aps1590

You may hate my answer, but ... Always keep the door open, never burn your bridges. I've had boys who quit and later returned. Remember ... it is not a requirement for a boy scout to have been a cub scout, nor is it a requirement for a cub scout to complete any given year in order to go to the next rank - he only has to complete the requirements in any given year in order to earn the rank patch. Constantly encourage the boy to return and continue to invite him to events - even after his membership has expired - of course once he is not a chartered member there is not insurance component for him. By keeping the door open, my unit has maintained significant retention. Alex

I admit that I dont know the area where the scout was lost, but was this area ever known for mining - even if on a very small scale? There are areas in Pa that are absolutely dangerous due to abandoned mines - even cars have fallen into them when off roading on certain mountains. I'll bet that Pa is not alone with this problem. Many times abandoned shafts were poorly covered over -wood planks or nothing and then over time surrounded by vegetation.

I too am greatly saddened by the loss of this boy, I can think of little that is more terrible than this. My heart goes out to this child, his family, his unit and his friends. The buddy system is all important and this story is so moving that it will be a topic for one of our unit meetings. I have significant wilderness experience / training both BSA and non BSA, so I can give a lot of advice even for adults. Even adults should have a buddy when traveling in the wilderness, and particularly when traveling in the back country a minimum of four to six adults should be present. Wilderness trained adults are a must when traveling with children. Back country registrations should always be filled out and submitted to the appropriate agency. Whistles are great, but of little use to an injured non responsive single person. When hiking as a unit, leaders must enforce trail discipline - expelling children from the hike for repeated failure to abide by safety rules - one strike for a serious offense, and offenders are then marched out under adult supervision to the pickup/dropoff point where they will remain under supervision. These rules must be spelled out clearly in advance. One primary rule for trail hikes - the unit moves at the speed of the slowest individual! Slowest boys in front, fastest boys in back - forced to go slow by the unit pace. A leader ALWAYS is placed in the rear and the front of the unit. Any buddies that go off by themselves without leader approval, or singly by themselves will stand before the entire unit to explain the transgression. If this sounds harsh, then consider the alternatives - which indeed happen. Parents / Leaders - lead by example - you too must have a buddy. This scout was not alone in this kind of peril - these kinds of losses have happened before to both scouts and private citizens. There is nothing to compare with back country hikes and climbs, but always 'saftey first' - OR NO TRIP! Leaders must PLAN for emergencies. What do we do if ...? how can we get immediate assistance (radio / satellite cells / adult runners) ... BSA is a great place to learn, but ultimately the adults are responsible! BSA should consistently deny trip permits for lack of appropriately trained leaders and suspend units for safety / permit infractions.