He obviously was not experienced enough. Just a poncho or space blanket would have kept them alive if they huddled together under it. It does not take much increase in temperature to maintain life. But to lay down, in the open, and stop moving is suicide under their conditions. Building a shelter is not hard, even a pile of leaves, with the three and the dog, would have kept them alive. How the dad could have allowed this to happen is beyond my comprehension. I am trying to think of some thing that would excuse what he did, and I come up blank. Too many options available, and none of them taken.

I have two boys myself, I am a Scout Master. I could not imagine allowing anything like this to happen. I will read this article to the troop, and use it to justify why I make them all carry a poncho, survival kit and bottle of water even if they are only going 100 yards from the camp.