K2BSA serves as a vital bridge between Boy Scouts of America and amateur radio. These organizations all foster exciting opportunities to learn and expand horizons of youth and adults alike. They exemplify service to others. The Radio Merit Badge was my youngest son's favorite. That led him and myself to get our Amateur Radio License and we're continuing to learn and want to pursue how we can use this hobby to help the community in case of emergencies and other needs.
As an Amateur Radio Operator, ARRL Volunteer Official, and lifetime Scouter, I have witnessed the tremendous number of young people that the K2BSA Amateur Radio Association has introduced to Amateur Radio. By it's support of the Radio Scouting program, it's fair to say that no other organization has done more to promote our hobby to youth.
The operation is totally volunteer run with no paid staff. It also has successfully worked with manufacturers to get them to donate or loan equipment and supplies to further these efforts. Donations are carefully tracked and monitored.
I have served as volunteer president and treasurer of this non-profit since June 2011. It has made great strides in reviewing mission/goals, setting up sound financial reporting procedures, and establishing strong communication to the amateur radio and Scouting communities. Donations have begun to arrive to support its primary function of communicating and supporting Radio Scouting in the USA. It's key annual event, Jamboree on the Air, held the third weekend of October, saw significantly improved participation in 2012. It's National Scout Jamboree operation is set for July 2013 with several major sponsors already signed up to provide equipment. You can't go wrong in supporting this organization with it's all volunteer staff allowing every dollar to have a direct impact on Radio Scouting.