Lost in the Woods

On 21 June 2005 we learned that 11 years old Cub Scout Brennan Hawkins was lacking, which was from a Boy Scout camp in the vicinity of Salt Lake 4 days alive and healthy. It seemed like a miracle. Thanks God!

Unfortunately, however, Brennan's plight was much worse than it had to be. Had he not walk alone, maybe he would have not lost at all. Even if he stayed put, as soon as he realized that he would be lost, researchers have him much earlier.

Of course, the psychology ofa child in such a situation can be a bit difficult to understand for adults. It was reported that Brennan actually saw people looking after him, but was afraid and do not therefore give himself known.

I am reminded of a similar case a few years ago. Patric McCarthy was also a scout about the same age when he lost in 2003. Patric was not so fortunate. Here is an excerpt from his obituary:

Was "He celebrated his 10th born 12 October [2003]. Patric fourth-grade student at JamesF. Peebles Elementary School. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pocasset, Mass. He loved his time with his mother when they hang and movies, and his grandparents, Jim and Jackie Murray. He loved fishing, playing chess, working on computers and golf with his grandpa Jim. He worked closely with his three sisters, Kelley, Sara and Skye. His favorite pastime was playing his Game Boy and Playstation. He was active in many sports and was an excellent swimmer, wouldhe got the chance to swim. He loved playing hockey and was on the Squirt C hockey team in the Cape Cod Canal Youth Hockey League. He spent two years with 44 The Cub Scout Pack 1 of Pocasset, and played football and baseball. He liked to play "army" loved dinosaurs, and was his wish, a police officer. He was in love with a beautiful blue-eyed boy, macaroni and cheese, pizza, and to be himself. "

With a few changes, the above could describe many boys that I am known as a scoutLeaders.

Patric died of hypothermia 2 miles from where he was last seen. It could be that, like Brennan, he was afraid and hid from searchers.

Some family members suspect foul play, but the case remains closed. I respect the views of the family and their desire for the conclusion, but I think it is unrealistic to expect them that Patric did not simply run off and get lost.

As a Cub Scout leader, I know that boys are sometimes some pretty stupid things. No child is immune from this.Fortunately, the consequences are generally not life threatening. It is therefore is of paramount importance that our children what to do when they teach are lost. We can not assume they do not make the first mistake.

I do not know what was Patric and Brennan or not to survive if lost in the woods has taught. But I think everyone should know the following 9 rules of survival.

9 Rules for Survival

1. Stay Together, not separated from each other - if a friend or pet.

2.Stay in one place or region. NOT to hike!

3. Keep warm.

4. Find a cozy Waiting Place, no hiding place. (You will not get into trouble, getting lost.)

5. Put out something bright.

6. Look (and sound) For Bigger seekers. (In a large open space to wait, wave your arms and scream when a plane goes overhead, lie down and spread your arms out.)

7. Do not Lie on the bare ground. (Except for the exemption before, when an airplane is still more. The soil can be very cold;especially at night.)

8. Do not Eat Anything you are not sure.

9. Stay away from large rivers and lakes.

Please communicate this information to anyone and everyone you know, especially those with young children. It could save lives.

UPDATE:

Reportedly kept during his travels, in the eye Brennan two rules he had learned from his parents: "stick to the track" and "do not talk to strangers". Sticking to the track is fine, but it would have been better if heStay in one place and waiting for rescuers to find him. Consequently, while it often teach children to not talk to strangers because of fear of kidnapping, of course, there are situations where this rule is not applicable.

According to one expert interviewed by the media, the children should also be said that they will get separated from their parents in a shopping mall, they should ask for help from someone working behind a counter, another mother with children, or a person uniform.