News Release
For Immediate Release
Allen Pitts, W1AGP
Media and PR Manager
ARRL
apitts@arrl.org
(860) 594-0328
Young People Get
"Radio-active" on Kids Day
Newington, Conn., January 3, 2006 -- On January 8, 2006,
hundreds of young people throughout the country will be chatting with other
kids, not via the Internet or cellphone, but over the airwaves using Amateur
Radio (or "ham radio") technology during Kid's Day. Now in its
twelfth year, Kid's Day is sponsored by ARRL -- the national association for
Amateur Radio.
Many of today's scientists, radio engineers,
astronauts and Amateur Radio enthusiasts became involved with science and technology
in their youth. Often this was through a relative or a neighbor that took the
time to show them how things worked. During this event, licensed Amateur Radio
operators will encourage children, young people from the neighborhood or even a
local scout troop to experience the enjoyment of ham radio firsthand.
"Getting kids on the air is an
enjoyable experience for everyone involved." says Mark Spencer, WA8SME, of the
ARRL's Field and Educational Services. According to Spencer, "To make it a
productive experience we try to keep it simple. Contacting rare foreign
locations is fun, but local, quality contacts often work better and in most
cases make a more lasting impression."
Today there are nearly 680,000 Amateur Radio
operators in the United States and more than 2.5 million worldwide. Information
on how to become involved in Amateur Radio is available from ARRL--the national
association for Amateur Radio, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111 or by calling 1-800-32-NEW HAM. Visit ARRL on the Web at www.arrl.org. You can also contact
a local club in your area. To find a ham radio club near you, go to www.arrl.org/findaclub.
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Page last modified: 01:05 PM, 03 Jan 2006 ET
Page author: apitts@arrl.org
Copyright © 2006, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
