Scout Leaders Who Toppled Ancient Rock May Face Charges

[Tom Servo]

Scout Leaders Who Toppled Ancient Rock May Face Charges

by EYDER PERALTA
October 18, 2013 3:38 PM

A group of Boy Scout leaders could be in serious trouble after they posted video online of one of them toppling a rock formation at Goblin Valley State Park in Utah.

The rocks, which resemble mushrooms, date back to the Jurassic Period, about 145 to 170 million years ago. They are, to say the least, a precious reminder of the Earth's history.

In the video, two men are seen cheering on their friend, who is trying to topple one of the formations. After he pushes off another rock, the "goblin" tumbles and then the men high-five.

[Tom Servo]

Video at the link. It was on the national news this evening. These guys seem like a really poor representation to what the scouts stand for. I strongly get the impression from the video that they weren't doing this for safety reasons, but for jollies and I hope they're all punished to the fullest extent of the law for vandalism in a state park.

This is one of those things I might be able to be more forgiving but for the incredibly, densely lame excuse the men came up with when interviewed. They claim the formation posed an immediate safety risk to children nearby. Children we don't see in the video, not walking on a path that isn't anywhere near the precariously perched boulder.

[Michele]

We hiked through Goblin Valley summer before last while visiting the San Rafael Swell. It's really a cool place as is most of Utah that is made up of stunning rock formations.

These adult men seem pretty immature..kind of like the people who will write their names within ancient petroglyphs and pictographs.

[Bob Loblaw 3.0]

The rock took quite a bit of effort to tip off, too. Even if they did initially think it may have been a hazard, a little light should have gone off in their heads when they had to lean into it like a tackle sled in order to perform their little good deed.