A Day of Fun and Learning at the 4H Science Bonanza!
What a whirlwind of excitement we had at the recent 4H Science Bonanza at the University of New Hampshire! The Granite State Amateur Radio Association was thrilled to be a part of this fantastic event, where science, exploration, and creativity came together in one vibrant space.
The day kicked off with a delicious treat—Kim’s Empanadas! We shared these tasty morsels with Megan and her crew, fueling us for the fun ahead. Right next to us was an Advanced class license holder running an intriguing astrology demo. I, John WB1DMI, couldn’t resist the chance to sit down and join in on some Continuous Wave (CW) fun! The blend of radio waves and starry skies made for a memorable pairing.
Tim (KC1QDK) sits down with a few youth to teach them how to learn their own names in Morse Code (CW)
As soon as the doors opened, a line formed at our table. Parents and children alike were eager to dive into the world of ham radio and Morse Code. Ralph (KC1TLY) and Brian (KC1SVS) set up their handheld radios like pros. Thanks to the Fort Mountain Repeater, we had a fantastic team on the other end, ready to help young enthusiasts make their very first radio contacts. It was heartwarming to see their eyes light up as they spoke into the mic for the first time!
Throughout the day, the hall was filled with the sounds of excitement—kids dashed around wearing their Morse code name tags, ditting and dahing each other's names with glee. The joy of learning was palpable as they playfully challenged one another to decode messages.
As the event unfolded, we received so many kind words from the 4H crew and parents who stopped by to thank us for our presentations. It was a blast to share our passion for ham radio and see the spark of interest it ignited in the next generation. We’re already on the list for next year’s event, and we can’t wait to bring even more fun and learning to the table!
As we wrapped up the day and began cleaning up, we were delighted to see older teens who had been helping tidy the hall also trying their hand at learning their names in Morse code. Talk about passing the torch! The spirit of curiosity and learning was alive and well.
Let’s not forget the colorful rocks the kids painted and left behind at the University! Each was a little piece of art, a reminder of the creativity and joy that filled the day.
Overall, the 4H Science Bonanza was a fantastic experience for the Granite State Amateur Radio Association. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many eager minds and share our love for radio. Here’s to next year’s event—may it be even bigger and better! Until then, keep ditting and dahing! 📡✨
