K2BSA Amateur Radio Association — dedicated to amateur radio within the Scout movement. Providing information to support all Radio Scouting activities.

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COVID-19 Guidance for Radio Scouting Activities

Jim Wilson
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COVID-19 Guidance for Radio Scouting Activities

We’ve pulled together the following information on dealing with COVID-19 that may prove useful to your Radio Scouting activities.

Please note that each state, municipality, and Scout council have their own guidance for addressing COVID-19 issues surrounding Scouting activities. You’ll need to take those into account when considering any Radio Scouting activities.

As starting points, we recommend the following online resources:

Work closely with your local Scout council and health authorities as guidelines are open to change as local conditions change.

We’ve also pulled together these comments about Jamboree on the Air and the Radio Merit Badge from Bill Stearns, NE4RD, Scouts BSA JOTA Team Lead and President of K2BSA ARA, as well as Gary Wilson, K2GW, the Scouts BSA Radio Merit Badge Subject Matter Expert.

Here’s what they have to say specifically about the QSO requirement for the Radio Merit Badge:

Bill, NE4RD — 
As was discussed during the Ham Expo, connecting your rig to a zoom/google meet/skype call is completely possible.  If an operator can figure out how to run WSJT-X, shouldn’t take much more effort to get voice to pass through to the rig.
Gary, K2GW — 
Bill’s right, but it gets even easier.  The contact requirement can be done with a simulated  QSO, even to the point of squeezing the PTT switch on an imaginary HT in the Scouts hand.
“Using proper call signs, Q signals, and abbreviations, carry on a 10-minute real or simulated amateur radio contact using voice, Morse code, or digital mode.”
I recently counseled two Scouts remotely where they simulated a QSO with me over FaceTime, then watched me via FaceTime make a real contact and took a tour of my shack remotely for their station visit.

Our sense is that you could easily complete the entire Radio Merit Badge through online options.

Please feel free to add your own thoughts and comments to this post. We’re sure there are many creative options available to continue with Radio Scouting activities during our stay-at-home time as well as engaging in Jamboree on the Air, October 16, 17, 18.

National Jamboree 2021 Postponed

William Stearns
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National Jamboree 2021 Postponed

Communications were received yesterday from the 2021 National Jamboree Executive Leadership Team that the National Jamboree 2021 has been postponed due to the unpredictability of the pandemic and its impact on local councils.

The Boy Scouts of America is committed to the safety of all youth in our programs. Planning, preparations, and decisions regarding National Jamborees take place months, and even years, in advance. The unresolved issues surrounding the pandemic make it exceedingly difficult to plan and prepare for a premiere event of this size in a way that continues to keep the safety of Scouts, volunteers, staff, and communities at the forefront.

Thank you to all the volunteers that signed up to be on staff at the K2BSA Amateur Radio Station!  We look forward to the rescheduling of this event and your continued support of our operations at the National Jamborees.

Jamboree on the Air Quick Links

Jim Wilson
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Jamboree on the Air Quick Links

Our top links for Jamboree on the Air Information.

With over 100 pages and nearly 300 posts, it can be challenging to find the right information. We suggest using the search function and the pull-down menus or selecting from the quick links we’ve provided below.

Jamboree on the Air

JOTA Guidelines for Amateur Radio Operators and Scout Leaders.

JOTA Countdown with an extensive planning calendar starting in January.

JOTA Event Tips with helpful insight into best practices.

Scout Frequencies to use when searching for other Scout stations.

Radio Scouting Quick Reference Card for use by Scouts and operators on the air.

Radio Scouting Quick Links

Jim Wilson
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0
Radio Scouting Quick Links

Our top links for Radio Scouting information.

With over 100 pages and nearly 300 posts, it can be challenging to find the right information. We suggest using the search function and the pull-down menus or selecting from the quick links we’ve provided below.

Radio Scouting

Radio Scouting Advancement — where amateur radio can be used in the Scouting advancement program.

Troop Program Feature — how to run an amateur radio program for your troop.

Morse Code Interpreter Strip — how to earn this strip for uniform wear.

Amateur Radio Operator Rating Strip — what it is, how to earn it, and wear it. Also, find alternative sources for buying the badge.

ARRL Service to Scouting Award — the nomination process for this leader square knot.

Icom Station Loans — how to line up a complete station for your operations.

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