Adolescents as Equals Among Men

I just finished an interview with a future podcast guest and was on the phone with my long time ham radio buddy, Wayne, N6KR.  We were friends, teenagers, and members of the El Cajon Amateur Radio Club, over 40 years ago. It occured to me that one of the most important aspects of amateur radio that was experienced by all of us who entered the hobby as kids, was that the ham radio license made us kids equal to the adult hams in our ham club, and with our Elmers.  I asked Wayne about this, and he agreed.  The license demonstrated a level of knowledge and commitment to exploring and learning the art of radio. This had an amazing effect on our ability to communicate as young people with folks of all ages, and it focused us on a path out of adolescence and into adulthood.  Wayne reminded me of our (mostly his) teenage exploits, but we were still focused on ham radio.  This provided us with tools, skills, and expertise that we carry with us throughout of our lives. Wayne went on to build the Elecraft company, where he designs some of the most popular ham rigs in the market today.  Listen to this theme that keeps recurring in all of the ham radio stories that we hear. It was a life changer. 

What can we do to get more kids into the hobby where it can serve as a foundation for their lives? 

73, 
Eric 4Z1UG