Thompson/Center, a Smith and Wesson Company, introduced three new officially licensed BSA^® rifles including a limited edition BSA^® 100th Anniversary G2 Contender muzzleloader, a BSA^® IMPACT muzzleloader, and a BSA^® Hotshot .22 rifle for youth shooters. All models are perfect for use at the range, in the woods or as collector items. Each model carries the Boy Scouts of America® logo on the frame or is embossed with the official 100th Anniversary logo in the stock. As with all Thompson/Center firearms, these BSA® versions have a lifetime warranty and are made in the USA.

The limited edition .50 caliber G2 Contender Muzzleloader features traditional walnut stock embedded with a BSA^® 100th Anniversary coin and a 24 karat gold plate engraved with the BSA^® 100th Anniversary logo on the receiver.

For the youth and novice shooters, the BSA^® IMPACT Muzzleloader is designed for durability and operational simplicity. The black composite stock is embedded with a medallion featuring the Boy Scouts of America Universal Emblem.

For youth, first time shooters, the Thompson/Center’s BSA^® HotShot .22 rifle is lightweight, accurate, and simple to use with its single-shot design and hammer block trigger. The commemorative Hotshot will feature a brown composite stock along with the BSA^® Fleur-de-lis etched on the receiver. The BSA^® Hotshot will be available this August through Academy Sports.

For more information on these products and Thompson/Center, please visit http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/youth_boy_scout_rifle.php

Source: BSA Licensing Insider, Vol. 3, No. 6 and Thompson/Center

The Service and Program Center of the Great Sauk Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America on Huron Parkway in Ann Arbor, endured devastating water damage as over 12 – 24 inches of water accumulated in the office during the serve inclement weather that rocked communities all over Southeastern Michigan. Thirty adult and youth scout volunteers worked diligently throughout the day on Sunday attempting to clean and salvage what little they could. The deepest appreciation goes to Chris Gorski and his team from Washovia in Adrian, MI, the emergency cleaning services and restoration firm which responded immediately and with great generosity. Currently, the damage is estimated to be a near total loss with complete destruction and water inundation of all computers, servers, most paper files, floor covering and walls.

The Great Sauk Trail Council currently serves over 9,000 youth and 4,000 adults in communities across 7 counties in Southeastern Michigan. The Scout Center will be temporarily closed due to the extensive water damage but the dedicated Scout Volunteers and Field Professionals will continue to serve their communities, supporting program and assisting with community clean up. Although office functions may be impaired for sometime, there will be no significant interruptions in program. The Jackson Scout Service Center at Camp Teetonkah will be open with extended hours and GSTC’s three Scout Camps will still be open for service in the interim.

The local scouts desperately need assistance however, to continue to serve the community and return operations to full strength. Contributions to the local Scout clean up effort can be made on the internet at GSTCFlood.Kintera.org. Please call 734-971-7100 ext 215 to donate supplies. Please visit the GSTC website regularly for further updates and a needed materials and supplies list.

Community help and support are appreciated and will ensure Scouting in the Great Sauk Trail Council can return to full strength.

With yesterday’s story about the National Jamboree World Record Breaking CPR and AED Training event that will be held at the National Scout Jamboree, here is some more Jamboree Safety news!

Cardiac Science Corporation will provide 32 Powerheart® AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) to be available at the 2010 Jamboree to help protect the lives of guests and participants. Following the event, these AEDs will be donated to the Boy Scouts of America and awarded to Councils and Troops in communities around the country.

Additionally, Cardiac Science will provide 2,500 AED instructional sheets to be used in the CPR/AED training event.

To learn more about Cardiac Science and how you can set up an AED program, visit  http://www.cardiacscience.com/cardiology-products/aed-defibrillator/