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Cambridge Scouts connect to youth around the world through radio

The Cambridge Amateur Radio Club and 26th Cambridge Scout Troop participated in the annual Jamboree on the Air on Saturday at Churchill Park

Local cubs, beavers and scouts were able to communicate with other like-minded youth around the world on Saturday as part of the Cambridge Amateur Radio Club Jamboree on the Air at Churchill Park.

Through modes such as slow scan TV, DMR, D-Star, UHF Radios and local 2m radios, participants could contact peers up to 4,000 kilometre away.

Mike Lantz, a contact pack scouter for the 26th Cambridge Scouts, was on-hand to help the group utilize the communication tools.

“The Cambridge Amateur Radio Club allows the kids to operate the radios to talk to other kids,” Lantz said.

“We could reach Europe and the United States. There’s also a Jamboree on the Internet that we run on laptops via online chat.”

The jamboree is an annual event and it’s the second year that the local club is participating. The cubs and beavers took part in the morning, with the troop scouts coming in the afternoon.

Knowing about ham radio, also known as amateur radio, Lantz has wanted to bring it to the community and share it with the local scout group.

“I knew of ham radio and I’ve been in the scouts with this group for five or six years,” he said.

“I finally just said, ‘lets do it’.”

More than just a fun exercise, Lantz hopes the kids take the opportunity to learn about the various technologies available to them. He points out that they never know when the skill may come in handy.

“I want them to know that this is out there,” he said.

“This could line up with a job opportunity. If you’re an environmental scientist, let's say, having your ham license will allow you to work a remote station via ham radio. It’s one more thing to add to your resume.”

Being able to see the kids experience something new and unique made the whole day worth it for Lantz and the other organizers.

“Just seeing the kids being able to reach out and talk to other kids around the world is my favourite part,” he said.

“It’s something they don't normally get to do.”