The Belize Amateur Radio Club (BARC) successfully completed an ´Introduction to Amateur Radio´ for the Scout Association of Belize on Sunday February 26, 2017.

The demonstration, held at the Scouts National Training Grounds, near Burrell Boom, was divided into four parts: BARC´s Goals for Amateur Radio in Belize, Educational Video, Hands-On Demonstration of Radio Equipment and a Question and Answer Session.

Boys and girls of the Scouts Association from across Belize were participants in this first of its kind demonstration that represents a first step of cooperation between BARC and ScoutsBelize. This cooperation, both organizations agree, will provide beneficial results and acquired skills for everyone, especially the participating youth.

After the demonstration, members of BARC volunteered to provide radios and corresponding equipment for the Scouts of Belize to fully participate in the Annual Jamboree On the Air (JOTA) activities in October 2017. JOTA is the largest Scouting event in the world held once a year. It uses Amateur Radio to link Scouts and hams around the world. Leaders of the Scouts Association openly accepted this voluntary offer from BARC members.

Discussions at this first interactive demonstration also included establishing a permanent ham radio station for ScoutsBelize so that training can be held regularly on topics such as voice procedures, operating basics, simple theory and others.

At the end of the demonstration BARC President, Mr. Emil Rodriguez stated, ¨ As we move forward with our friendship and cooperation lets remember to use our radio skills wisely for the greater good of our nation, especially in times of emergencies such as hurricanes and flooding when we are needed most.¨

Also available in Español (Spanish).