Highland, Utah – Trent Boggess of Troop 20 recently marked a significant milestone in Vanguard Scouting history by becoming the 400th person to earn the prestigious Duty to God Award since its inception in 2020. The achievement represents a meaningful intersection of Scouting values and religious devotion that has impacted hundreds of youth and adult Scouters.

“The most rewarding aspect was writing and reflecting upon the things I was doing,” said Boggess. “I realized in doing so, my faith in Christ was growing and that my covenantal relationship with Him was improving.”

The award, which requires candidates to complete various spiritual and service-oriented requirements, challenges Scouts to deepen their religious understanding while developing leadership skills. For Boggess, one particularly meaningful component was studying “The Living Christ” document.

“This document is so powerful,” he reflected. “It is written by special witnesses of Christ, apostles, and prophets. The requirements to serve allowed me to put into practice being a disciple of Christ.”

Boggess, who brings extensive Scouting experience from five different states, noted that earning the award wasn’t about adding new activities but rather bringing greater intention to existing practices. “Some of the requirements you are probably already doing,” he explained. “The Vanguard Duty to God award simply helped me do a little more, especially more pondering and writing of spiritual experiences.”

The accomplished Scout leader, who has served in various roles including Cubmaster, Chaplain, and currently as a Crew advisor, found particular value in memorizing Doctrine and Covenants 4. “I read, listened, and reviewed it over several months in order to memorize it,” said Boggess. “This call to serve from the Lord is inspiring and motivated me each time I would recite it.”

As the 400th recipient, Boggess represents the growing impact of the Vanguard program in combining Scout values with religious devotion. His achievement comes as he continues his Scouting journey, currently working to complete his Wood Badge training, demonstrating the lifelong learning pathway that Scouting encourages.

The Vanguard Duty to God Award remains open to all registered Scouts aged 11 and older, including adults, who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or their friends, reflecting Scouting’s inclusive values while honoring specific religious traditions.