WHO: Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Club (BRARC)
DATE: Saturday, October 18, 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Jackson Park – BRARC Ham Shack
ADMISSION: Free & Family-Friendly

Event Overview

Join us for a hands-on day of RADIO, LEARNING, and FUN as the Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Club (BRARC) hosts a special Youth on the Air / Scouting Jamboree on the Air (YOTA/JOTA) event and OPEN HOUSE at the BRARC Ham Shack in Jackson Park!

This exciting open house gives visitors a chance to tour the club’s radio shack, see real amateur radio stations in action, and connect with the world — no internet required!

Purpose and Goals

This event brings together a full day of hands-on radio fun and learning for youth and families. The Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Club’s station and members will be on-site, hosting activities and welcoming everyone for an open house at the club’s radio shack. The event also coincides with the International Scouting Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), where Scouts from around the world get on the air to connect with one another. BRARC will be actively engaging Scouts on the air and hosting any local Scouts who wish to stop by and participate.

This open house is open to everyone — bring your kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces, nephews, or anyone you’d like to introduce to amateur radio. Come out and experience the fellowship, discovery, and fun that ham radio provides!

Our goals are to:
• Engage youth and families in amateur radio
• Promote curiosity and learning through hands-on experiences
• Welcome the community into our local club and facilities
• Foster collaboration between Scouts, families, and local hams
• Inspire the next generation of communicators and explorers

Activities and Demos

Explore radio in action with live, interactive stations and challenges!

• HF Station – Make real contacts across the globe
• VHF/UHF Demos – Connect with other JOTA stations via repeaters
• APRS & SSTV Demos – See how digital data and images travel by radio
• Learn about Parks on the Air (POTA) and how you can enjoy
the great outdoors with radio!
• EmComm & Preparedness Displays – Learn how radio helps
during emergencies

PLUS: Every youth participant receives a special certificate!

Schedule Overview

9:00 AM Setup & Shack Prep
10:00 AM Welcome & Open House Begins
10:15 AM Demos Begin
12:30 PM BYO Lunch & Fellowship
2:00 PM Wrap-Up
2:30 PM Secure

(Schedule subject to minor updates — check back for the latest details.)

Get Involved!

We welcome visitors, Scouts, families, and anyone curious about radio!
Volunteers and mentors are also welcome for demos and activities.

Whether you’re an experienced ham or brand new to radio,
your participation helps make this event a success.

CONTACT for more INFO:
• James Reed (KK4JFO) – See QRZ
• Jay Martin (N2NVY) – jay@n2nvy.com