Virtual Radio Merit Badge

What: The Radio Merit Badge introduces Scouts to the science and technology of operating a radio, as well as the practical uses for radio even in today’s world where the internet allows us to talk to people all over the world and do amazing things. In fact, in an age of Bluetooth, cellphones, satellite TV, WiFi, and wireless Internet of Things, much of our lives now depend on radio in some form. 

Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is the largest Scouting event in the world. It is held annually the third full weekend in October. And K2BSA is a feature of every National Jamboree, and, most recently, World Jamboree.  Amateur or “ham” radio has been a part of Scouting since 1918 with the inauguration of the Wireless merit badge. Scouting and amateur radio have a long history together.Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

 Meet your Counselor 

 Matthew Hackman has been interested in radio since he was you, as his father had a shortwave radio in our basement that we used to listen to.  He was able to listen in to radio transmissions from England, France, Germany, Russia, and Cuba (all during the Cold War). At 12 he built his first short wave radio from a Kit and in 10^th grade he took a course and earned his novice amateur radio license. 

In 1999, Matt became a Scoutmaster with Troop 1284 Warwick RI, and took Wood Badge (he is an Antelope).  As part of completing his Woodbadge tickets Matt took the Amateur Extra exam and passed! His very first radio contact was to McMurdo Station in Antarctica. 

When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, there was no telephone (landline or cell) communications in much of Louisiana and Mississippi, and the Red Cross couldn’t open shelters without some way to communicate.  So they asked the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) to provide amateur radio operators, and Matt signed on to go to Montgomery, AL with his radio and camping gear to help to Mississippi.  After Katrina, Matt joined the Red Cross, but communications systems were less vulnerable and radio operators seemed less needed, however in 2017, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and wiped out all island-wide communications.  Once again, Red Cross asked ARRL for radio operators, and Matt traveled to Guayama, on the south cost, near where Maria had made landfall.

So, in addition to enjoying amateur radio as a hobby, Matt has used his skills to live up to the Scout Motto. 

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members.

HOW:  The Radio Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 12 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other Scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. 

Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over 3 sessions:

April 21, 2020 500PM-6:00PM

April 25, 2020 4:00PM-5:00PM

April 28, 2020 500PM-6:00PM

Scouts must attend all 3 sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, Scouts will receive a link and login information via email the day the class is scheduled. Scouts will also receive instructor details that can be used to connect to the counselor on Scoutbook. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded. 

PREREQUISITES:  There are no prerequisites for this class.