We had the pleasure of hosting Les Scouts francophones de Maillardville at our club facilities and in the field at Coquitlam’s Mundy Park to enlighten them about amateur radio and demonstrate how it can be useful with their scouting activities such as camping, hiking and much more.
We started by explaining what amateur radio is, who can use it and how it can be used. Here’s Ian, VE7HHS, discussing the basics of radio. As a simple homework exercise, he challenged the group to use a standard AM radio in their parent’s car and try to receive radio stations from afar. The scout that received the farthest station and recorded their call sign into a log got a prize.
The scouts did a great job of asking questions. We then took them into the radio room to show them the various pieces of equipment.
A few weeks later, on a typical cold and rainy Saturday afternoon in February, we pulled the club’s trailer over to Mundy Park …
… where the scouts helped to raise our mast and deploy a 40m dipole antenna.
The group leaders helped to set up a pop-up tent cover over one of the park benches to keep them dry. Arron, VA7ZZA, brought another …
… where Paul, VE7TL, set up his portable station to show the scouts first hand how to send and receive both voice calls and emails over the air.
Back at the trailer, Ian demonstrated the use of both VHF and HF radios. The scouts contacted Phil, VE7KJR, and Vic, VE7ZSH, who operated at the club and home stations.
Despite the rainy day, a good time was had by all.
We wish to thank and acknowledge the scout leaders Magalie, Siena, Thomas, Alain and Jovan (VA7JOV) for approaching us to make this enjoyable learning experience happen to a wonderful group of kids.
And a special thanks to the club members: Ian (VE7HHS), Carlos (VA7CFK), Paul (VE7TL), Phil (VE7KJR), Vic (VE7ZSH), Arron (VA7ZZA) and Richard (VA7RLW)