The last 65 years of Rulon Dean Skinner’s life have been full of Scouting—the last 30 years have been completely as a volunteer. 

“It thrills me to see what Boy Scouting does in the lives of boys, men and women,” Skinner said.

When as a young boy Skinner reached the age to join the Boy Scouts of America, he hid in the hay stack to avoid attending his first meeting. His father carried him to their Model T truck by his overalls and took him to the meeting. Skinner said this meeting changed his view of the Boy Scouts.

“I came home from that meeting and said if this is Scouting, you cannot keep me away,” he said.

This was only the beginning for Skinner. As a young missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Uruguay and Paraguay, Skinner helped Scouting form and grow.

“Before I knew Spanish or anything I found myself going to meetings for the National Boy Scouts of Uruguay,” Skinner said. 

In Uruguay he and his companion formed 13 troops. Skinner was in charge of the first Boy Scouts of Uruguay three day Camporee with around 150 boys in attendance.

Skinner taught at BYU, preparing students to be professional Scouters. While there he was put in charge of the Merit Badge Pow-Wow, and he oversaw the event for 30 years—even after retiring.

“Scouting has been my life,” Skinner said.

In addition to teaching and Scouting, Skinner has written 13 books that involve or incorporate Scouting.

In 1982 Skinner received the highest award the Boy Scouts of America offers for an adult volunteer—the Silver Beaver. On December 2, 2006 Skinner received an award for 65 consecutive years of Scouting.

Skinner has attended 10 National Jamborees and one World Jamboree. For the last seven National Jamborees, Skinner has been a Scoutmaster. He has led multiple troops and hundreds of boys in the jamboree preparation, travel and activities.

“I try to form lasting and meaningful relationships with the boys,” Skinner said.

Today Skinner is a member of the local Executive Board and Eagle Board of Review and remains a jamboree Scoutmaster.

The next Jamboree will take place in 2010 and Skinner plans to be there—as Scoutmaster Skinner.

“Every adult should volunteer for Scouting,” Skinner said. “Boy Scouting not only changes the lives of the boys but the lives of the leaders, too.”