Custom Search
|
|
Gps And The Boy Scouts Of America
A couple of weeks ago while on a weekend camping trip, a young Boy Scout decided that he had had enough of the outdoors. He set out on his own on Saturday evening to hike to the nearest highway to catch a ride home. He never considered the possibility of getting lost, being attacked by a wild animal or even being kidnapped while hitchhiking. This young Scout was in for the adventure of his life. Predictably he got lost and wandered aimlessly in the mountainous wilderness for days. He got a first-hand course in survival training. When his Scout Master became aware he was missing, his parents were notified and the search was on for this young Scout. State Troopers were called in to take the lead in the search along with countless volunteers. As the days passed, the outlook for finding him alive and well became quite grim. His parents were cautiously optimistic, but completely terrified of the outcome, as any parent would be. For several days he searched for that illusive road home. On the fourth day, I believe, he was spotted by a search and rescue helicopter team. Thankfully he was alive and well considering what he had been through. His Scout Master must have prepared him well--good job sir. The Motto of the Boy Scouts of America has always been "Be Prepared". The actions of this young boy were inexcusable, but then, as we all know, boys will be boys. Growing up in a small town in Texas, I joined the local Boy Scout Troop at age 11. It was a wonderful experience. Our Scout Master was a cattle rancher with a lot of land boardering on the Colorado River. We camped on weekends, went to Camp Strake for a week each summer and truly learned to love and appreciate the great outdoors. I became an Eagle Scout at age 14. Our camping trips were almost always on the banks of the Colorado River, so it was virtually impossible to get lost. The terrain was flat, as well, no hills or mountains. Not having grown up in mountainous terrain, I don't know that I would have done any better than the young Scout. With the advent of the affordable hand-held navigation systems, Boy Scout Troops that routinely camp in this type terrain should mandate that their little troopers equip themselves with a GPS. I know if I had a son in this situation, he would have one. For parents who could not afford one for their son, a Troop fund raiser would be a worthwhile project to buy the devices. They may even find a sponsor willing to step up to the plate. If the Boy Scouts of America have not addressed this issue, it is time that they do so. This story had a happy ending, but it could easily have been a tragedy. Global Positioning Systems can and do save lives. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com |
|