Boy Scout Missing in Rugged N.C. Park

AP via Washington Times ^ | 3/18/7

[SmithL]

TRAPHILL, N.C. (AP) -- Search teams combed mountain terrain Sunday for a 12-year-old Boy Scout who disappeared during an outing.

About 10 scouts and the adult leaders of Troop 230, from Greensboro, noticed that Michael Auberry was missing between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday in Stone Mountain State Park, officials said.

The troop had gone on a hike earlier Saturday, and the boy and an adult stayed behind, said David Bauer, a ranger with the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was not immediately clear why they stayed behind.

After the troop returned and ate lunch with Michael and the adult, the troop noticed the boy was missing from camp. Searchers found part of his mess kit less than a mile away late Saturday,

[Scoutmaster]

Great news regarding Michael. After making my last post yesterday, I hit the road for the airport and spent the entire day in the plane or airport. Didn't hear the good news until just before midnight.

In an area with vegetation this dense, and this terrain, if a Scout wants to break the buddy system, then he can walk away from a campsite unnoticed. Just wish he had a whistle; he'd have been found days earlier.

[RonF]

What Council are you in?

[Tax-chick]

I'm so pleased this ended safely. All my kids had a review of outdoor skills yesterday.

[Lurker]

Three Fires.

L

[RonF]

You're right next door to me! I'm in Des Plaines Valley. You do know the Council has a website, right? There's a training link here.

[Lurker]

Thanks,

I'm working my way through the training now.

I can't wait for Summer Camp this year. I don't know which one of us is going to have more fun.

L

[SandRat]

We strongly encourage our youth and adults to have these with them at all times if they leave camp. As well as have in easy access in their backpack.

OUT OF CAMP ESSENTIALS

Store and carry in a lightweight daypack that can be used for day hikes and anytime leaving the campsite.

Water purification tablets
Rain gear (poncho)
Toilet paper and lightweight trowel
Flashlight (extra bulb and batteries in film can)
Emergency supplies (whistle, plastic garbage bag, shoe laces, space blanket, unbreakable signaling mirror, 50 foot of parachute cord)

**First aid kit (include moleskin for blisters)
**Sun protection lotion and insect repellant
**Goes in smellables bag

Water bottle – 1 liter
Extra Clothing – Sweater or heavy shirt and knit hat
Map and compass
Note pad and pencil