For our January club meeting, Al Eckman, WW8WW, presented a program on Youth in Amateur Radio. Jim is the youth advisor for ARGYL (Amateur Radio Group for Youth in Lowell). ARGYL is based at the Lowell High School and is open to youth from the school, charter schools, private schools, and home schools in the Lowell area. The club call sign is K8LHS.

One method Al has used for attracting new members is to make announcements during the lunch time. Using the PA system, he talks briefly (6 or 7 minutes) about amateur radio then invites anyone interested to sign up. All takes that list and sends each of them more information about information along with an invitation to attend a licensing class.

The licensing class and book are provided at no cost to the student. Upon completion of the class, the testing fee is paid by the club if the student passes the exam. Once the license is earned the club provides $50 towards the purchase of a radio. If a student is unable to pay the additional money for a radio, then a fundraiser is held to raise the money, with that student assisting to earn the money.

Much equipment has been donated by individuals for use by the club. Items that are not used by the club are sold to raise money for the club. HF equipment that is donated is available for loan to students who upgrade to General. This allows them to set up a station at home and make use of their new privileges.

ARGYL has their own repeater with echolink. This has allowed them to converse with groups in the UK and other places. The students run a regular net on the repeater, although time is reserved for comments by the youth advisor. The net runs about 20-25 minutes.

All the activities the youth take part in, they take care of themselves, although adults and adult groups are available to help when needed.

Friday Night Home Football Games

• ARGYL members work as volunteers before and during the game, and the school pays for the service.
• Additional money may be earned by doing the trash pickup and cleanup after the football game.

ARGYL Hamfest

• As a school club, the building may be used at no cost. The only charge is a small fee for janitorial services after the swap.
• Money is invested for door prizes.

Snack Sales

• Candy and soda is sold by club members at the end of the school day. This doesn’t raise a large amount of money, but does make a profit.

Lowell Expo (similar to Muskegon’s Mayfest at MCC)

• Students earn money by helping with the setup and breakdown of tables and chairs for the event.

50/50 Raffles

• As a school function, the license for holding a raffle is low-cost.

Special Projects

• Because of their reputation for helping with events, the school will often come to ARGYL with special projects that can earn money for the club.

Country Music Concert

• This did not work out well, had a low turnout, and the club lost about $100. However, they were glad they tried it and gained knowledge from the experience.

Battle of the Bands

• This is something new they would like to try in 2006.

Keeping them interested – activities are planned for varying days and dates throughout the year so that all members are able to participate in some of the events.

• Field Day
• Dayton Hamvention – 3 ARGYL members spoke at Dayton in 2005. Two members are scheduled for 2006. The club was able to use a school bus to take 21 students to the Hamvention.
• ARES – Junior RACES for those age 16 and over.
• Skywarn
• Foxhunts
• Day at Michigan Adventure
• Trip to the USS Silversides
• Beaver Island – 6 day outing with 8 or 9 students and a rented house.
• Activated a station at Ford Museum in cooperation with the Michigan DX association
• Other non-ham related activities
  • Sledding/snowboarding
  • Laser Tag
  • Computer gaming party
  • Hot Air Balloon rides
• Things to Try
  • Encourage students to upgrade soon after earning Technician license.
  • Encourage ARRL efforts to develop a new introductory level license with HF privileges.