About the United States Volunteer Rangers

United States Volunteer Rangers, Inc. (USVR) is a family-based scouting, outdoor, preparedness, and service organization built for people who want more than passive recreation. We unite adults, youth, and families who believe that strong families build strong communities—and that real-world skills, calm leadership, and mutual support matter. 

USVR blends the best of classic scouting traditions with modern preparedness, outdoor adventure, and community service. Our goal is simple: help everyday people become capable, resilient, and useful—at camp, at home, and when our communities need help most. 

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What Makes USVR Different

USVR is intentionally “hands-on.” We’re a community of volunteers and instructors who emphasize training, teamwork, and practical readiness—not theory, not spectatorship. 

We’re also built around family participation: “everyone from six to sixty (and beyond)” can start at the same place, grow together, and serve together. 

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Our Mission

USVR focuses on three interconnected missions:

1) Family-Based Scouting & Leadership

Outdoor learning, character, responsibility, and leadership development—built around families and local posts. 

2) Preparedness & Mutual Assistance

Local posts meet and train on food storage, water treatment, alternative energy/heating methods, security, hygiene, and practical self-reliance—because prepared households recover faster and help their neighbors do the same. 

3) Emergency Services & Disaster Response Training

Posts can organize and train for search & rescue and community emergency roles, building the skills needed to support local communities when it counts. 

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Training & Activities

USVR offers ongoing, real-world training in:

Bushcraft & wilderness living: camping, hiking, canoeing, navigation, firecraft, outdoor survival 

Home & personal preparedness: practical readiness for local, regional, and national disasters 

Responsible marksmanship & safety education: including alignment with Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) standards where applicable 

Outings & events: trips and training covering hiking, camping, fishing, marksmanship, and more 

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An International Ranger Network

USVR is proud to be part of a growing international family of sister organizations known as the International Volunteer Ranger Corps (IVRC)—with affiliated partner groups including:

United Kingdom Volunteer Rangers

Wales Volunteer Rangers

Brazil Volunteer Rangers

Uganda Volunteer Rangers 

Each organization operates independently within its own country and legal framework, while maintaining shared traditions, friendly ties, and a common commitment to outdoor skills, preparedness, and service. 

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Meet Our Team

USVR is powered by volunteers and instructors with deep experience in survival skills, preparedness, and public service. Your site currently highlights:

Shawn Merritt — Founding Member, wilderness survival instructor, National Commander 

Michael Cornell — Military veteran, NYS Commander, disaster response leadership 

Jay Van Pelt — Former U.S. Coast Guard, instructor/cadre, Post 001 Commander & Camp Provost 

(And yes — you’re right to note there are many more working behind the scenes.) 

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Join Us

If you want to train with purpose, learn skills that matter, and be part of a community that values readiness, service, and family, you’ll fit right in.

Join a local post, help form a new one, or support the mission. 

Email: usvrangers@outlook.com 

Camp / Mailing location listed: Camp Robert Rogers, Camden NY 

Be prepared. Be capable. Be useful