Firecrafter

04/03/2026

Come on down for some service!

03/18/2026

Spring Fellowship is right around the corner! This year's theme is "Bear Necessities." To learn more about what Spring Fellowship is, you can visit the events tab of the Firecrafter website!
You can register here (Registration ends Friday, March 20th, 2026): https://firecrafter38.wildapricot.org/sys/website/system-pages/?pageId=18008

02/14/2026

It is with great sadness that Firecrafter reports that M Russell "Russ" B. Chorpenning has gone on to face the Unknown Test.

Russ earned his Firecrafter in 1977 and was crowned Minisino in 1983. He was a lifelong volunteer with Scouting across many different facets but has left an indelible legacy on Firecrafter in particular. Among other things, he was a vital part of Friday night dinners at Belzer and served as Alumni Treasurer for over 20 years.

Please see the attached obituary for details about the viewing and graveside service. In place of flowers, the family has requested donations to the American Heart Association or Crossroads of America Council.

https://www.flannerbuchanan.com/obituaries/russell-chorpenning?fbclid=IwY2xjawP7RStleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwV1hBRWFRMlRRbFFadlZNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeV5PIHKVLSdSu98yS5gsecvrSX9wjqrgfYW0l3h3i3D6a1Li4vYuTw4HJ0f4_aem_Fl0gKc9HPGfG4JZYUgXeVQ

View Russell Bertrand Chorpenning's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/24/2025

06/07/2025

We have lost former 1970 Chief M Steve Blankenship:

72, of Indianapolis, passed away June 6, 2025. He was born October 16, 1952 in Spring Valley, Illinois to the late Marion and Neva (Baughman) Blankinship. Stephen was a graduate of Speedway High School and received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Purdue University. He married Nancy Ann Sheridan June 4, 1977. Stephen was employed with Noble Centers, which assists adults with disabilities, for 13 years inspiring him to become a basketball coach for Special Olympics. He then went into management for Trends International Distribution Center for 20 years, retiring in 2016.

Stephen was in Boy Scouts of America where he reached the esteemed level of Eagle Scout and eventually Firecrafter and Minisino where he was the Chief of the Firecrafter Council. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, music, and spending time with family and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 East Washington Street.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Nancy Blankinship; children, Amanda Leiber (Raymond), Justin Blankinship (Brandy), and Emily Parker (Jonathan); grandchildren, Emma G. Leiber, Henry S. Leiber, Ava M. Parker, and Delaney C. Parker; sisters, Judith Barreda, Delores Sweet (William), and Cynthia Torrance (Michael); and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Louie Barreda.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Boy Scouts of America and/or Old Bethel Food Pantry.

05/28/2025

M Brian K. “Windzor” Anderson has gone on to face the Unknown Test.

Brian earned his Firecrafter in 2007 and was crowned Minisino in 2011. He was an Eagle Scout from Troop 40 in Liberty, Indiana, and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow.
He spent five summers on staff at Camp Kikthawenund, most recently serving as Assistant Program Director in 2013. Brian held multiple officer roles in Firecrafter at both the district and council levels and was a dedicated participant in many rituals and events. He also served as Assistant Scoutmaster for a National Scout Jamboree troop in 2013.

Brian is survived by his mother, Michelle (### ’09), and his seven-year-old daughter, Addilyn.
He is remembered as a mentor to many along the Firecrafter trail, a dedicated father, and an uplifting friend to those around him.

- M Zane Naylor

01/17/2025

Glen Steenberger, Hoosier Trails Council Scout Executive and Former Firecrafter Council Chief (1988), has gone on to face to unknown test. Our hearts go out to his family and friends in this trying time. May the Great Scoutmaster of all true Scouts be with us until we meet again.

12/08/2024

Firecrafters, it is hard to believe we are months out from Grand Ritual. Please look over this photo which is our lost and found from Grand. These items will be at Midwinter Dinner (January 4th!) where they will be available for retrieval. If they are not claimed by Midwinter Dinner then they will be donated.

10/26/2024

As we enter the fall season, we are entering a new season of Firecrafter with new youth officers and a new Council Advisor.

Earlier this month, new Ember, Flame, and Council officers were trained and installed. We are excited to welcome the following Council Officers:

Council Chief: Holly Holdsworth
Council Vice Chief: Theo Pell
Council Secretary: Ben P.
Council Treasurer: Brandon Young

As an organization we have been in the planning stages since April to transition the Council Advisor role this season. After serving in his role for three and a half years, Ryan Kelleher will be transitioning the Council Advisor role to Matthew Long.

Matthew has served as an Associate Advisor for several years, and has previously served the organization in several capacities both as an adult and as a youth including as Council Chief. Matthew assumed the role of Council Advisor earlier this month when we transitioned youth officers.

We look forward to an excellent upcoming year of Firecrafter and are excited the direction or incoming youth officers will be taking.

09/25/2024

Ransburg Scout Reservation Ranger and Minisino Keith Korn is retiring this fall after a 25+ year career serving Ransburg.

To say thank you, the Ransburg Staff Alumni Association is raising funds to send Keith, and his wife Karen, on a trip to Hawaii. If you are interested in supporting that effort, you can donate any amount at this link: https://gofund.me/fb4e2627

Over his career, Keith has been a vocal and strong supporter of the Firecrafter program and its tremendous impact on the youth and adults who participate. Keith has given his time, talent, and treasure to support countless Firecrafter events, rituals, and service projects. You can almost always find Keith hard at work at a Firecrafter event. Congratulations to Keith on his upcoming retirement, and THANK YOU for your service to the Firecrafter Organization!

Ransburg alumni raising money for a retirement gift for Keith Korn. Beloved… Jeffrey Cox needs your support for Help Us Gift Keith Korn a Well-Deserved Reward

09/20/2024

Will you be the Ultimate FeastCrafter? Fall Frenzy registration is open now; with the theme of Feasting.

Fret not, the typical events like Golden Tepee and Ultimate MasterCrafter will still be going on. But, this time everyone will be hungry to win than ever!

07/28/2024

Have you or someone you know candidated for the rank of Firecrafter and not yet attend the Firecrafter Ritual? The last opportunity to do so this year will be coming up August 9-11 at Camp Kikthawenund. Visit www.Firecrafter.org to register and get more information.