Dave West of Mesquite was awarded the Silver Beaver, the highest award for a volunteer scouter, at an awards presentation for the Utah Parks Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Dave has served in several positions in Troop 2596 sponsored by the Mesquite 5th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Pack 2008 sponsored by the Mesquite Elks Lodge. Dave has served as Cubmaster, Webelos Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Leader of 11-Year-old Scouts, Varsity Coach, Varsity Roundtable Commissioner, and District Publicity Chair. Dave also organized the local Scouting for Food drive in 2013 and has helped with fundraising for Troops and Pack. He has served as a merit badge counselor for 6 merit badges including backpacking, personal management and camping, and he has helped over 100 individual scouts advance in their rank. Dave has attended many summer camps including Del Webb High Adventure, High Uintah’s Camp in Utah, Thunder Ridge near Parowan, Bear Lake Aquatic and served on the staff of Camp Kolob near Zion National Park.
His previous awards include the Honor Award in 2007, Virgin Valley District Award of Merit in 2014, Cubmasters Training Award in 2016, and Cubmasters Key in 2017, and the LDS On My Honor Adult Recognition for service in church units.
Dave said, “While I never advanced much as a youth in Scouting, I had great leaders who exposed me to many new hobbies and experiences. Through Scouting, I’ve been able to dedicate many hours to being outdoors enjoying nature – especially at week long summer camps. I’ve completed two 50 miler hikes in beautiful areas that most people never see in the High Uintah’s and the Ruby Mountains.. I have especially enjoyed taking my own sons to camps and watching them learn and grow.”
