Hams and Scouts equals fun

[WB9UDJ]

Radio Amatuer Downstate Illinois Organization (R.A.D.I.O.) was invited by the Scouts in Allendale, IL, to do an Jamboree on the Air station for their combined Cub and Boy Scout camp out on October 18-19, 2003.

The club set up two HF stations and a vhf/uhf station. #We used a computer to compliment the set up. #With it we were able to demonstrate PSK31 and SSTV. #We also used the local 146.94 repeater in addition to simplex to send and recieve SSTV. #The Cub Scouts were really intrigued with the noise they heard being converted into pictures one line at a time.

The older Boy Scouts liked the HF contacts that they were able to do under the control operators. #We had 2 Boy Scouts that took their Radio Merit Badge course and passed it.

The Amateurs camped the weekend with the troops and got involved with many of their activities. #We joined games like "steal the Bacon" and since I use a personal mobility scooter we had many races with the Cub's in which they were just able to win.

Ham Radio came to the rescue when the Saturday evening pot of chili accidently got turned over along with the stove. #We were able to contact some Ham's that had returned to town and have them get some more ingredients for chili.

If your club is not involved with JOTA, you are missing one of the greatest times you ever had. #Our group is looking forward to next year and having the chance to enjoy a radio/camping experience and sharing this great hobby with kids that will never forget getting to talk on the radio. Our crew included Estella, KA9SBY, Kenn, W9MR, Robert, N9WCC, Eunice, KC9CVK, Colid, N9UIG (the scoutmaster) and Gary, WB9UDJ in addition to all of the wonderful Hams that took the time to talk to the Scouts.

[KB5UKT]

Way to go Gary! Keep Sourthen ILL. in the forefront! Sorry I missed you guys on the air!

73 Mike KB5UKT

[rsirois]

I agree with you. If clubs (or individuals) are not involved with JOTA they are missing out on a lot of FUN.
Need more like you telling the story!
73,
WJ0TA / N1RY

[kb9ojs]

It is great to see so many young people getting a taste of Amateur Radio. I hope that JOTA leads some of the scouts to get their ham radio license. Not only is ham radio a fun communication tool, but it also expands a person knowlegde in the field of electronics and radio communication. I got my ticket when I was 13 (seven years ago) and have always found it to be a rewarding hobby. I hope the scouts get their tickets and join us in the Amateur Radio fraternity.

73's from here in southern IL de John Bunyan, KB9OJS Amateur Extra

Greetings All ,

On Oct. 18th I had the pleasure and privelege , of working WB9UDJ and 3 of his scouts. I had very pleasant QSO's with Jason , Chris , and Justin . They seemed to enjoy the contact as much as I did . I would like to thank Gary for the opportunity and privelege , of working his scouts on JOTA .

73 de "Randy " KI4ATH

[KG4SSY]

Sounds like a great time was had by everyone. I didn't know about JOTA until 2 weeks before the event. I contacted the local Scout Council and tried to get something put together quickly. But they already had another function scheduled for that weekend. Now that the Council knows that someone is interested in assisting them , were are already making plans for next year. So if anyone wants to do this with their local Scouts contact them now, let them know there is an interest and let's get more people exposed to HAM radio and what we do.
Thanks!
Dale #KG4SSY

[7N4MQN]

JOTA is one of the best marketing tools we have.
I stumbled upon it from my humble abode in Yokosuka Japan.
#Typical Saturday afternoon tuning across the bands and CQ JOTA from down under in VK land. Hey, sounds good- talked to about 4 lads in Canberra. #An hour later, call from Marshall Islands and talked to #3 more lads.
#Good stuff. Support it - hearing & talking on the 'ether' is believing for our youth.
#73's/ #Mark # #[7N4MQN / #WA6MVT ]

[IS0VSU]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (WB9UDJ @ Oct. 22 2003,21:59)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Radio Amatuer Downstate Illinois Organization (R.A.D.I.O.) was invited by the Scouts in Allendale, IL, to do an Jamboree on the Air station for their combined Cub and Boy Scout camp out on October 18-19, 2003.

The club set up two HF stations and a vhf/uhf station. #We used a computer to compliment the set up. #With it we were able to demonstrate PSK31 and SSTV. #We also used the local 146.94 repeater in addition to simplex to send and recieve SSTV. #The Cub Scouts were really intrigued with the noise they heard being converted into pictures one line at a time.

The older Boy Scouts liked the HF contacts that they were able to do under the control operators. #We had 2 Boy Scouts that took their Radio Merit Badge course and passed it.

The Amateurs camped the weekend with the troops and got involved with many of their activities. #We joined games like "steal the Bacon" and since I use a personal mobility scooter we had many races with the Cub's in which they were just able to win.

Ham Radio came to the rescue when the Saturday evening pot of chili accidently got turned over along with the stove. #We were able to contact some Ham's that had returned to town and have them get some more ingredients for chili.

If your club is not involved with JOTA, you are missing one of the greatest times you ever had. #Our group is looking forward to next year and having the chance to enjoy a radio/camping experience and sharing this great hobby with kids that will never forget getting to talk on the radio. Our crew included Estella, KA9SBY, Kenn, W9MR, Robert, N9WCC, Eunice, KC9CVK, Colid, N9UIG (the scoutmaster) and Gary, WB9UDJ in addition to all of the wonderful Hams that took the time to talk to the Scouts.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I agree. Hams and Scouts have a common background .
I worked with Scout in 2001 and 2002 Jamboree, and it was really a great experience.You can see some photos of these experiences by visiting the ARS (Associazione Radioamatori Sardi-Sardinian Amateurs Association) website http://www.cqis0.it.

Because I love QRP a lot, and also saw they liked a lot my little QRP Rigs, (Micro 80, Pixie2, Rock Mite and Foxx 3), easy to built also for the youngers, i decided to start the Sardinia QRP Club, (IS-QRP Club -www.sardiniaqrp.com) last 1st of november.
Working with Scouts, and with QRP, is a great opportunity to discover our common roots.

On these days Hams and Scouts have assembled an HF/VHF/UHF and Pactor Station to follow radio Gian Biagio Mulas ISØEZZ, Ham and Scout, who is leaving Sardinia to go to Atlantic Sea with his 12 m ship the next 9 of November.
Here is a Photo of Gian Biagio (right) and me (left).
Gian Biagio would like to be in contact with some Miami or close to Miami ham, when he will be in Atlantic Sea.

72

Franco Bachetti ISØVSU