[Scoutmaster]

Some troops would have sent a second scout to the hospital, so that there were two boys with the adult.

My Son's troop is extremely meticulous about this.

Yep. Been there, done that. On a three-leader summer camp excursion, I've also awakened my son in the middle of the night so that he could walk with me to take a Scout to the infirmary, leaving two leaders (awake) in camp; my son was permitted to return to the campsite with me, one-on-one.

There are circumstances when one-on-one contact is necessary, such as a two-Scout, two-adult trip where a Scout or leader is injured and left behind. I'd send a Scout/leader crew for help.

In this case, if there is a second Scout or a second leader who can stay behind, then he should have done so.

I've prattled too long about the Guide to Safe Scouting. What's really important here is finding a lost Scout.

[MarMema]

I'm with you on the two-deep leadership issue.

[EngineDad]

I agree with you 100%. The BSA has done everything possible to protect both the boys and the leaders. Unfortunately, if someone chooses to ignore the rules, they are setting themselves up for possible trouble.

I also agree that the real important issue is a missing Scout. My son is also a 12 year old first class scout and I worry about him. He has been exposed to outdoors skills, but a 12 year old is in no way an expert. I pray for this kid and his family.