Articles written by: Katie Campbell, KE8LQR

Katie Campbell, KE8LQR, earned her Amateur Extra license at the age of 11. Among other activities, she teaches youth Morse code through the Long Island CW Club; helps out with her school’s amateur radio club, K8LPS; is a member of YACHT (Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team); was a featured presenter at Contest University 2024; and is on the planning committee and PR team for the YOTA group.

ham radio operator assisting during a marathon race
Ham Culture & Entertainment

Youth Ham Radio Insights: Volunteer Opportunities for Young Operators

The question of how we should refer to amateur radio is an eternal debate. Is it a hobby? A lifestyle, perhaps? A community? A public service? Really, the best answer […]

Collage of young ham radio operator pictures
HAM Radio 101

Youth Ham Radio Insights: How Young Operators Can Get Involved in Contesting Season

The most wonderful time of the year for many hams is right around the corner—Contesting Season! It’s a great time for young operators who may be interested in trying out […]

arrl school roundup certificate
Events

Get on the Air to Support Young Amateur Radio Operators in the Biannual ARRL School Club Roundup This October (& February Too!)

A big event for young amateur radio operators is coming up in a few weeks: the bi-yearly ARRL School Club Roundup (SCR). Every February and October, this weeklong operating event […]

group of ham operators at a hamfest
Events

Youth Ham Radio Insights: The 2025 Huntsville Hamfest Offers Something for All Ages

One of the end-of-summer highlights for my family is the Huntsville Hamfest. Held every August in Huntsville, Alabama, it is one of the best of the larger hamfests for families […]

carnegie Mellon ham radio students gathered outside
Ham Culture & Entertainment

Youth Ham Radio Insights: Opportunities for Young Operators, from Scholarships to College Clubs

Young people are faced with immense amounts of pressure in nearly every aspect of their lives—maintaining a close-knit social circle, making sure to keep up with and excel in school, […]

group presentation with ham radio students
Ham Culture & Entertainment

Youth Ham Radio Insights: Contacting an Astronaut on the International Space Station

Having the opportunity to participate in an ARISS contact is an incredible experience, and certainly a very memorable one. If you’re not familiar with ARISS, it stands for Amateur Radio […]

International flags flying at Hamvention
HAM Radio 101

Youth Ham Radio Insights: Making Friends and Exchanging Cultures Around the World

The cultural exchange aspect of amateur radio has been one of my favorite parts of the hobby. I can vividly remember the first few DX contacts that I made the […]

homemade fox hunt ham radio antenna on table
HAM Radio 101

Youth Ham Radio Insights—How Amateur Radio Clubs Can Help Young Operators

During my six years in amateur radio, I’ve been involved with numerous clubs and organizations, from small local groups to those with members worldwide. Each one I’ve been part of […]

young woman holding a ham radio antenna
HAM Radio 101

Youth Ham Radio Insights—Exciting Opportunities for Young Operators at Dayton Hamvention®

As one of the largest hamfests in the world, Dayton Hamvention® is a great place for young amateur radio enthusiasts to become more involved in the hobby. There are plenty […]

large contest university banquet hall seminar crowd
Ham Culture & Entertainment

Contest University from a Young Ham’s Perspective

While Dayton Hamvention® is an amazing event for young hams, Contest University (CTU) held the Thursday before the event is not to be missed! CTU has something to offer every […]