NEWINGTON, CT, Jun 9, 2005--It's the second 2005 running of Kid's Day Saturday, June 18. ARRL Maxim Memorial Station W1AW and perennial Kid's Day special event station K1D will all be ready. AMSAT-NA will sponsor its own Kid's Day event Saturday, June 11, on the AO-51 "Echo" satellite. With help from some area youngsters and fellow ARRL staffers, ARRL Education and Technology Program ("The Big Project") Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, will be at the helm of W1AW for the ARRL Kid's Day event, which runs June 18 from 1800 until 2400 UTC.
 These youngsters seem to really be enjoying the first 2005 running of Kid's Day last January. |
 Andy Schiller, AB1BA, operated from W1AW during Kid's Day in June 2003. W1AW will play host to some area youngsters under the direction of ARRL Education and Technology Program Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME. |
 Luciano and Gina Schipelliti at the K1D microphone during a 2002 Kid's Day event. [Peter Schipelliti, W1DAD, Photo] |
"Kid's Day is one way that you can share the fun, excitement and learning opportunities of ham radio," Spencer says. "Many hams participate with their own children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews." But while Kid's Day can be a family affair, he encourages radio amateurs to consider inviting families with children from the neighborhood or some of the people you work with and their kids. "Inviting adults and youth may result in future ham radio operators," he points out.
The point of Kid's Day, which originated in 1994, is to encourage young people--licensed or not--to enjoy Amateur Radio. Additionally, Kid's Day offers a mentoring opportunity for experienced amateurs while giving youngsters some firsthand ham radio experience and perhaps sparking a lifelong interest.
"The personal touch is the most effective way to gain someone's interest in ham radio," Spencer says. "Many of us became involved in the hobby because of a family member, relative or close friend."
Kid's Day veteran Peter Schipelliti, W1DAD, of Atkinson, New Hampshire, has been operating special event station K1D since June 4. Sponsored by the Atkinson Amateur Radio Club, K1D recognizes Kid's Day and Amateur Radio Awareness Month. K1D will be on the air through 0359 on Sunday, June 19, on or about 14.270, 21.370 and 28.370 MHz. Schipelliti and his wife Jeanne, K1MOM, hope to have their kids on the air for the occasion too. QSL to W1DAD, 7 Dearborn Ridge Rd, Atkinson, NH 03811.
All participants are eligible to receive a colorful certificate. Visit the ARRL Kid's Day Survey page to complete a short survey and post your comments. You will then have access to download the certificate page. Or you can send a 9x12 SASE to Boring Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 1357, Boring, OR 97009.
Kid's Day typically attracts more than 1000 youthful participants. It takes place each year on the first Sunday in January and the third Saturday in June.
ARRL Kid's Day
Date and Time: June 18, 2005, 1800 to 2400 UTC. Exchange: Name, age, location and favorite color. Call "CQ Kid's Day." Suggested Frequencies: 14.270-14.300, 21.380-21.400 and 28.350-28.400 MHz, plus 2-meter repeaters with permission from owner/sponsor. Control operators should observe third-party traffic restrictions when making DX contacts. |
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