I don't agree the adult instructors were useless. They obviously made sure the troop were properly equipped for their outing, with enough food for an extra day. Whether they were wrong to rely on their map or not, once they were no longer sure of their location, the decisions made were all good ones: they avoided panic and kept the scouts' spirits up; they camped and rested rather than getting exhausted; they followed a stream down the mountain; they kept their eyes open and found electrical lines and a road.

Hindsight is or should be 20-20. Foresight rarely is. IMHO what often matters most is what is perceived and done in between.