[Elecraft] OT - kits for young kids?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I have to agree with Fred. I built my first kit at about that age - a
three-tube meissner regenerative receiver with an ac power supply - a gift
from my father, using a big "American Beauty" soldering iron and working
alone without supervision. 

My father had no electronics experience so he insisted on taking it to the
local Radio TV repair shop for a look-see before we plugged it in. He was
very impressed and proud (as was I) when they said it was fine. I'm not sure
all the solder joints were so perfect but it did work beautifully.

As a parent, it's your responsibility and decision to be sure, but I grew up
subscribing to the belief that a little danger is good for kids. And they
survived (albeit with one broken arm on the daughter who took up dressage
and jumping horses at about the same age :-)

Solid state has made building much easier and soldering isn't more dangerous
that working around a great many tools. 

Ron AC7AC