The 2021 YOTA (Youth on the Air) Camp held July 11-16 is in the books—
and what a week it was for the 23 young hams from around the U.S. who traveled to Cincinnati from as far away as California for the amateur radio experience of a lifetime.
This first-ever YOTA camp in IARU Region 2 treated the next generation of avid contesters, DXers, and EMCOMM specialists to a wealth of educational and fun activities, many of which took place, appropriately, at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester, Ohio. Covid-19 restrictions limited attendees to those from the U.S. this year, with hopes that future Region 2 events will draw hams from around the world. The event was canceled in 2020.
Highlights included a high-altitude balloon launch; building an 80M receiver and later using it for foxoring (a mix of orienteering and direction-finding on 80M); operating a satellite; an antenna building contest; and contacting engineer and JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, KE5DNI, on the International Space Station (ISS). Born in Tokyo in 1968, Hoshide is the third Japanese astronaut to walk in space and currently serves as commander of ISS Expedition 65.
The opening ceremonies (see video below) featured camp director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG; Jack Dominic, executive director of the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting; Jocelyn Brault, KD8VRX, president of the West Chester Amateur Radio Association; and an inspirational keynote address by Tim Duffy, K3LR, DX Engineering CEO, in which he imparts wisdom about life and ham radio gleaned from 50 years as an amateur operator. His speech begins shortly after the one-hour mark.
Check out the YOTA website for the full story. And take a moment to read “All About YOTA, History, Present, Future” by OnAllBands blogger Sterling Mann, N0SSC, IARU Region 2 Youth Liaison. And if you’re looking for Technician Class licensing manuals and “getting started” kits to give to your sons, daughters, and grandkids, you’ll find everything you need at DXEngineering.com.
Finally, holding a fox hunting event is an excellent way for clubs to introduce young people to ham radio. Check out this article, “Fox Hunting—Getting Young People Hooked on the Adventure of Ham Radio,” for some useful ideas.
