I totally agree with Xander.
If you do any research on pedophilia, they don't just wake up one day and start having intercourse with a child. There is a continum the pedophile travels along, starting out with small gestures that increase in frequency, duration, intensity and boldness.
Often, the pedophile 'sets up' his targets, and practices his art, with just such games as was described here. Although the photographs and underwear and so on COULD have been innocent fun (that's very hard to believe) in any case, they ARE well-known and established ways that pedophiles begin their career.
I find it ridiculous that the members of the group didn't 'think to say anything'. That strains crudulity. The nature of the games themselves are a tip-off that something wasn't 'right' on that 'camping trip'; but the sworn to silence is also the biggest tip-off that all was not well that day. Assuming the facts have been accurately reported:
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Proof that this is not just a 'camping trip gone wrong'...
1)the nature of the games and the adult participation. Healthy adults don't play these games. There is, in this game, a total lack of respect and appreciation for dignity of a person here. It is established conclusiviely that pedophiles and pre-pedophiles play games EXACTLY LIKE THIS.
2)The delay between the child being missing and the call for authorities. This delay WAS plenty of time to fabricate stories, hide or destroy evidence, (such as footprints) and also time enough for any telltale forensic evidence to 'disappear'.
3) Lack of forthrightness and cooperation of the entire camping party. "Didn't think to say it'? I don't THINK SO. Police are not this stupid ANYWHERE..I hope. More likely there was duress to keep silent--and one brave soul eventually spoke up. This ,too, is common where peophilia has existed.
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You'll notice I didn't use Watchtower or JW or religion at all in my little commentary? It's not relevant and it wasn't necesary.
The thing is, tho, there is, thanks to the good work of a lot of good people, and increased awareness of pedophilia among JW's. This is a good thing---except for pedophiles. Pedophiles are like addicts that need their fix; in this new atmosphere of awareness and iniative, pedophiles are finding it harder and harder to get their 'fixes'. They are going to have to work harder, plan more, and take many many more risks to get what they want.
Parents..WATCH YOUR CHILDREN!!!! PLEASE!!!!