10/21/2007 | W4FDX Tony, N2MFT and the many members of the Mid Florida DX Association (MFDXA, an ARRL Affiliated Club http://www.w4fdx.com/) W4FDX set-up and ran a fantastic JOTA event in Tampa Bay Florida this weekend. N2MFT invited all area scouts to attend and when we heard about the event we made plans to attend. My son Reid, KI4MLR, who is a member of Troop 61 of Valrico FL and also a Den Chief with Pack 61 invited both groups to attend the Jamboree. My daughter Ella, 3RD Party Traffic, and my wife Janet KCKD also came along and enjoyed the morning.

The MFLDXA braved a severe downpour in the early AM to erect several antennas including a tri-bander beam, NVIS 40/80, 70cm/2m vertical, and even had a portable satellite station up and running by 0900. Multiple DXpeditions to local islands and other radio events have paid off and they were working together like a well trained communications unit (just a little older Hi, Hi).

MFLDXA offered coffee and donuts to arriving scouts and leaders along with the motivational attitude about reaching young scouts to promote the Ham Radio way of life (hobby). Many members were active in scouting as youth and adults, and most were retired military, continuing to serve their community this morning by teaching scouts.

While I was there, members of Troop 61 and Pack's 61 and 690 showed up and made their first radio contacts under N2FDX's supervision. The members took the time to show them different the antennas, radios, and kept their attention with periods of operating time and of course there was a plie-up at the donut station! The scouts were able to contact stations in NJ, CO, NY, and TX.

I would like to say thank you to the MFDXA for taking the time to annually put this event on and reach out to thousands of area boy and girl scouts, ensuring they do their part to keep Amateur Radio a part of Scouting and promote the hobby to youth.

73, Reidar -- K2PT