ORANGE - Explorers, Boy Scouts and volunteers put their training to the test at ConnJam 2012 this past Saturday when what is being described as a clear air microburst lifted a large banquet tent and bounce house into the air. But that didn’t dampen the spirit of the more than 4,000

in attendance. The event at the High Plains Community Center in Orange turned out to be one of the most successful events run by the Council with a full day of activities designed to peak the interests of Scouts. The attendees were witness to a display of professionalism and bravery by Explorers from Stratford EMS Post 4911 as they immediately took charge of the situation and put their training to the test. The Explorers will be recognized for their exceptional service at the Council’s Program Kickoff on Wednesday, May 16 at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. “We train our Scouts to be prepared in all circumstances but hope that they won’t need to put their first aid and emergency response training to the test,” said Lou Salute, Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, Connecticut Yankee Council. “I’m proud of the way that our Scouts, Explorers and volunteers reacted. They brought calm to chaos.” A total of six people were transported to the hospital for further treatment and later released. Four more were treated on site with minor injuries. None of the injuries were life-threatening, although they included multiple lacerations. One of those injured, a Cub Scout, actually came back to ConnJam later Saturday afternoon to experience the rest of the day. The microburst wasn’t the only exciting thing at ConnJam. A visit by the Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca, a slacklining demonstration, non-stop Scouting activities and a rocking closing show made this an event one that our Scouts will never forget. A year and a half worth of planning and preparation, led by event chairman Michael Card, certainly paid off. The Connecticut Yankee Council is setting up a card drop at the Council Resource Center for any units or individuals interested in sending “get well” cards or letters to the victims of this incident. “I am always amazed at the resilience of Scouts,” said Salute. “Within ten minutes, our Scouts were out on the fields collecting the thousands of sheets of paper that had been blown into the air. Nobody asked them to. They just went to work, because they are Scouts.” The Boy Scouts of America, Connecticut Yankee Council serves nearly 17,000 young people in Fairfield, New Haven and parts of Hartford counties. Scouting’s purpose is to develop youth into good citizens by instilling in them the values contained in the Scout Oath and Law. Through its various programs, youth are exposed to new interests, make new friends, gain a respect for their environment, develop leadership skills and give back to their community. For more information, please visit www.ctyankee.org.