Getting kids started?

[beadwindow]

My family/kids and I have been using VHF hand-helds to do backwoods Search & Rescue and mountain bike patrol on the "red dot" (151.625 mHz) for some time and my oldest has expressed an interest in learning ore about them for recreational purposes, which I am, of course all for them learning.

My "real world" experience has always been limited to military comms (specificly the US Navy, Wiskey-3) My grandfather was a "serious" HAM operator back in the 70's but when he passed, all his radio equipment got snarfed up long before I got dibs on anything.

So, what he have are a few iCom IC-F11, IC-F3GS and an IC-V82 and a limited license to operate on 151.625 mHz, and the last thing I want to do is get into trouble with Big Brother.

Does the FCC offer a junior or educational license for such endeavors.

What are my option for getting them on the air and explorng the wonders of "red-neck cellular" as my oldest one calls it ?

[VA3SAX]

the best you can get for unliscensed use is the CB and FRS bands beyond that you'd need to get a full license if you want to try out amateur radio. though I myself am offended with the term redneck cellular. that would be the CB band. anyways if you can get in contact with an ham in your area then they can operate under the supervision of the ham until they get their own licenses the best way to find someone is through the local ham clubs

[KB1LQD]

sorry its taken me so long to wright back, I've been really busy with college stuff and homework... anyways
Although there is no "Trial" lisencee your best bet is to get in touch with another amateur operator and operate 3rd party, which mean that your operating without a lisencee but in the presence of an opereator (This covers all frequencies BTW) . Its alota fun and give you a great look into the hobby, Please experiment with HF bands, which are the frequencies that travel easily around the world. I run a school club with my brother and HF has always held interest with other student, probably because it doesnt get much cooler that have a conversation with some guy in africa....