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Boy Scout missing in high Uintas found alive

I'm glad he was found safe and sound.

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.

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

What I don�t 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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

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.