Hams: Contact Cub Scout Packs Now!
Ham Radio and Scouting have a long and successful partnership going back more than a century. Thanks to changes in the Cub Scout program, it is even easier to introduce the hobby to a new generation.
Arrow of Light Award
A boy in the fourth or fifth grade is a Webelos Scout. Once a boy makes rank, he may work on the Arrow of Light, which is the highest achievement in Cub Scouting.
New requirements for Arrow of Light went into effect in 2015. One of the core requirements is an “adventure” called Building a Better World. Besides meeting with community leaders and learning rights of citizenship; there is this:
Under the supervision of your parent, guardian, or den leader, connect with a Scout in another country during an event such as Jamboree on the Air…
That’s right. Cub Scouts have an advancement opportunity that includes Ham Radio.
What is Jamboree on the Air?
Jamboree on the Air, or JOTA, is the largest Scouting evening in the world. One million Scouts take part from all over the world. Think Field Day for Scouts.
Clubs and individual operators put together opportunities for Scout units in parks or homes.
JOTA takes place on the third weekend in October.
Contact Your Cub Scout Pack Now!
Hams should reach out to Cub Scout Packs now and tell them about JOTA in October.
Most Cub Scout Packs take the summer off, except for a one-week Summer Camp. Leaders need a break. Kids go on family vacations. You know, life.
You want to be part of the planning process for the next program year.
That is why you must contact Cubmasters now.
If a Pack decides to go camping that weekend, you have lost the opportunity to introduce the hobby to those kids.
What to Tell the Cubmaster
When you contact the Pack, tell the leader this is an Arrow of Light advancement opportunity. That will get their attention.
Tell them your JOTA event is Plug ‘N Play. Show up, play with computers, talk with people across the world, have fun, and check off an advancement box.
Trust me, Cub Scout leaders who don’t have to plan an event will bring every kid in the Pack to you.
How to Find Cub Scout Packs in Your Area
Cub Scouts have a tool on their website for locating units by ZIP code.
The purpose of the tool is to connect interest parents with Pack leaders. You can use it to contact those same leaders. The system will email the Pack’s point of contact, usually the Cubmaster or Webelos Den Leader.
What We’ve Learned
Here in Rainbow Council, we have a club station and a great group of volunteers.
Related: 2016 Jamboree on the Air Report
We set up a station a la Field Day and operate both phone and digital stations. We offer a Fox Hunt for anyone who wants to try direction finding.
We’ve discovered over the years that younger kids like phone and older kids like digital. We make certain our station has both.
It is important to have someone who can explain what is going on at each station. A control operator can’t answer a million questions while focusing on a Scout’s QSO. Have someone available who can explain the hobby to mom and dad.
We also have District Commissioners available so Pack leaders can discuss Scout matters. Trust me, it’s a nice touch.
Science-Related Hobbies Have an Impact on Kids
The National Science Board says that jobs for scientists and engineers increase at a rate of 5-7% per year. Unfortunately, the number of students choosing science and engineering majors has declined.
Academic research suggests that having a science-related hobby has a positive influence. Students have more favorable attitudes towards math and science as a result.
Ham Radio is a textbook example of a science-related hobby.
Make the Call Now
Recruiting young people into Ham Radio is a theme as old as the hobby itself. The Cub Scouts have made it easy to promote science and engineering to fourth and fifth graders. It’s also a ready-made way to expose the hobby to the next generation.
The National Radio Scouting Committee has more information about JOTA and the Radio Scouting program on their website, K2BSA.net.
What are you waiting for? Make the call!
