It was a great summer at K2BSA/4--a popular gathering spot during the just-completed 2001 National Scout Jamboree, held July 23-August 1 at Fort AP Hill, Virginia.

A Jamboree gathering. Some 40,000 attended this year's National Jamboree in Virginia.

Every four years the Boy Scouts of America hold an event like none other--one that is full of fun, and reflects the skills of Scouting, our nation's heritage, physical fitness, conservation, and the spirit of brotherhood. It is an event that many of the youth in Scouting can only attend once in their lives--but every one of the nearly 40,000 in attendance will remember it for the rest of their lives as a pinnacle in their Scouting careers.

The event I am referring to is the 2001 National Scout Jamboree. Any activity that would interest youth was there, including ham radio. Amateur Radio station K2BSA was one of the popular attractions at the Jamboree--serving as a demonstration station, a place to earn the Radio merit badge, a place to promote our hobby, and a place where many participants learned the ropes of our hobby and passed their licensing exams.

The K2BSA/4 setup.

I had the privilege of serving as a K2BSA staff member, where I worked with 42 other talented and knowledgeable amateurs, including one from Australia. We had the time of our lives showing off one of the loves of our lives--Amateur Radio--for the benefit of another one of our loves--Scouting.

K2BSA's operations were split up into three groups--the demonstration station group (which I served on), the licensing group and the Radio merit badge group. The 17 folks helping with Radio merit badge worked with more than 800 boys trying to earn this badge by learning about Amateur Radio. They learned about the simple components that make up a radio, what Q-signals are, how to make a contact, and more.

One of the last requirements to earn this badge was to make and log two separate QSOs on the radio. The excitement on their faces when they were actually talking to another youth in California, or, as it happened, to a commercial airline pilot flying a Boeing 757 at 32,000 feet over Kansas City, was truly gratifying (that contact happened on 20-meter SSB).

Six K2BSA staffers headed up the licensing effort. Classes were offered every day to Scouts and adult leaders to prepare them for their Technician exams. Nearly every evening, ARRL VEC exams were offered for all license classes. Thanks to the 25+ ARRL VEC volunteer examiners who provided this service, 182 exams were given, and 95 youth and adults passed with flying colors, and a few got their call signs while at the Jamboree.

Needless to say, they immediately took to the bands at K2BSA to enjoy their newly earned privileges. Some of the Scouts who passed their Technician exams came running back for the ARRL General class theory books.

The other third of our efforts took place at the K2BSA demonstration station, where four HF stations, two satellite stations, a 6-meter station, PSK31, transmitter hunting, ATV (mounted on a hat and in a remote-controlled car), SSTV and an on-site 2-meter and 70-cm repeater greeted anyone that walked in wondering what Amateur Radio was all about. We were endowed with four HF beams, each on 70-foot telephone poles, plus many verticals and a directional satellite antenna system.

As another Scout speaks to Susan Helms and his fellow campers await their turns, Scouter Matt Schwaab KC5SIX (right), takes the controls of K2BSA. [Mike Brown, WB2JWD, Photo]

But, we staff members didn't do the operating. The Scouts did! We simply supervised their fun and enjoyment. During the Jamboree, through the efforts of everyone who had a chance to operate the equipment, thousands of QSOs with 109 countries, all 50 states, all seven continents, and even one conversation took place with Susan Helms, KC7NHZ, operating NA1SS aboard the International Space Station. Plenty of National Traffic System (NTS) messages were handled to and from Jamboree participants via K2BSA as well.

The 20 Scouts who contacted the ISS, plus Chris Anderson, NK8W (in front) who organized the contact and Mark Gaynor, VK6ZEO, who served as the "Armstrong satellite antenna pointer!"

We K2BSA staffers also handed out brochures that promoted Amateur Radio and contained information on how to get a license. We were extremely successful during the Jamboree, and I'm confident that our efforts continue to pay off through the many Scouts who decided to study for their licensed after returning home.

Thanks to K2BSA Director Ed Dudley, WA4ISI; Staff Adviser Ray Moyer, WD8JKV, and ARRL Liaison Larry Wolfgang, WR1B, and the rest of the staff, and to all who loaned or donated equipment, supplies or materials. More information about K2BSA at Jamboree will be posted on the K2BSA Web site.

The 2001 K2BSA Jamboree QSL card.

[Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, Photos, except as noted]

K2BSA will be back for the 2005 National Scout Jamboree, to be held again at Fort AP Hill, Virginia. It's not too soon to start making plans.

Back to Reality

Now that the summer is winding down, it is back to reality for many of us, including me--back to school. I urge you to remain active in Amateur Radio during the school year, but always keep in mind that academics take priority at all times. When time permits, why not introduce your friends at school to the world of Amateur Radio? Demonstrate what can be done on the air, and explain to them how easy it was for you to get involved and how much fun you have had. You have a unique advantage to show off and interest your peers in the excitement of ham radio.

Next month, we'll cover some ideas on how you can have a program for youth at your next hamfest or club meeting to meet new friends and further promote our hobby to others in the next generation of Amateur Radio operators. Topic suggestions are welcome for future columns, whether in the form of a personal accomplishment or an event your group or club has held or is planning. E-mail your suggestions, or just get in touch to introduce yourself.

Until next time, 73!

Editor's note: ARRL Life Member Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico. A 21-year-old senior in electrical engineering at the University of New Mexico, he was the 1999 ARRL Hiram Percy Maxim Award winner as well as the 1997 winner of the Newsline Young Ham of the Year Award. He was first licensed in 1992 at age 12 and holds an Amateur Extra class license. Brian enjoys CW, QRP transmitter hunting, satellite operation, digital modes and, of course, just speaking into the microphone. He's active in the Boy Scouts of America as an assistant scoutmaster and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. Brian welcomes visitors to his Web site. Readers may contact him via e-mail, n5zgt@arrl.net.

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