serve Christ
Help Form the Next Generation of Everyday Saints Your faith. Your talents. Your willingness to serve. Their journey towards Christ. What if the gift of your time could help change a young person's life — and bring that young soul closer to Jesus Christ? The Federation of North-American Explorers (FNE) invites Catholic adults to answer a meaningful call: to help young people grow in faith, character, courage and virtue through the joy of outdoor adventure, friendship and service. At FNE, we believe that every young person is called to holiness. Our mission is to help them discover that calling and grow into faithful Catholics who love God, serve their neighbour and live their faith with courage and joy. Whether you are guiding young people on an outdoor adventure, sharing practical skills, helping organize activities or supporting your local FNE Group, your service becomes part of a much greater mission — helping form everyday saints.
Why Volunteer With FNE?
More Than Volunteering. A Mission of Faith and Service.
FNE is not simply an outdoor adventure program. It is a Catholic youth movement rooted in the teachings, traditions and sacramental life of the Catholic Church.
Our activities are designed to help young people become responsible, courageous, generous and faithful followers of Jesus Christ.
Through Holy Mass, Confession, prayer, camping, hiking, practical skills, leadership opportunities and service to others, FNE helps young people discover the beauty of God's creation and their own responsibility to love and serve Him.
As an FNE volunteer, you become a partner in this mission, supporting parents in the Christian formation of their children.
As a volunteer, you can:
Help young people deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, Catholic formation and your personal example.
Form character and virtue by encouraging honesty, courage, responsibility, self-discipline and generosity.
Experience the joy of adventure through camping, hiking, outdoor skills and discovering God's creation
Build lasting Catholic friendships with families and fellow volunteers who share your faith and values.
Make a difference that lasts a lifetime by helping young people become faithful Catholics and everyday saints.
Ways to Volunteer With FNE
There Is a Place for Your Gifts and Talents
Every FNE Group depends on adults who generously share their time, experience and abilities.
Some volunteers work directly with young people, while others provide essential support behind the scenes.
Whatever your gifts, there may be an opportunity to place them at the service of Christ and His Church.
Become an FNE Youth Leader
Help guide Otters, Timberwolves, Explorers or Wayfarer Explorers as they grow in faith, character, responsibility and practical skills. FNE leaders do more than organize activities. Through their words, actions and personal example, they help young people discover what it means to live as faithful Catholics. Leadership is both a responsibility and an opportunity to serve Christ by helping young people grow in holiness
Share the Adventure of God's Creation
Do you enjoy camping, hiking, canoeing, pioneering, nature exploration or practical outdoor skills? Help young people discover the beauty of God's creation while developing confidence, perseverance, teamwork and resourcefulness. You do not need to know everything. A willingness to learn, help others and share in the adventure is a valuable beginning.
Support Your Local FNE Group
Behind every successful FNE Group are dedicated adults who make its activities possible. Help with administration, equipment, transportation coordination, fundraising, event preparation, communications or other practical responsibilities. Your contribution helps ensure that FNE leaders can focus on the formation and well-being of the young people entrusted to their care.
Put Your Professional Skills at the Service of FNE
Your professional experience can help FNE reach more families and strengthen our Catholic mission. Skills in photography, communications, technology, finance, administration, logistics, fundraising or other areas can make a meaningful contribution to the growth of our movement. Every talent generously offered can become an instrument of service.
What Does It Mean to Be an FNE Leader?
Leading by Example. Serving With Humility. Growing in Faith.
An FNE leader is more than an activity organizer or outdoor instructor.
An FNE leader is called to be a positive Christian example, helping young people discover the joy of following Jesus Christ in their everyday lives.
Our leaders strive to live the Catholic faith faithfully, recognizing that young people learn not only from what we teach, but also from what we do.
We seek leaders who are willing to:
- Embrace and faithfully support FNE's Catholic identity, mission and educational method.
- Strive to live according to the teachings and moral values of the Catholic Church.
- Lead through personal example, prayer, humility and joyful service.
- Respect and support parents as the primary educators of their children.
- Help create a safe, respectful and encouraging environment for every young person.
- Participate in the preparation, training and formation required for their responsibilities.
- Work faithfully with fellow leaders and the wider FNE family.
You do not need to be an experienced outdoor leader when you begin. FNE provides guidance and opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills appropriate to your role.
All volunteers must meet the applicable requirements for their positions, including screening, safeguarding and youth protection measures.
The most important beginning is a generous heart and a sincere willingness to serve.
How to Become an FNE Volunteer
Step 1 – Answer the Call
Step 1
Complete our volunteer inquiry form and tell us a little about yourself, where you live and how you would like to contribute.
Discover the FNE Mission
Step 2
Connect with local FNE leadership to learn about our Catholic mission, educational method, activities and available volunteer opportunities.
Complete the Volunteer Approval Process
Step 3
Depending on your role, complete the required application, screening, safeguarding and youth protection steps established by FNE.
Receive Formation, Training and Guidance
Step 4
Learn about FNE's traditions, educational approach, Catholic formation, outdoor practices and the responsibilities of your position.
Begin Your Mission of Service
Step 5
Join your local FNE leadership community and begin helping young people grow in faith, virtue, character and love for Jesus Christ.
Your Time. Your Talents. Their Journey Towards Heaven.
Will You Answer the Call?
Somewhere, a young person is waiting for the encouragement, guidance and good example that a faithful adult can provide.
Perhaps God is calling you to be that person.
You may help a Timberwolf discover the beauty of prayer, encourage an Explorer to persevere through a difficult challenge, or help a young person understand the importance of serving others.
These moments can shape a lifetime.
At FNE, we believe that holiness grows through the ordinary acts of love, sacrifice, courage and service that fill our daily lives.
By volunteering, you can help young people discover that path — while growing in your own journey towards Christ.
Come share the adventure. Share your faith. Help form everyday saints.