Nate, KC8WVP, makes contacts on 40m SSB as Al, W8JCY, looks on.

Simon, KC8ZYD, and his "Big Project" mentor Dave, W8DO.

Joe Bagnick, N3EMA, introducing his son Chris, age 9 to Warminster Amateur Radio Clubs (K3DN) field day operation. Warminster ARC operates Field Day from a high vantage point in Doylestown, PA under the call K3DN. The active membership of this club ensures a good turnout for Field Day and many of the club’s other activities including their very successful and legendary hamfest. For more information about the club or the hamfest, visit their very informative web page at http://www.k3dn.org/

"Big Project" Results In Some First Class Operators

July 15, 2004 -- Field Day 2004 in Kalamazoo, Michigan had some young operators working the HF airwaves that were part of a partnership between the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club and the local elementary school.

Twenty students of the Winchell Elementary School in Kalamazoo, Michigan took part in basic electronics study as part of the ARRL's Education & Technology Project or "The Big Project" as it is known. The course began in August 2003 and ran until June 2004 when the students took their Technician and Technician Plus license exams.

The kids worked on basic electronics projects and studied for their Amateur Radio licenses under the guidance of their teachers and mentors from the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club. The club had six or seven volunteer mentors at each classroom session and the club donated a "first Radio" to all of the students that passed their Amateur Radio license exam. Most of the new hams are planning to upgrade so that they can enjoy HF operating privileges.

Teachers selected students to participate in the project because they had expressed Amateur Radio or electronics. The students said that Amateur Radio provided hands on activities along with on the air contacts that make studying more interesting than a straight academic course. Many of them would like to pursue future careers in technology.

In addition to mentoring the new hams the club also provided additional funding to acquire part and equipment for the classroom projects.

Dave Clark, W8DO, said that the kids had a lot of fun at Field Day working stations all over the U.S and Canada. The mentors were probably just as excited watching the new hams making contacts.

The club meets at the American Red Cross, Kalamazoo Chapter, Kalamazoo, MI on the 3rd Thurs Monthly 7:30 PM.