# SOTA Youth Field Day

# SOTA Youth Field Day - Summit on the Air Activation

## Group Members:
- 9A3BYW
- ON6RF
- ET3AA
- EA6ALW
- ON3MKO

## Event Overview:
- **Name of the Event:** SOTA Youth Field Day
- **Number of Participants:** 6 people (2 experienced, 4 beginners)
- **Level of Experience:** Beginners who just got their licenses, with two experienced participants to guide them.
- **Duration:** 30 hours (2 days with overnight camping on the summit)
- **Location:** Easily accessible summit via cable car/public transport or a simple means of transportation.
  
## Space Needed:
- **Radio Tent (4x4m):** For radio operation, equipped with tables, chairs, and logging equipment.
- **Larger Tent:** For non-radio needs, such as sleeping, dining, and relaxation.

## Food:
- **Meals:** 3 meals a day:
  - Simple, easy-to-prepare or pre-cooked meals (e.g., pasta, rice-based meals).
  - Snacks and drinks for energy throughout the day.
- **Catering Equipment:** Portable stoves, pots, and utensils for meal preparation.

## Budget:
- **Estimated Costs:** €500 (requires detailed budgeting based on location and supply costs).
  - **Expenses Include:**
    - Food for the duration of the event.
    - Camping equipment (if not already available).
    - Transportation costs for equipment and participants.
  - **Funding Sources:** Local radio society, participant contributions, potential sponsorship.

## Materials and Equipment Needed:
- **Tents:** 
  - 1 tent for radio operations.
  - 1 tent for sleeping and other needs.
- **Power Supply:**
  - Batteries for the radio equipment.
  - Solar panels for battery recharging.
- **Radio Equipment:** 
  - HF radios, antennas, masts, cables, TRX (transceivers).
  - Antennas and other materials for satellite communication (if applicable).
  - Logging equipment: laptops, tablets, or paper logs.
- **Furniture:** Tables and chairs for the radio setup.
- **Camping Equipment:** Sleeping bags, camping beds.
- **Catering Equipment:** Cooking gear, portable stoves.
- **First Aid Kit:** Ensure the group is prepared for minor injuries or health issues.
- **HT Radios:** Participants should bring handheld radios, but extras should be provided if necessary.
- **Transportation:** A vehicle or van to carry equipment to the summit.

## Organizer's Preparations:
- **Pre-event:**
  - Announce the event and open registration for participants.
  - Grocery shopping for food and supplies.
  - Test all equipment before the event (batteries, radios, antennas).
  - Recharge batteries and prepare solar panels.
  - Ensure all necessary permits and authorizations for the location.
  - Monitor weather conditions, and prepare a contingency plan.
  - For satellite work, calculate satellite passes over the summit during the event.

## What Participants Need to Bring:
- **Personal Items:** 
  - Sleeping bag, clothing (including extra underwear), and hygiene products.
  - A backpack for personal items and water bottles.
  - Optional: small portable radios or handheld transceivers (HTs).
  
## Event Structure:

### **Pre-Event Preparation:**
- **Day Before the Event:** 
  - Go to the summit in advance to do a test run with one radio.
  - Ensure everything is working smoothly to guarantee a successful and enjoyable activation.

### **Day 1 (Morning - Arrival and Setup):**
1. **Early Morning:**
   - Meet at an agreed location.
   - Pack all supplies and equipment into a transport vehicle and head to the summit.
2. **Arrival at the Summit:**
   - Teach participants the basics of setting up a campsite:
     - Setting up the tents (radio tent and sleeping tent).
     - Ensuring proper positioning of the tents to protect from wind or adverse weather.
   - **Activity:** Team-building exercise to establish the camp quickly and efficiently.
   
### **Day 1 (Afternoon - Radio Setup and Activation):**
1. **Lunch Break:**
   - Enjoy a simple meal to refuel before starting the radio activities.
   
2. **Radio Station Setup:**
   - Show the participants how to set up the radio equipment:
     - Set up antennas and teach about orientation for optimal signal.
     - Connect radios, batteries, and logging equipment.
     - Basic tips for antenna placement and adjusting for various bands.
   - **Activity:** Each participant assists in different parts of the station setup.

3. **SOTA Activation (Afternoon - Early Evening):**
   - **Objective:** Help participants complete contacts on various bands and modes.
   - Start with **Search & Pounce (S&P)** mode, where participants listen for signals and make contact.
     - Beginners will start with easier contacts, gaining confidence in operating the station.
   - Once participants are comfortable, they can begin **Calling CQ** for SOTA activation.
     - Guide them through handling a pile-up, as it’s almost guaranteed on a summit.
   - **Backup Activities:** 
     - For those waiting to operate the HF station, provide other activities like:
       - **Hiking** or exploring the summit.
       - **Geocaching** if the area supports it.
       - **Animal watching** or **nature exploration**.
       - **Stargazing** after dark (depending on weather).
   - **Satellite Operations (Optional):** 
     - Teach participants how to work SOTA via satellite, explaining how to track satellite passes and make contacts.
   
4. **Dinner and Evening Activities:**
   - **Dinner:** Cook a simple meal together as a group.
   - After dinner, relax and socialize around the campsite.
   - **Night Activity:** Continue operating the HF station or satellite, giving participants the opportunity to make night-time contacts.

### **Day 2 (Morning - Pack Up and Departure):**
1. **Morning Activity:**
   - Clean up and pack away all radio equipment and antennas.
   - Ensure all logging is completed and saved.
   - Review the basics of how the station was disassembled for future reference.
   
2. **Camp Pack-Up:**
   - Pack up tents, clean the site, and ensure no trash is left behind.
   - Make sure the camp area is left better than it was found.

3. **Departure from Summit:**
   - Travel back down the summit together, reflecting on the weekend’s achievements.

### **Learning Objectives:**
- Teach participants how to properly set up a ham radio station for SOTA activation.
- Provide hands-on experience with antenna setup, radio operation, and logging.
- Help beginners gain confidence in making contacts, including handling pile-ups and calling CQ.
- Encourage teamwork through shared camp setup and maintenance activities.
- Introduce satellite communications as an additional fun and educational activity.