[ILHam] Rainbow Council to Offer Ham Radio License Class to Boy Scouts in Fall 2016

[Brian S. McDaniel]

For Public Release
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Beginning in August 2016, Rainbow Council BSA will sponsor a Technician
Class amateur radio license course.  Besides to earning an FCC license,
Boy Scouts will complete the Radio and Electronics merit badges.  They
also will take part in the largest Scouting event in the world, Jamboree
on the Air.

*What is Ham Radio?*
For more than a century, experimenters have developed the technology we
use to keep in touch with one another.  With an amateur radio license,
you can use a radio to communicate with people all over the world using
computers, satellites, and even equipment you build yourself.

*What You Will Achieve*
At the least, you will earn two merit badges once you complete the course.

  * Radio Merit Badge

    You use radio in some way every day.  You might listen to satellite
    radio in the car, use WiFi, or exchange text messages or Instagram
    photos through your cell phone.  The Radio Merit Badge is an
    introduction to electronic communication and a cornerstone of the
    amateur radio service.

  * Electronics Merit Badge

    From computers in your car to your cell phone, the modern world runs
    on electronic devices.  What is electronics?  Electronics is the
    science that controls the behavior of electrons so that some type of
    useful function is performed.  For the Electronics Merit Badge, you
    will learn how to read an electronic schematic, solder, and how to
    solve simple problems involving current and voltage.

At the end of the course, you will take a 35-question exam for your
amateur radio operator's license.  You must get 26 answers correct to
pass (74%).  We'll even let you take it again, if you get nervous and
blow it the first time.

*What to Expect*
This program is like a science class.  Over 8 weeks, you will use radio
equipment to talk with people all over the world.  You will learn how to
solder electronic components.  You will learn to draw a schematic diagram.

You also will gain the knowledge to pass the U.S. Technician Class
Amateur Radio License.  But don't let that worry you.  Young people have
passed this exam when they were as young as 10 years old.

We set this course up to you will succeed.  We want you to have time to
study and not interfere with your school work.

*Jamboree on the Air*
On the same day you take your license exam, you will take part in the
largest Scouting event in the world; Jamboree on the Air!  World-wide,
more than 1-million Scouts take to the air to meet each other using
amateur radio.

Here in Rainbow Council, Scouts have spoken with other Scouts as far
away as Russia, Germany, and Brazil.  They've spoken to sailors on U.S.
Navy Warships.  And best of all, you do not need a license to take part
(so don't let the exam worry you further).

*Register Online Now*
This program will be taught by the Rainbow Council's Radio Scouting
Committee.  Participation is limited to 20 Scouts, Ventures, Varsity or
Sea Scouts who are 14 and at least First Class (or equivalent).

This is an 8-week course.  The fee covers class study guide, examination
fee, Amateur Radio Operator patch, and Jamboree on the Air patch.

Register online at the Rainbow Council BSA website.  Registration closes
August 1st.

The first class is August 20, 2016 at Fountaindale Public Library in
Bolingbrook.
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73,

Brian McDaniel, N4AE