For decades, Scouts have lived by the motto “Be prepared.” If trouble comes their way, they use critical thinking and survival skills to persevere. When 49-year-old Tami Laird and her son, Stirling, headed out for a Cub Scout camping trip on July 11, 2025, they had no idea the adventure they were about to embark on. While following GPS to Camp Wolfeboro in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Laird and 9-year-old Stirling got lost. Their car eventually broke down, and those anticipating their arrival at camp became concerned.
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office initiated the search for the mother and son on July 12, following a report that they had not arrived at Camp Wolfeboro and were not answering their phones, according to a media release. The sheriff’s office quickly got to work.
“The team began assessing the terrain and the complex network of interconnecting, labyrinth-like roads to establish effective search parameters,” the release noted. “This allowed them to quickly initiate a road-based search using four-wheel-drive vehicles and a specially equipped side-by-side UTV. California Highway air assets were also requested to assist with the search efforts.”
Meanwhile, the pair used their scouting skills to lead a search team to them. They spent the night in their broken-down car, taking advantage of the shelter, water, and food they had. In the morning, they took off on foot, hoping to find a cellphone signal.
“At 6 a.m., we loaded up a backpack with water and other essentials, left a note on our car, cut a bunch of strips of fabric from a sheet and headed out on foot in search of a phone signal. We tied the strips of sheet along the way so we would know how to get back to the car,” Tami Laird shared on Facebook. “Along our hike, we left a few big rocks in varying locations along nearby (more flat) roads. We attached notes to large rocks in the middle of the roads asking for help and leaving details of how to find us.”
The mom and son spent hours hiking, hoping to get a signal or find help, but wound up back at their car later that evening. They prepared for a second night in the car when they suddenly saw the search and rescue team coming to their aid.
“I don’t think we will ever forget that 24 hours. We were very lucky to have the supplies that we had and so very lucky that we only had to spend one night out there. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives,” Tami Laird continued in her post. “We are truly grateful to everyone who reported us missing, searched for us, and helped to find us. The Calaveras County Search and Rescue teams that went out looking for us are truly amazing.”
The sheriff’s office praised the mother and son for their quick thinking that helped lead to their rescue.
“Of importance in the successful outcome was their pre-trip notification of telling someone where they were going and when to expect them back,” the sheriff’s office release noted.
Laird added a message of gratitude to her Facebook post.
“We were so happy to see them when we arrived at the Search and Rescue base camp,” she wrote. “We want to thank everyone who helped and everyone who sent their love and support.”
