Ham Camp, Sept. 20-21 at Fort Custer Recreation Area, explores amateur radio
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 08/21/2013 01:01 PM EDT
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 21, 2013
Contact: David Glenn, 269-731-4200 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
Ham Camp, Sept. 20-21 at Fort Custer Recreation Area, explores amateur radio
Fort Custer Recreation Area will sponsor its first-ever Ham Camp on Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21. This free event offers an opportunity to learn more about amateur radio – also known as ham radio – and how to get involved in this popular hobby.
Ham Camp at Fort Custer kicks off on Friday evening with “ham” talk around the campfire at 7 p.m. Participants can learn about amateur radio communications around Fort Custer Recreation Area and beyond and talk to hams (amateur radio operators) about the radios they use, what they think works best, and how it can add fun and an additional level of safety when camping. Attendees will also hear how affordable the equipment is and how easy and inexpensive it is to get an amateur radio operator's license from the Federal Communications Commission.
Saturday morning will start with coffee and donuts at the Camp Host site from 10-11 a.m. Local amateur radio enthusiasts will be on hand to answer questions and talk about how to get involved in ham radio. A series of workshops in the afternoon begin at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. Workshops are open to everyone, so visitors can attend just one or spend the whole afternoon. Topics include Equipment Demos, How to Get Started, Weather/SkyWarn Storm Spotters, Get on the Radio and Fox Hunt.
On Sunday morning, join all the ham gang for coffee and donuts and a review of the weekend.
"This is a new event for us, and I believe the whole park system. As a hobby, ham radio is a lot of fun, and as a tool in weather and other emergencies, it can be invaluable," said Park Ranger Dave Glenn. "We are really looking forward to introducing amateur radio to our visitors."
Event sponsor Jim Zoss added, "We want to make sure anyone who has an interest knows the next step for getting involved. For many people, ham radio is a lifelong hobby, and it can be an asset to every community in an emergency. Organizations like Radio Amateur Communications Emergency Service (RACES) and Battle Creek SkyWarn provide trained, experienced volunteers that can assist authorities in an emergency or weather event, and it's fun!"
To sign up for Ham Camp, contact Dave Glenn at 269-731-4200.
Fort Custer Recreation Area is located between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo at 5163 Fort Custer Drive in Augusta. For more information about Fort Custer Recreation Area go to www.michigan.gov/fortcuster. Don't forget to make your reservations for your campsite for the weekend of Sept. 20-21.
Ham Camp is free to attend; however, a Recreation Passport is required for all vehicles entering the park. Recreation Passports are available for purchase at the park.
The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.