The ARRL search revealed the Boise County ARES Group (KI7KDB) as another potential option. Their focus on public service and diverse activities make them intriguing, but their meeting schedule and lack of website might require further investigation.
Public Service at the Forefront
Founded in 2017, the Boise County ARES Group boasts a membership of around 21. Their focus seems to be on public service and emergency communications (ARES stands for Amateur Radio Emergency Service). This can be a rewarding way to use your skills to help your community during critical situations.
Diverse Activities and Learning Opportunities (to be confirmed)
While details are scarce, the ARRL information suggests they might cater to a range of interests:
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Digital Modes: They might be open to exploring digital communication modes.
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DX: They might have an interest in DXing (long-distance communication).
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General Interest: They seem to welcome hams with various interests.
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Repeaters: They manage repeaters, facilitating communication for members in the area.
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VHF/UHF: They seem to have a focus on VHF/UHF communication with their repeaters.
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School or Youth Group: This is interesting and suggests they might be involved in getting younger generations interested in ham radio.
Limited Information and Meeting Schedule
- Meeting Time and Location: Meetings are held quarterly on a Saturday in the third month at 1 PM at the Boise County Sheriff Office. This schedule might not be ideal for everyone.
- Contact: Reach out to Robert Blout KA7ERV, the president and contact person, using the provided phone numbers (daytime: (208) 392-4779, evening: (208) 869-0415) or email (ki7kdb@gmail.com) for any questions you might have. The lack of a website makes it harder to learn more about their activities.
Making a Choice
The Boise County ARES Group might be a great fit if:
- Location: You're in Boise County, Idaho and the quarterly meeting schedule works for you.
- Focus: You're particularly interested in public service and emergency communications.
- Experience Level: You're comfortable with a smaller group and a focus on public service.
Recommendation
Given the focus on public service, diverse activities (to be confirmed), and established presence, the Boise County ARES Group seems like a viable option, especially if you're drawn to public service. However, the lack of a website and infrequent meetings are limitations to consider.
Here's how to proceed:
- Contact the Club: Reach out to Robert Blout using the provided contact information to confirm their activities, meeting details (frequency, if there are additional meetings), and if they have any online presence (e.g., Facebook group).
- Consider Other Options: Explore the Boundary Amateur Radio Club (W7BFI), Idaho Mountain Amateur Radio Society (KX7ID), and the Kootenai Amateur Radio Society (K7ID) to compare meeting schedules, activities, and size.
Ultimately, by contacting both clubs and considering your preferences, you can make an informed decision about which club best suits your needs.
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