What started out as a fun adventurous camp out for a group of young men, turned into a once in a life time defining moment.
Nearly a dozen boys ages 11 to 14, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had just spent a few days in the High Uintas when a man approached them asking for help. His dog had been injured and wouldn’t be able to make the trek back down the mountain.
The young boys jumped at the opportunity to help. They gathered logs and a tarp from another camp, and made a makeshift stretcher.
For over four miles, the boys took turns carrying the dog on the stretcher. It was a long journey as they climbed over trees and rocks. They became exhausted and even ran out of water. But they never gave up, they continued to the end.
One of the leaders on the trip, Jeff Eaves, said, “These boys had their own burdens that they were carrying, which were their backpacks. They were willing to carry another person’s burden, even though the path was rocky, steep and difficult. They didn’t stop helping when it got difficult and physically exhausting.”
Earlier at the camp, the boys had been taught about service. They were ready for the call to help. After the whole experience Spencer Brown told KSLTV, “When somebody asks you to help, you help. And not try to make excuses,” Brown said. “And it’s going to be hard. You just have to push through it. You have to believe you can.”
It was an unforgettable experience that the boys will remember for life.
