This launched an interest in Scouting which has not waned since and which, over the years, has led to numerous achievements of which he is justifiably proud.
One he recalls with that pride is when, with two other leaders, he was left in charge of 36 scouts in Sydney, Australia.
He says: "I was fortunate enough to be selected as part of the North West contingent to lead the World Scout Jamboree in Australia in 1988.
"This is a ceremony where 150 countries come together to rally scouting internationally, so it was quite an experience!"
Alongside these voluntary commitments, David enjoyed a 30-year career in teaching, eventually becoming deputy head at St Peter's School in Fulwood.
He says: "I managed to balance both teaching and Scouting and must admit one helped the other.
"Teaching was my job while Scouting is a hobby and I have had a lot of pleasure from both over the years."
When asked why he has dedicated so many years to Scouting, David explains: "It has given me a sense of achievement, I have made a lot of good friends in that time and I have enjoyed it all, especially the sporting side.
"But I have other hobbies including cycling, fell running and hiking, and I do try to have a social life too. It keeps me sane!"
Another great hobby of David's has been football, playing for Broughton Amateurs and Barton and Goosnargh in the Catforth League in the past. Over the 28 years he has enjoyed this sport, he has also played against local teams such as Garstang, Bilsborrow and Grimsargh.
But David acknowledges that the dynamics of Scouting have varied greatly.
"The days of bob-a-jobbing whereby we were able to knock on neighbours doors and offered to do some jobs for a small sum of money is no longer possible," he says.
"This classic fundraising activity was banned in 1999 as child safety fears grew, and with Criminal Record Background checks and risk assessments to be completed, spontaneous outdoor trips now seem to need much more planning."
Despite numbers of leaders and members deteriorating over recent years, David feels his cub pack in Broughton, with 38 members, is among the most successful.
And he thinks the numerous safety checks that have to be completed are not always necessary and can seem pedantic.
He stresses "If the leader is doing his job properly, then there shouldn't be any accidents.
"The group of which I am Scout Leader as well as cub scout leader is over 200 strong. We would not be able to manage without the excellent 25 leaders who give up their time and skills to run their sections.
"Our Beavers, aged 6 to 8, meet Monday and Friday, Cubs, aged 8 to 10 and a half, meet Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Scouts, aged 10 and a half to 15, meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and Explorers who are over 15, meet Thursday – all at Broughton Scout Hut."
Now, with Scouting finding new activities to keep members occupied in recent years, David has been involved with the introduction of family events at Great Tower Scout Camp in Windermere.
He says: "The camps have consisted of two large groups containing a number of families and the new venture has been a great success."
David's own success and dedication has been recognised nationally as well as locally, with an invitation to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace as a thank you for his service to Scouting over the years.
He has also been presented with a Silver Acorn & Bar award at home, one of the most prestigious awards in Scouting.
Truly, in the words of Scouting magazine: "A wonderful man of service, a great Scout."