Bear Lake Emergency Amateur Radio Service (AG7BL): Strong Public Service Focus in Montpelier, Idaho (Consider Location)

The ARRL search also revealed the Bear Lake Emergency Amateur Radio Service (AG7BL) as a potential option. Their focus on public service and emergency communications aligns well with your interests, but their location might be a factor to consider.

Public Service Focus and Diverse Activities

Founded in 2005, the Bear Lake Emergency Amateur Radio Service boasts a membership of around 20. Their primary focus seems to be on public service and emergency communications, a rewarding way to use your ham radio skills:

• Public Service/Emergency: This is their core focus.
• General Interest: They seem to welcome hams with various interests.
• Repeaters: They manage repeaters, facilitating communication for members in the area.
• VHF/UHF: They likely use VHF/UHF for communication, but details are unclear.

Learning and Support

• License Classes: They offer entry-level license classes, helpful for those seeking to get their ham radio license.
• License Test Sessions: The information doesn't explicitly mention license test sessions, but it's worth inquiring about.
• Mentorship: With a smaller membership, personalized mentorship might be readily available.

Regular Meetings

• Meeting Time and Location: Meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM at the Montpelier Fire Station.  

Contact Information

• Contact: Reach out to John D. Lusk KG7ANX, the contact person, using the provided phone numbers (daytime and evening: (801) 547-1391) or email (john.lusk@me.com) for any questions you might have.

Making a Choice

The Bear Lake Emergency Amateur Radio Service might be a great fit if:

• Location: You're in Montpelier, Idaho and the meeting schedule works for you.
• Focus: You're particularly interested in public service and emergency communications.
• Experience Level: You're comfortable with a smaller club and a strong focus on public service.

Recommendation

Given the public service focus, established presence, and learning opportunities, the Bear Lake Emergency Amateur Radio Service seems like a good option, especially if public service is your primary interest. However, their location in Montpelier might be a deciding factor depending on how far you're willing to travel.

Here's how to proceed:

• Consider Location: If the distance to Montpelier is manageable, reach out to John Lusk using the provided contact information to learn more about their specific activities, public service involvement, and confirm details about license test sessions (if offered).
• Compare Options: Weigh the Bear Lake Emergency Amateur Radio Service against the American Legion Post 113 Amateur Radio Club (N7LGN) and Snake River Amateur Radio Club (K7SI) based on location, meeting schedules, activity focus, and club atmosphere.

Ultimately, by considering these factors and contacting the clubs that interest you most, you can make an informed decision about the best fit for your needs.