I just think there is more to this story. I have spent a lot of time in the woods and mountains. If this kid was only a 1/2 mile from the camp site, which makes sense because they said it was rugged terrain; how could 70 plus searchers swarming that area calling out for this boy and the boy not respond? Maybe the boy did not want to be found or maybe he was scared. Something is just not right.
There are 2,432,849 square yards in a circle of half-mile radius. That's why "Stay put!" is Rule #2, for those who've ignored Rule #1, "Don't wander off alone."
"Something is just not right".
I agree. Something about this story does not ring true and sends up red flags. The "sleeping in" part seems very out of kilter with scout protocol and with any group that age. I am glad he is safe and hope the truth will come out on this whole misadventure!
There isn't enough information for me to draw the conclusion you have.
I wanted to let you know that he did not wander away while he was at camp alone with a scout leader...that he wandered away after the entire group had eaten their lunch together. I don't conclude that he never went farther than 1/2 mile away from camp just because he was found at that distance today.
Who knows where exactly he was or what he was doing for all his time...they said he had some scratches on him and looked like someone who had been wandering in the woods. Also heard that the exact area where he appeared was the most rugged terrain and the most densely wooded part of the area.
I will reserve judgement until I know more. It's a huge leap to cast suspicion on a scout leader. That is, from what I've heard so far. I'll wait.
Again, you may be onto something.
Oh- I'm going to go ahead and say it.
Something isn't 'right' -and it's probably the kid.
I'm relieved that he is safe and well, but it sounds like this boy has a mental disability and needed special supervision.
I blame the scout leader who evidently knew the boy wasn't able to be as responsible as the other scouts were- and who evidently didn't watch him constantly. And I blame the parents for letting him go into the wilderness to begin with.
If I had a child who had trouble concentrating on mundane, daily things I certainly wouldn't put him in the position to have to learn, and retain, survival skills. This boy doesn't seem to have been able to follow the most basic rule- never wander off alone. Wanting to make him feel 'included' almost cost him his life.