8 Ideas for Promoting the Amateur Radio Hobby to Youngsters

In a world of cell phones, iPods and MP3 players, amateur radio may seem a little archaic to young people. That said, highlighting ham radios personal, peer to peer, and community benefits can go a long way toward dispelling that attitude.

Nieces & Nephew in my ham shack

While amateur radio technology has evolved over the years (radios have become smaller and new modes have appeared) it’s the old time person to person interaction, and the camaraderie among peers which gives the Amateur radio hobby distinct personal value.


We must capitalize on these characteristics to attract young people. That said, I believe that promoting strictly from a technological perspective is doing the hobby a disservice.


To the point, At public venues like Field Days, the equipment isn’t the only thing the public (young people included) sees. The public (potential hams) also observes interaction between hams. Are the hams excited about their hobby? How do hams interact with each other and the public?


These questions and many others are answered by simple observation. What kinds of answers does your group give?


Keeping the above points in mind, here are some specific ideas for promoting Amateur Radio to young people.


1. Have ARES or Sky Warn / Storm spotter presentations in area schools.


2. During field day, choose a location where young people gather. For example, set up in a park, or near a beach.

3. Many public safety officials are hams. Maybe during public events like field day, the public safety people could be in uniform.


4. Clubs could produce public service announcements (PSA) highlighting activities of current young hams.


5. Community service award(s) could be created and given to deserving young hams. These could be publicized in the newspaper, radio or TV.


6. Create a “Young Amateur” (Y.A.) ARES service badge, to be earned by well deserving licensed youngsters. These might entice their peers to get involved in the hobby. Maybe certain privileges could be paired with the badge, like discounted movie tickets, or discounted skate rentals.


7. Girl/Boy Scouts: They can earn an Amateur Radio Merit Badge. Scouts also have what’s known as “Jamboree on the Air” where licensed scouts and scout leaders let their non-licensed friends get on the air with their counterparts from around the country and the world.

8. Holiday Events can be used to interest youngsters. Show visiting relative's kids around your ham station. This past Christmas Eve, my Nieces and Nephew got to speak with Santa as he flew over Germany!

The ideas I’ve written here are designed to put Amateur Radio on the radar of youth’s who might otherwise have no contact with the hobby what so ever.

Sparking an interest in the hobby is only part of the formula of inducting young people into the hobby, so be prepared and stay on your toes. The Amateur Radio hobby itself is on display through you and your peers. By Observing you, they are forming an opinion that will either promote or discredit the hobby.