ARRLWeb: Radio Camp: A Community Building Lifetime Skills and Longlasting Friendships

Dr Dave Justis, KN0V, "casts" around to for a good anchor for the G5RV antenna.

Tom Fowle, WA6IVG (right), of the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute demonstrates adaptive technology to Handiham volunteer instructors Matt Arthur, KA0PQW (center), and Ken Silberman, KB3LLA (left).

Handiham Program Manager Pat Tice, WA0TDA, and camper Dennis Hardy, K0CCR, share a duct tape moment.

Handiham volunteer instructor Phil Temples, K9HI, assists camper Travis Gardner, KE7EUL, at Net Control.

A community of radio amateurs, prospective hams and volunteer supporters joined together for a fun-filled week at the Courage Center Handiham Radio Camp in Cupertino, California to build a lifetime of skills. Folks from all walks of life converged on a rustic camp in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains to attend the Courage Handiham System Winter Radio Camp February 17-23, 2007 in Cupertino, California. Approximately 40 people spent a week earning their licenses and teaching and learning new ham radio skills, as well as building long-lasting friendships.

Some camp participants are blind, while some have severe physical disabilities. Others simply come to volunteer, helping campers to learn, to set up equipment and stations or to provide care through the week. Handiham Manager Pat Tice, WA0TDA, said, "The weather cooperated, and we were met with 70 degrees and sunshine -- perfect antenna-raising weather!"

The campers' preparation and attitude played a key role in the success of the camp. "Our campers were well-prepared and ready to go. In fact," said Tice, "every camper who studied for an exam either successfully passed at camp, or shortly thereafter upon returning to their homes. They truly deserve our congratulations for a fine job."

The campers heard a special presentation early in the week by guest Tom Fowle, WA6IVG, of the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute; he is also a QST author ["Audio Readout for the MFJ-209 Antenna Analyzer," February QST, page 36]. Fowle demonstrated an MFJ-209 antenna analyzer with audio output for blind use, as well as other adaptive devices. Later in the week, John Glass, NU6P, of Saratoga, California spoke about Bookshare.org, an organization that makes books accessible to those who cannot read regular print.

Veteran volunteer Handiham instructor Gary Gordon, K6KV, was pleased to again be involved at camp. "I feel very fortunate to assist the campers in upgrading. I could sense the enthusiasm of the Technician class licensees and their desire to upgrade to General so that they can talk on the HF bands with other Handiham members. I'm looking forward to helping out at the summer camp in Minnesota."

Chris Holmgren, KI6CQJ, running camp Net Control.

Tom Howard receives a new 2 meter handheld transceiver after passing his Technician license exam.

A large increase in the number of campers learning new operating skills prompted organizers to conduct two separate Operating Skills classes this year. According to volunteer instructor Phil Temples, K9HI, a total of 16 amateurs were enrolled in the two classes. "Participants in the second Op Skills class learned about more advanced topics, while the first class focused on more basic material." Separate HF stations were available for each class.

Bill Rouch, KG6POY expressed a sentiment shared by many of the campers: "Radio camp is more than just ham radio -- it's also about learning and working with others who share some of the same difficulties in life. We can 'let our hair down.' There is no judgment or embarrassment -- just a group of friends having a great time."

Tice commended the volunteer instructors and camp staff. "We rely heavily on the dedicated volunteer radio instructors who time out from their busy lives to serve," he said. "They have truly made a difference in the lives of others! And our staff members from Courage Center who provide care for our campers are always there to lend a helping hand."

The Handiham Radio Club met at mid-week, chaired by President Linda Reeder, N7HVF. The club meets at each radio camp, and plans are in the works for a way to meet electronically. Volunteer Examiners from the Saratoga Amateur Radio Association and other nearby communities conducted an ARRL VEC-sponsored Amateur Radio examination session at week's end.

The next Courage Handiham System radio camp will be in Minnesota August 24-31, 2007. For more information, visit the Courage Handiham System Web site or call 1-866-HANDIHAM for the free Handiham promotional DVD, "Making Contact... Making Friends."