We will activate K2BA/5 from the National Scouting Museum in Irving, TX this coming weekend for another Radio Merit Badge class. We will be doing HF and local V/U contacts but my intent is to wrap the day with an SO-50 pass at about 2050 my AOS. Please call K2BSA/5 and give a shout out to the Scouts present.
I really am a strong believer in how the satellite component has spiced up the merit badge classes we have been holding for several years now. When they get it that you are pointing a small antenna toward a moving satellite in the sky and people from all over are coming back to them, their faces light up and it makes a strong impression. My recommendation is that every satellite op should get in contact with a group doing Radio Badges or just a Scout group in general and see if you can integrate the satellite aspect of the hobby into whatever presentation/demonstration going on. You have heard me before getting the Scouts to shout out the call and Grid square. It is a lot of fun.
Jamboree on the Air is coming up the weekend of October 20th and so you should be able to find a local group who is working it. Latch on to them and let's make the Sats come alive with Scout to Scout contacts. It may end up being the high point for many of the Scouts involved.
73 Tom Schuessler N5HYP