Radio Cadets Program
September 6th, 2011
Youth Group Meeting
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The September 6th Cadets meeting was a huge success, with about 30 students and several parents attending. Several club members came to assist and were needed very much. The News -Journal reporters came and took notes and photos.
All had a great time, and the parents were very impressed. We built kits, presented a few graphics, and had a few talks about radio. No time was available for the GOTA operation this time. A D-104 mike was hooked up to an O'scope, and many cadets had fun "seeing" their voices.
We now have 30 new members all under the age of 20, and 4 parents. Total at this point, 92.
"Flagler radio club hopes next generation will tune in"
By BRITTNEY O'BRYANT, Special to The News-Tribune
"The Flagler County Public Library was buzzing with young amateur radio enthusiasts eager to learn about the hobby and build their own equipment.
Approximately 15 home-schooled children between the ages of 7 and 12 listened intently as Bob Matson, president of the Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club,
taught them the basics about voltage and currents within radios and how the radios worked.
Under Matson's watchful eye, the children also built their own telegraphs but the most popular event involved a character Matson called "John Travoltage," a interactive computer image that appeared to move when "shocked" with voltage.
"When thinking of voltage think of it as pressure," Matson told the kids. Matson said Tuesday's event was well received. "It's a big success, it gives them a reason to learn," Matson said. "We try to keep it interesting and engaging so that they always have something to take home at every class. The children will be building their own electronic kits and radios that they will be able to take home."
The youth program is new to the radio club and designed to spark the interest of upcoming generations in the activity. To make it a family affair, the club offers free membership to children with parents who are members. An adult membership is $30. Matson hopes more school groups will become involved. Currently three home-school groups and one charter school group have participated.
Lisa Syzymaski, mother of one of the children who participated in the library program, was enthusiastic. "It's amazing, my husband feels that he can bring back to our son what he had with his dad," she said.
Many parents watched as their children began to assemble their kits for the day. Some took photos and recorded their kids interacting with the other children. Chloe Hoffman was all smiles as she assembled her kit. "It's really exciting," said the 10- year old. "I never thought I could do this." Lauren Lilly, 11, agreed. "It's a lot of fun and it's cool because you can make a lot of radios in Morse code."
The children were encouraged to ask questions about the history of the radio and how it works. Learning about amateur radio also teaches basic math, science and geography while introducing the children to the atmosphere and how it affects radio signals.
Matson said the goal is to interest at least 50 percent of the children in getting their ham radio license. "Parents are excited we're going to relieve them of some of the burdens of teaching," Matson said. "We're happy to do it."
