Amateur Radio and Scouting
Amateur radio relates to the Scouting mission in multiple dimensions from Cubs through Scouting, directly with the Radio Merit Badge, and indirectly through meeting requirements for other merit badges. While an amateur radio license is not required to meet these requirements, the obvious extension of radio interest is obtaining a license and getting on the air. Every October, the official Jamboree on the Air program gives Scouts with a license an opportunity to meet other radio operators on the air.
The study of communication modes has been a focus of the Scouting movement since it arrived in the United States in 1910.
The Signaling Merit Badge was among the first set of merit badges available to Scouts and was first offered in 1911. It was discontinued in 1992 since more modern modes of communication had displaced Signaling in the early 1900s.
The Wireless Merit Badge was developed in 1918 and evolved into the Radio Merit Badge. The Morse Code Interpreter Strip offers additional special recognition.
Service
Service to others is endemic to all aspects of the Scouting mission. Likewise amateur radio operators freely offer their communication services in support of community activities and in times of emergency.
ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) and RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) are amateur radio organizations that work with federal, state, and local emergency managers to provide communications in times of emergency.
SKYWARN is another amateur radio organization that focuses on helping the National Weather Service by providing weather reports filling in weather information from the ground that Doppler radar can’t detect.
Amateur radio operators also provide communication for numerous local events such as parades, races, and walks often managed by charitable organizations.
Scouts with a radio license will likely be involved in one or more of these activities.
Beyond the Radio Merit Badge
Amateur Radio directly relates to the Radio Merit Badge. The BSA National Radio Scouting Committee has elaborated on how radio activities fit into other Scout requirements. There are relationships to Tiger, Wolf, Webelos (Engineer elective), and Arrow of Light in Cub Scouting.
Radio experience and study also directly correspond to requirements in the following merit badges:
- Aviation
- Digital Technology
- Electricity
- Electronics
- Emergency Preparedness
- Energy
- Engineering
- Geocaching
- Radio (obviously)
- Robotics
- Search and Rescue
- Signs
- Signals and Codes
- Space Exploration
- Weather
Recognition for Adult Scouters
The ARRL Amateur Radio Service to Scouting Award was officially recognized by the Boy Scouts of America in 2014. The award recognizes actively involved Scouting leaders who make a significant contribution to providing Scouts with a memorable and valuable Amateur Radio experience. Awardees may wear the Community Organization Award square knot on their uniform, in recognition of their service within their community organization.