Nothwithstanding that, another Scout (or another leader, if that would have still left two or more with the hiking group) should have stayed behind with the Scout who didn't want to participate. I understand that his disappearance did not occur when he was alone with a leader. We are (I am) just off on a tangent to point out that even if the Scout wanted to stay behind, TWO people needed to stay with him. Preferably two adults, but two Scouts and one leader would work.
Most importantly, the Scout is lost and I pray they find him well under the circumstances, and soon.
I heard on Fox yesterday the boy is ADHD and wouldn't sit still very long. I have a bad feeling about staying behind with an adult. Notice how many kids are diagnosed with ADHD these days? How conventient. My son't friend in middle school 13 yrs ago was "diagnosed" ADHD and they put him on drugs. Turns out he is close to genius level. He got his degree last year in Engineering and got a job with Boeing! Too many kids are getting labeled and medicated to make the teacher's job easier not help the kid!