YOUTH INVOLVEMENT A CORE PART OF SOUTH GEORGIA DXPEDITION

The planned DXpedition for South Georgia Island in March of 2027 isn't just about activating one of the rarest and more challenging sites for portable amateur radio. A central focus for the team will be its role in mentoring the young radio amateurs who will be accompanying the more experienced operators to the sub-Antarctic island. The team, using the callsign VPØSG, is giving these youngsters top priority.

Project team leader Rune, LA7THA, told Newsline in an email that one or two licensed young operators are expected to be part of the operations on the island. He said: [quote] "They will be involved in every phase of the expedition - from setup and daily operations to teardown - working alongside veteran DXpeditioners in challenging real-world conditions." [endquote] He said the team is working closely with NCDXF on this initiative, which is in sync with so many amateur radio youth engagement activities around the world.

Meanwhile, there is much work to be done regarding this environmentally sensitive DX entity with its mountainous landscape and volatile weather patterns. The shore camp will have five operating positions but details still remain unclear on any additional stations that are capable of being operated remotely. Rune said that final team composition and operating plans also need to be fine-tuned.

The DXpedition fulfills the mission of the Norway-based Amateur Radio DXpeditions, which devotes itself to giving hams around the world a chance to contact remote parts of the globe.