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 f

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. Wildern