Saints In Scouting Profile: Shaun W.

For Shaun W, Scouting isn’t just a program – it’s the path that led him back to his faith.

Shaun is an eighteen-year-old Latter-day Saint Scouter from West Valley City, Utah, and a member of the Crossroads of the West Council. He’s been involved in Scouting for 10 years, starting as a Cub Scout and growing into his current role as a Venturer in Crew 9231. Over that decade, Scouting has shaped him in ways that go far deeper than merit badges and campfire memories.

Among his most memorable experiences was attending the National Scout Jamboree in 2023, which opened the door to his passion for the Venturing program. The following year, he attended NOAC 2024 in Boulder, Colorado – a chance to connect with Arrowmen from across the country. Shaun is also active in the Order of the Arrow, regularly staffing events for his lodge, district, and council.

But perhaps the experience closest to his heart has been serving on camp staff. Beginning at just fourteen years old, Shaun has spent four summers on staff – three at Camp Keisel, followed by time at Camp Browning and a week helping staff Camp Hunt. It was in those years of service, surrounded by the Latter-day Saint Scouting community, that something profound happened: Shaun found his way back to Jesus Christ and to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Over the last four years, participating in Scouting and serving as camp staff actually helped me return to my faith,” Shaun reflects. Since then, his faith has become central to everything he does.

That renewed faith is now shaping his next chapter. Later this year, Shaun plans to serve a mission for The Church – a decision he says he wouldn’t have made without the experiences Scouting placed in his path. After his mission, he hopes to build a family and pursue a career as an HVAC technician.

Looking back, Shaun sees Scouting and faith not as separate influences, but as two threads woven together into the same story. “Scouting has helped me become the young man I am today,” he says, “as I continue to work and do my best to serve others the best I can.”

We – and Shaun’s Scouting leaders – are incredibly proud of this unique young man. We are excited to watch him take the skills he’s learned as a Scout and use those to bless the lives of others.