Deseret News | Reader comments: Boy Scout missing in high Uintas found alive

Reader comments
Boy Scout missing in high Uintas found alive

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Mom | 8:56 a.m. July 17, 2008

I'm glad he was found safe and sound.

2 bits | 9:01 a.m. July 17, 2008

I wouldn't suggest doing this on purpose, but part of the reason you go to Scouts is to learn the skills needed to handle situations like this (and of course how to avoid them as well).

This will probably form a long lasting memory for all involved and possibly a life changing learning experience for some.

Matthew | 9:23 a.m. July 17, 2008

Attention all Scouts! Buddy System, Buddy System, Buddy System. Thank goodness this one ended well.

Comments continue below

West Jordand Citizen | 9:50 a.m. July 17, 2008

What I donï¿½t understand is why this happens every year. Stay with your troop for crying out loud. Thank God that this one broke the past cycle and he is home safe and unharmed.

just like life | 9:49 a.m. July 17, 2008

We all, in one way or another at some time, have figuratively done what this boy did. We think we know where we're going and what we're doing. We aren't trying to be risky or prideful. We see "tracks", thinking we know what they are and follow them. Then we find out we are in over our heads or out of our league. The lucky among us end up ok, just as this boy did. The unlucky are still out there, wondering how they could have ended up in such a situation.

rule #1 | 9:57 a.m. July 17, 2008

When you're lost isn't the number one rule to stay put so people can find you? I imagine he could have been found sooner if he hadn't gone wandering. Thank goodness he was found though. happy day.

Never never learn | 10:06 a.m. July 17, 2008

How many scouts have to get lost before adults FINALLY get a clue about the buddy system and being aware of all or your boys??? Having been a scout master and varsity scout leader for years I can honestly say that I have never had an issue with boys getting lost. When a boy gets lost it is normally out of adult neglect. When taking boys into the mountains you ALWAYS have an adult at the front, the back and in the middle. Boys are always assigned a buddy and head count checks are made at various points along the way. NEVER send a boy alone anywhere - not even 100 feet away from camp.

eagle | 10:07 a.m. July 17, 2008

I'm pretty sure I read that the scout council will give/rent GPS devices for each of the scouts going camping??? Has anyone had experiences with those?

MomofEagles | 10:17 a.m. July 17, 2008

What is it with your Utah BSA and your leaders? I am sending my last son off to camp next week. None of my nine brothers nor 3 three older sons have EVER gotten lost in the ADKs. Poor leadership that could turn fatal...again.
If you can't handle the boys in the mountains- stick with the valleys.

mabev | 10:21 a.m. July 17, 2008

Things happen even when you have educated your child in the ways of the world. All you can do is hope they have level heads, use common sense, and be aware that they need to be in tune with things around them. We all know not to venture out in the woods alone; we all know what we shouldn't do if we get lost; we all tend to think it will happen to someone else and not to us. Hopefully, parents will discuss this story with their kids and point out not only what was done wrong, but what was done right.

Dutch | 10:27 a.m. July 17, 2008

Mon of Eagles - I lived back east for a time there were always stories of scouts etc getting lost. My son just went on a High Adventure here in Utah there were 6 boys and 5 leaders including experinced guides for thier river trip and repelling activity.

Please don't generalize that all Scout units in Utah are the same.

l | 10:30 a.m. July 17, 2008

Just in case you're wondering after reading MomofEagles' comment, and aren't familiar with every mountain in the entire country, ADK means Adirondacks, the mountains in upstate New York.

Art | 10:33 a.m. July 17, 2008

This is very good news. Prayers were answered.

He wasn't 'found' as the misleading DN headline says. He found another scout troop and walked into it according to the article.

He was prepared with a shelter, sleeping bag, with food, and water was available. Probably could have survived for a month!

Having had an adult at the rear, maybe there was one, would not have prevented this situation. Brian walked forward.

Finally, the adults were taking the Scouts on a week-long hike. Horses were used to carry supplies. The adults should be widely thanked for being willing to take a week off work and away from their families, and not be told they should not ride the horses.

Nephi, Joseph Smith and Brian walked far distances in the wilderness alone at age 14, with God's help.

A good outcome as I prayed for and expected.

where is the leadership?? | 10:55 a.m. July 17, 2008

As someone who has 5 sons very involved in Scouts, a husband who was Scout Master for 9 years and now is a commissioner, and I am a Den Leader. I have one question where is the 2 deep leadership with the boys?? There should be 2 leaders with those boys at all times, sounds like they were ahead on horseback not with the boys, so where was the leadership?? Also where was the buddy system that is ALWAYS supposed to be in place??
Seems to me that some leaders need more training!!!

Why the training? | 11:04 a.m. July 17, 2008

To read some of these comments I would assume that Scouts can NEVER get lost if leaders are experienced. If a Scout does get lost it's ALWAYS the leaders fault, right?

If it's NEVER supposed to happen, tell me again why we train Scouts how to be prepared and what to do if they are lost in the woods?

Anonymous | 11:08 a.m. July 17, 2008

I can not believe you boneheads, I am speaking to all those who are bashing the scout leaders, until you walk in their shoes for a mile, keep you boneheaded comments to yourselves. I am a scout master, I have spent countless nights camping in the mountains with my scouts. I know, even thou I was not present, that the scout master went over the safety rules with the boys BEFORE they left.

It does not matter if this scout troop is LDS or not, every scout master is a volunteer, some volunteer because they want to, others are called by the Lord to serve these boys. I was asked to serve, and it has been the best time of my life. As a Venture Leader, Varsity Coach and as Scout Master I have enjoyed serving the boys.

For those of you who have nothing better to do than bash on people, all I have to say is GET A STINKING LIFE AND STOP BEING BONEHEADS.

dyc | 11:26 a.m. July 17, 2008

I often wonder why people who don't have all the facts of a story (but just the limited info in a news article) will bad-mouth everyone involved. Shouldn't we have all the facts before pointing fingers?

Blessings | 12:06 p.m. July 17, 2008

I'm happy this scout has been found... Thank God! I am a mom of a eagle scout who has been in the same area many years ago. I always worried. These boy are all precious.

deseretnews.com moderator | 12:30 p.m. July 17, 2008

Comments criticizing minors are considered abusive and comments about LDS Church sponsorship of Scouting are off-topic and will be deleted.

Roosevelt Mom | 12:45 p.m. July 17, 2008

I know the child and scout leaders well. Please don't jump to conclusions from the limited information contained in the story. There were 3 adult scout leaders and 5 scouts. One leader went ahead with horses to pack in supplies. The others hiked in with the boys. The missing youth broke away from the group to be the "first one to camp." He was told ("ordered" would be a better word) several times to wait. He chose otherwise.

These three leaders have sacraficed not only a week from work, wages and family, but put their own safety on the line searching for the missing boy. Two horses are now lame from their all day-all night searching. One leader will require medical attention for an ankle injury sustained during his searching. They are seasoned and caring scout leaders who deserve apprecation and thanks for their committment and efforts.

to Anonymous | 1:22 p.m. July 17, 2008

the reason boys continue to get lost is because of leaders like you. First, every scout master goes over the rules prior to the camp but you can't expect a 12 or 14 year old to have the judgement to always follow those rules - that is why you ALWAYS have a buddy system and you ALWAYS have adult leaders WITH the boys - not out in front riding horses and you NEVER let a boy "run ahead" of the group alone. These are young men we are dealing with here - not US Marines!!

2 bits | 1:24 p.m. July 17, 2008

This doesn't only happen in Utah. Those who think it does have a whoole different agenda in mind.

From what [Roosevelt Mom | 12:45 p.m] said, we had a similar incident in our area about 15 years ago. I know this shouldn't happen, but it does.

to Roosevelt Mom | 1:32 p.m. July 17, 2008

Thanks for the additional info. Obviously, this account left a few big holes in the story. After reading this, I couldnï¿½t believe that any leader would have sent a boy on ahead by himself. Good to know that wasnï¿½t the case.

Unfortunately, this type of thing occurs frequently enough. Itï¿½s tough to do, but kids that break the rules putting themselves or others at risk really should be permanently removed from scouting. BSA really needs to drive home the consequences until they are first and foremost in these kidsï¿½ minds.

For those of you who think this is a good exercise to hone scouting skills, grow a brain. The legal liability and danger to the program, volunteers and kids is too great. There are many stories like this across the nation, and frankly, not all of them have happy endings.

More attention to safety | 1:32 p.m. July 17, 2008

More attention to safety for the Scout as well as the Leaders. This is a no brainer.

Reinforce two deep, and the buddy system. When that is in place, things like this will not happen.

It's just as simple as that. When we make things difficult and try to make excuses for either side...it's just because someone failed to follow the rules.

Glad this young man is home and safe. It's obvious he knew what he did was what got him lost...otherwise he wouldn't have said that he was worried about his father being mad. So, if he had styed with the other scouts...although unfortunately the leaders got waaaaay ahead...he would have been fine.

T | 1:44 p.m. July 17, 2008

MomofEagles, it's hard to get lost in the foothills you call the Adirondacks (highest elevation 5344 ft). Hiking in the rugged Uintas at elevations between 8,000 and 13,000 ft is a different animal.
Just as Dutch said, scouts get lost all the time across the United States. Perhaps the odds of scouts getting lost in Utah is greater because there are so many more scouts here.

boys will be boys | 1:46 p.m. July 17, 2008

Until boys learn to listen to their leaders and stay with the group this will continue to happen. The fact that Mtns are nothing new to boys in Utah may lead to a false sense of security, but they MUST realize that the Uintah Mts are not typical. They're extremely rugged and remote and have deep vegetation that limits trail views. Throw into that the changing light in tight canyons and it's very easy to see why people get lost up there. One trip I sent a group of boys 300 yards from camp to get some water and I was worried they'd make it back. I helped them gain perspective on the surrounding hills before leaving, so they'd have something to compare when they were away. But the vegetation was so dense and there was no trail that care still had to be taken. There are no leisurely walks in those mts. Boys, take things seriously and pay attention to this, you could be next to be lost!

Anonymous | 1:47 p.m. July 17, 2008

While it doesn't excuse poor leadership or the lack of two-deep leadership... It's often the nature of 14 year-old boys to NOT THINK. Even the one lost here said he didn't follow what he had been trained to do. Couple this with the THOUSANDS of boy scouts who go camping/backpacking each summer and you're going to have headlines like this occasionally. What actually amazes me is how we don't read MORE 'lost boy' stories. You can't blame the leadership.

to boys will be boys .... | 2:03 p.m. July 17, 2008

you sent a gorup of boys ALONE for 300 yards to get water? Say what??? Again, scouts need responsible adults who NEVER send them alone (not even 100 feet) from camp and ALWAYS know where each boy is. It's really not that hard to do. The High Uinta's (especially the Paiter Basin Area) are easy for adults to get lost - let alone a 14 year old boy. Too many adult leaders go camping for the personal fun they might have and lose track of the real reason they are out there - to ENSURE the safety of every boy while teaching them scouting techniques. As a father I went on EVERY one of my son's camps. There was not way I was going to trust someone else with my son's life.

To Roosevelt Mom - | 2:19 p.m. July 17, 2008

...as one who also knows the full story having spent many hours last night and this morning with the family, I thank you for clarifying the situation so that others, who are quick to judge, can offer gratitude rather than criticism.

The leaders handled things amazingly well, including Gerald Cooper (not Cook as the article states) who rode all night to make sure that Trenton was reunited with his family as soon as possible. How grateful we all are that everyone is safe.

give me a break | 2:18 p.m. July 17, 2008

What is all the hooplah? So a kid gets lost camping. These things happen in life and to get all unglued at the volunteer leaders that took them up there is ludicrous. This reminds me of the e-mail about all of the things we did 30+ yrs ago growing up that would now be considered very unsafe like riding in the back of pick-ups, not using seat-belts, riding your bike around the neighborhoods all day, not having a cell phone (leash to your parents), etc. Parents and society need to just back off and let their kids do their things and learn from those experiences, heaven forbid they get lost in the woods permanently.

Tami | 2:28 p.m. July 17, 2008

We can all be darn grateful that the SNIFFER DOGS weren't called out on this one. I am happy the scout is safely back with his family.

Give me a Break, | 2:45 p.m. July 17, 2008

Well said! We're raising a generation of kids that know nothing beyond video games and the refrigerator. I always chuckle when I read the stories like this that have happy endings, because I know 20 years ago such incidents wouldn't even make the news. Obviously, this kid knows his way around the mountains. He admits he made a mistake by not staying in one place and if he gets lost again, he'll probably stay put. Today's news media teaches us to be afraid of everyone and everything in a pathetic attempt to take all the risk out of life. A tip of the hat to his parents and his troop leaders for teaching him the skills needed to survive.

Park City Resident | 2:56 p.m. July 17, 2008

Scouting is proving to be more hazardous than helpful in the Uinta Mountains.

Lakota Hoksila | 3:11 p.m. July 17, 2008

Reading is fundamental. Most of you are correct at some level.

There are rules of scouting and outing for youth and adults. Follow the rules and you generally succeed, don't follow the rules and you end up somewhere other than you planned for. Sort of like opening your mouth (keyboard) before reading all the facts and before engaging your brain.

He got lost, he was found, he is safe, and he learned a lesson. All of our comments here just show that hindsight is 20/20, and does not solve any problems that occurred.

Thanks for boys and leaders and those that care, letï¿½s do better next time.

Mitakuye Oyasin

Anonymous | 3:30 p.m. July 17, 2008

I think it might be more advantageous for the scouts to stick to the day camps up Mill Creek canyon so they don't get lost. I understand that boys will be boys and explore but it happens at least three or more times a year and they end up either not being found at all, freeze or fall to their deaths, or are found alive but shaken days later. How about the scout leaders attach bells and/or collars to their clothes to keep track of them?

O2bRich | 3:34 p.m. July 17, 2008

I'm just glad to be able to read one of these stories that had a happy ending.

anonymous | 3:47 p.m. July 17, 2008

Well, so much for free speech. Heaven forbid that anyone even utters anything considered disparaging about Scouting. I have to agree that when all is said and done, these boys work hard to "collect" those badges, and years later they really don't amount to a hill or mountain of beans. Glad the kid was found..but when will he learn to listen to his leaders. Dumb, just plain dumb. And that's not abusive MR MODERATOR, it's a comment; or if the boy reads this I suppose he'll be scarred for life? He should have a thicker skin....he's a boy scout

John | 4:01 p.m. July 17, 2008

First.. very glad he is okay

Second, the number one rule when you get lost or seperated, is sit down, and stay right there, don't go off thinking "maybe I can catch up with them"

Third, I've been in both the ADKs and the High Uintas, and have to laugh at anyone that would consider the experience close to the same. The High Uintas are among the most challenging range in the continental US. ADKs are not in the same class at all.

Cheetos? Great energy food to climb mountains and live at 11,000 feet.....

JH | 4:10 p.m. July 17, 2008

For crying out loud, some of you make me wonder if you have kids or are just clueless. Why don't we just put a gameboy in the hand of every kid and tell them to sit on a couch where we as parents can keep an eye on them. At least then they will never get lost. Can't fall off any cliff or get mauled by a bear.

As for me and my boys we will continue to be involved with scouting.

In new Mexico recently four scouts spent an unplanned night on their own. Buddy system didn't stop them from getting lost. Yes they had several adult leaders. All ended well.

Stuff happens. When it does you hope the boys were taught well enough to get them through it.

Re: Give me a break | 4:12 p.m. July 17, 2008

Hope you arenï¿½t a scout leader, because your attitude is archaic and dangerous.

Sure, kids did lots of stuff when I was growing up (50ï¿½s-60ï¿½s), but we all lived in our isolated worlds and werenï¿½t inundated with shock-factor tragedy every day on the news. Accidents and crimes occurred with the same frequency as today, but we werenï¿½t a global society then. As a kid in California, I didnï¿½t know what kids were up to in Utah or anywhere else. Parents back then seemed not to be as concerned about potential risks or dangers, only because the media didnï¿½t provide much information. But ignorance of danger sure doesnï¿½t mean itï¿½s less apt to occur.

Nowadays we hear about kids that have got lost in the woods permanently. In todayï¿½s news, a Boy Scout in Jersey just died from burns he received while kids were goofing off at scout camp. Why not publicize it, if it will draw public attention and do something to prevent these tragedies from occurring again? If another boy scout hears the story and realizes the consequences that occurred, then chalk one up for lesson learned. Glad not everyone shares your laissez-faire and ignorance-is-bliss attitudes on child-rearing.

cch | 4:30 p.m. July 17, 2008

It keeps happening over and over and over and over. Time to make parents take their own kids to the mountains. I wouldn't volunteer(????, accept the calling) for a million bucks.

To: Art | 4:38 p.m. July 17, 2008

Comments like yours that compare a lost scout to a religious leader are frightening.
I've witnessed two families that have lost children in tragic deaths, one lost while hiking, the other died a couple of days after a car wreck. In both cases the families were very active in their religion and a multitude of prayers were offered. Yet the children died despite the spirituality of their families.
One of the fathers told me he was sick of hearing how prayers went unanswered because his son was needed in heaven. No, his family needed him here. His little league team and friends needed him.
But since YOU prayed for this scout, he survived, as YOU expected. I'm sure you'd be one of the first to offer up a lame, "Jesus needed him" had he not survived.
Your comments are insulting to those who have lost someone to tragedy. Why weren't they "lucky" or "blessed" enough? Their expectations were shattered and hearing that someday they'll understand is of little comfort.
Keep the pomposity to yourself.

WJ Mom | 4:39 p.m. July 17, 2008

My son is in the scouts and due to the fact that we have a couple of fatalities a year he has never gone to camp. Day camps and activities close to home is all he can participate in. Call me over protective, but I refuse to send my son to the mountains with the scouts to die.

To WJ Mom | 5:19 p.m. July 17, 2008

Please please do not let your kids go to school, they may get shot.

Please please do not let your kids get in a car. People die nearly every day in our lovely state in car accidents.

And please please do not let your kids have any friends, because they sure may have a bad influence upon your child.

Overprotective? Not really... Just misinformed.

DFS | 5:19 p.m. July 17, 2008

I think Utah DFS needs to look into this house. That dad looks like he is going to tear in to that boy. I wonder if that boy wanted to get lost?

wow; are all of you for real?! | 5:25 p.m. July 17, 2008

I just got back from a high adventure camp with varsity and venture scouts on Catalina Island. we had a lot of fun, we are worn out. We had alot of injuries, all minor.

We are working with scouts, trying to help them develop into leaders.

Scouting is meant to push us, to test us to train us. You can not train to be a stronger better or more able man by staying at home or in a day camp.

Scouts will at times run off on there own or make poor choices, but I for one will let my sons attend High adventure camps and become stronger and sharper and better by being tried and tested, not kept in their rooms with a sandwich and a game boy or PSP.

We must allow them to develop into men, not be coddled into big boys who can't take care of themselves in a more and more difficult world.

MBolten | 5:31 p.m. July 17, 2008

In my day we only cared about getting out silver beaver awards in scouting, not spending a week in the mountains at a time searching for a lost comrad. get real, the church has plenty of property located around the Wasatch front that offers a safe place to learn the lessons of scouting without the option of doing something dumb and getting lost.

Scout MOM | 5:49 p.m. July 17, 2008

This is why I always want my husband to go on the scout camps. Solution:Dad's... start prioritizing going with your sons on scout camps. It's great bonding time and you only get the opportunity for a few years anyway. If I were a scoutmaster...I think I'd avoid the Uintah's... Because some boys will never obey!

Lee B | 6:05 p.m. July 17, 2008

WJ Mom -

I have been a Scoutmaster for over 10 years and have 4 of my own boys in scouting (currrently age 11 to 16). They attend have attended scout camp every year and some have attended leadership training, advanced scouting skills training, etc. I am really sorry that your son is not able to experience the great and valuable lessons that occur around a well planned and lead scout camp (especially one in a trained boy lead troop.) Some of my most spiritual moments have occured around a camp fire.

Rather than fear what you don't understand, I would invite you to get more involved with you son, get out of your own comfort zone and allow him to grow. Unless he learns to stand on his own feet, wipe his own nose and develop his own talents and strengths, he will never be the capable adult I expect you hope from him. Just my two cents worth.

Eagle scout | 6:31 p.m. July 17, 2008

I live in the uintah basin, and have been in the uintas on scout camps myself. Let me say this, the world is full of people who think they are all outdoorsy and stuff. The reality is that the Uintas ( the only mtn range in north america running east to west) are huge, cold, beautiful, and full of all kinds of animals. did I mention they are huge? whatever you do, if want to visit the Uintas, go with someone who knows their way around very well, because if u don't you will get turned around in a hurry. Stick with the pack. Don't wander off. Every scout leader should preach this to his troop, and get after those who disobey. A meeting with parents would be good. You've gotta be strict about that sort of thing or someone will get lost and die.

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2 photos

Aaron Falk, Deseret News

Brian Taylor and his son Trenton Taylor, 14, talk at a press conference in Roosevelt on Thursday. Trenton, of Roosevelt, went missing during a Boy Scout hike in the Uintas on Tuesday and wandered back to the camp of another troop the next day.

Gallery (2 photos)