Articles written by: Katie Campbell, KE8LQR

Katie Campbell, KE8LQR, earned her Amateur Extra license at the age of 11. Among other activities, she teaches youth Morse code through the Long Island CW Club; helps out with her school’s amateur radio club, K8LPS; is a member of YACHT (Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team); was a featured presenter at Contest University 2024; and is on the planning committee and PR team for the YOTA group.

group of ham operators at a hamfest
HAM Radio 101

How to Make Friends with Other Young Hams

Making friends as a young amateur radio operator can prove to be challenging, both in and out of the hobby. Having an amateur radio license isn’t exactly conducive to popularity […]

group photo of ham radio contest team
Ham Culture & Entertainment

Ham Radio Youth Insights: Bridging the Gap Between Generations of Operators

It’s no secret that the majority of amateur radio operators fall into one demographic category. This fact prompts questions that fill the forum halls of hamfests and often get asked […]

ham radio microphone
Ham Culture & Entertainment

Tips for Young Hams on Making Your First Amateur Radio Contact

“You’ve just earned your Technician license! Now what?” It’s one of the most frequently asked questions in the amateur radio world. Fortunately, there are myriad answers to this question, from […]

Homemade ham radio antennas on a table
Ham Culture & Entertainment

Ham Radio Youth Insights: Club Meetings Are Well Worth the Time; How to Make the Most of Them

There’s a wealth of information to be gained from the wisdom and experience of operators who attend. *** At first glance, a local amateur radio club meeting may not seem […]

dx engineering dipole antenna kit
HAM Radio 101

Youth Ham Radio Insights: Getting Started on a Budget

Amateur radio isn’t the easiest hobby for young people to pursue for a multitude of reasons, including the support needed to get one’s footing in the hobby. One of the […]

woman giving a presentation with Slide deck
Events

How to Make the Most of a Trip to Orlando HamCation as a Young Ham

The 2026 event is coming soon! Make plans today. *** The second largest amateur radio convention in the United States, the Orlando HamCation, is coming up in just a few […]

ham radio operator assisting during a marathon race
Ham Culture & Entertainment

Youth Ham Radio Insights: Volunteer Opportunities for Young Operators

The question of how we should refer to amateur radio is an eternal debate. Is it a hobby? A lifestyle, perhaps? A community? A public service? Really, the best answer […]

Collage of young ham radio operator pictures
HAM Radio 101

Youth Ham Radio Insights: How Young Operators Can Get Involved in Contesting Season

The most wonderful time of the year for many hams is right around the corner—Contesting Season! It’s a great time for young operators who may be interested in trying out […]

arrl school roundup certificate
Events

Get on the Air to Support Young Amateur Radio Operators in the Biannual ARRL School Club Roundup This October (& February Too!)

A big event for young amateur radio operators is coming up in a few weeks: the bi-yearly ARRL School Club Roundup (SCR). Every February and October, this weeklong operating event […]

group of ham operators at a hamfest
Events

Youth Ham Radio Insights: The 2025 Huntsville Hamfest Offers Something for All Ages

One of the end-of-summer highlights for my family is the Huntsville Hamfest. Held every August in Huntsville, Alabama, it is one of the best of the larger hamfests for families […]