Outdoor Boys new career goes viral after YouTuber made rare internet appearance

YouTuber Luke Nichols is going viral - but it's not for one of his beloved 'Outdoor Boys' videos.

People have been left stunned after it was announced what the social media star and survival expert, 47, was up to nowadays.

After educating fans around the world about camping, endurance and outdoor cooking for over a decade, seven months ago, Nichols announced he would be retiring his uber popular YouTube channel.

In May this year, he told his more than 18 million subscribers that he would be hanging up his hat, as 'even good things can be taken too far'.

Explaining the reasoning behind his decision, the father-of-three said: "The sheer volume of fans trying to contact me, trying to take pictures with me, or just trying to come up and talk to me in public, could be a bit overwhelming at times.

"My wife and I - we both have real concerns about what this will do to our family if I keep growing my YouTube channel at this pace.

"And the time to stop is before this problem gets so out of hand that my family and I can't live normal lives."

Nichols then added: "I've spent so much time focusing on me and my family and growing my business.

"It's time to step back and focus on helping other people for a change, and I'm excited to see where that takes me."

The outdoorsman did bob out of online retirement a few weeks back to kindly cover for his friend Steven, who runs the MyLifeOutdoors YouTube channel, while he cares for his wife who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Nichols has always been open about his Mormon faith. Speaking to YouTube channel Come Unto Christ in Alaska, Nichols explained that when he was 19 he served in Japan on a church mission for two years.

He then went on to study at Brigham Young University in Utah - the flagship institution for the Church of the Latter Day Saints - where he met his wife Rebecca.

He told the channel: "It's been funny how many people seem to think I have like this dream job. I get paid to travel the world fishing and camping with my family.

"Don't get me wrong it's really nice, but fishing's not the most important thing in my life by a long shot. My faith and my family are much more important to me."

And after retiring from YouTube, it seems Nichols had decided to devote more time to his faith.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that the former missionary, from Alaska, was appointed to serve on the Young Men General Advisory Council on 1 December.

Alongside 13 others - including The Chosen producer Derral Eves - Nichols will 'assist the Young Men General Presidency as they counsel with other general and local Church leaders to teach, serve and watch over the young men of the Church'.

In a statement announcing the news, the Church said of the YouTube star: "Luke J. Nichols, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Brigham Young University and juris doctorate from George Mason University.

"Worked as the managing partner of Nichols & Green PLLC, where he practiced criminal defence law. Created and hosted multiple YouTube channels.

"Married Rebecca Nichols; three children. Served as a full-time missionary in the Japan Fukuoka Mission."

Speaking further of his faith, Nichols said: "It’s what brings me happiness.

"I enjoy getting out and catching a big fish or going out on a great adventure and doing these things.

"But what makes me happy, what gives me satisfaction and joy in my life is waking up in the morning and knowing that I’m serving the Lord and I’m doing his will and that I’m right with God."

People have been sharing their reactions to Nichols drastic career change on X.

One said: "So that's why he stopped his channel!"

Another wrote: "Luke doing side quests yet again. From being a lawyer to a YouTuber to advisor. Bro is living THE life."

A third said: "Luke the realest dude of all time. Really gave up the fame and fortune for his family and faith."

A fourth joked: "Outdoor Boys about to take the young men’s program to the next level."

And a fifth chimed in saying: "I genuinely may join the Church because of Outdoor Boys."

I imagine Nichols' appointment will do wonders for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints membership numbers, don't you?