Your Prayers Are Needed For Missing Boy Scout - Update

I don't normally do this, but this boy is the same age as my son...

Michael Auberry, a twelve-year-old Boy Scout from Troop 230 from Greensboro, NC is missing.  On a camping trip to the rugged Stone Mountain State Park, Michael apparently wandered away from camp on Saturday and has not yet been found.

  Late Saturday, Michael's mess kit and footprints matching his shoes were found about a half-mile from camp.  Warmer weather raised rescuers' hopes Monday as they searched for a third day for the boy who disappeared while camping with his troop in the rugged mountains of western North Carolina. 

Temperatures fell to the 20s before dawn Monday, but sunny skies and temperatures in the 50s prevailed during the day. Overnight weather was expected to be milder, with lows in the 40s, but there was a chance of rain Tuesday.

"The temperatures definitely play a factor. It has been very cold at night, but this young man was very well dressed. He had a fleece jacket on and another jacket," National Park Service spokeswoman Tina White said. "We've had people who have been out a week or longer and survived."

Seventy people, dogs and a helicopter searched the area's logging roads and trails and off-road regions. Searchers planned to stick to the trails at night to avoid losing anyone else.

The boy had stayed behind with an adult leader Saturday morning while the rest of the troop went for a hike "because apparently he wanted to sleep in," said David Bauer, a ranger with the Blue Ridge Parkway. Michael was there when the troop returned for lunch, but the group of about 10 Scouts and their three adult leaders soon noticed he was missing, Bauer said.

Authorities said the boy probably wandered into the woods to explore.

"We're hopeful he was able to find shelter. There are a number of rock crevasses, and he could have covered himself up with leaves," said Mike Lambert, a ranger with North Carolina State Parks.

So, while people are out there searching for him, let's all say a prayer that he is found - safe and soon!

UPDATE:  Michael Auberry still has not been located.  The FBI has joined in the case, although no foul play is suspected. During the night, searchers planned to fly a plane with heat-sensing equipment and have dog teams out, among other efforts, she said. Searchers planned to stick to the trails at night to avoid losing anyone else.