Radio Merit

Boy Scout Troop 427 headed by Scout Master Branden Knuth is working on merit badges. Scouts Alex Robey, Jordyn Miller, Hank Hard, Justin Burks, Ben Thames, Trystan McFarlin, and Robert Goranson have attended weekly learning sessions taught by the Milton Amateur Radio Club aimed at achieving the Radio Merit Badge and conducted at regular troop meetings. The Radio Merit Badge Handbook was used and a total of eight written examinations were given. The scouts were required to turn in a grade of 100 percent on each.

A highlight of the course was the hands-on experience each scout received by visiting the radio station of Charles Meyer KQ4BD and Hugh Armstrong NT4Z on Saturday, July 25th. In addition to learning about amateur radio equipment, they each had the experience of operating the radios between the two stations and working with amateur radio operators around the country. The scouts were required to use standard radio procedures and know the relationship of each piece of equipment to the other. They were taught safety precautions and the danger of lighting in operating radios.

Merit badges will be presented to the group in a special ceremony at a Court of Honor on August 18. The scouting program is remembered fondly by most men and has contributed much to the good of American Society. Its merit badge program permits the young scout to gain a good understanding of adult life and prepares him to make better decisions about the future. Both Meyer and Armstrong agree that the Radio Club’s partnership with scouting in this way provides a great deal of “satisfaction.”

Currently the radio club is converting an ambulance to a communications vehicle and will have the capability to carry its hands-on activities to Scout Troops having scouts preparing to pursue the Radio Merit Badge. The vehicle will be used for emergency communications and in public service such as 5 and 10K races, bicycle races and charitable events where positive and complete communications are needed.

Troop 427 meets at Saint Rose of Lima Church each Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. The Milton Amateur Radio Club meets at the Milton Public Library on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m.