Re: [Philmont]: Ditch your Phone!

Brad Jones wrote:

> Here's a great option: Teach your scouts Radio merit badge, and
> have them sit the amateur radio exam. You're much more likely to
> successfully work a radio contact in the backcountry (not just at
> Philmont) and surprise, surprise - your scouts will learn something
> about different communications methods.
>
>
Amen Brad!

I've resisted commenting on this because I know it is a hot button and
this IS a scouting list. Many prefer the wilderness experience of
Philmont and other places without the electronic gadgets, and I respect
that point of view.

That being said, I ALWAYS carry low power, lightweight, small HF (and
sometimes VHF/UHF) amateur radio equipment on the trail. When the
opportunity presents, I slip off to the side, away from others so I'm
out of the way, set up my station (or shack, as we call them) and
operate using headphones so as not to disturb others. I've "talked" to
people all over the country using CW (morse code) from Philmont and a
variety of other places. There is ALWAY at least one scout and usually
one adult that is interested in what I'm doing, who I'm talking to, what
we are saying to each other, etc. Some have even gone on after the
experience to earn the Radio merit badge, some have even become licensed
radio amateurs and gained a lifelong hobby, perhaps even a career in the
process.

Useful in an emergency? Perhaps, if the person at the other end of the
radio contact is willing to make a long distance phone call. For the
most part, for me, and for at least some of my scouts, it's part of the
backcountry adventure AND an opportunity to teach them something different.

PS: I do carry a small cellphone, but I would not rely on it for
communication in an emergency, their range is just too limited.

Just my .02 worth.

Yours in the Spirit of Scouting,
Mike Heitmann, Amateur Radio Operator N0SO
Backpacking and Radio Merit Badge Counselor
Scoutmaster Assistant, Troop 975
St. Charles, Missouri

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Received on Thu May 1 07:14:52 2003