Radio Scouting

 

Our Council Radio Scouting Committee is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as an amateur radio club station. We have been operating with call sign W2SSR since October 16, 2015.   

The Radio Scouting Committee was formed to enable Scouts in the Council to experience the fun of radio technology through amateur radio activities and events. The events we support include: 

Jamboree-On-The-Air (JOTA). This is the largest Scouting event in the world.  It is organized by the World Organization of the Scouting Movement (WOSM) and supported by the BSA. It happens every year on the 3rd weekend in October

Special Events. We bring a radio equipment to camporees, University of Scouting, and other activities.  We can set-up a demonstration radio, foxhunt (find a hidden transmitter with a direction-finding antenna), and bring informational displays. If you’d like us to come to your camporee, troop activity, or other special event contact us through our staff advisor, Bob Blatz. 

Advancement & Recognition The BSA offers several opportunities for Scouts to learn about amateur radio and to be recognized for developing radio-related skills:

Arrow of Light, Building A Better World Adventure, requirement 10d | Link 

Radio Merit Badge | Link  

Amateur Radio Operator Rating Strip | Link

Morse Code Interpreter Strip | Link

K2BSA Amateur Radio Association is the club that supports Radio Scouting at the national level.  Working in partnership with the BSA, K2BSA ARA works to promote amateur radio activities around the country, including JOTA, Scout Camps On-The-Air, radio operations at National Scout Jamborees, and support for council radio scouting programs.  Membership is open to any interested Scouter. For more information go to www.k2bsa.net. 

Radio Association of Western New York (RAWNY) is a local amateur radio club that works closely with the Council Radio Scouting Committee to provide opportunities for Scouts to experience the fun of using amateur radio equipment. The 2nd oldest amateur radio club in the US, they operate during the summer aboard the USS Little Rock at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. They are on the web at www.W2PE.org.