Here we go again! A year has flown by, and YOTA Summer Camp 2026 is finally here. After 10 wonderful years, the Austrian ÖVSV team is taking the reins once again. This year’s participants are heading to the Alps, to the beautiful town of Wagrain, where they’ll enjoy a week full of fun and amateur radio action from July 25 to August 1, 2026!
A total of 94 participants from 29 countries around the world have safely arrived in Austria after a long day of travel. As usual, day zero serves as a teaser of what’s to come. It’s always a mix of sleepy faces from long journeys, joyful reunions, and making first connections—and this year was no exception. Our social media feeds quickly filled up with travel photos, giving us a sneak peek at everyone on their way to camp.
The main event kicked off with the opening ceremony, where Michael OE1MCU (President of ÖVSV), Mario EA1JAY (Chair of the IARU Region 1 Youth Committee), and Florian OE3FTA welcomed all the participants and outlined the upcoming week. The Vice Mayor of Wagrain also took the stage to give everyone a warm local welcome.
Afterward, the Polish team ran the “YOTA Camp 2026 HAM Bingo” icebreaker. The goal was to get to know each other by finding people who fit specific descriptions, such as finding someone who “knows how to operate CW (Morse code).” It was a fun, interactive way for participants to mingle and discover each other’s skills.
Following a great start, everyone had free time. Some chose to keep socializing, while others decided to catch up on sleep after their long trips. One thing is certain: as everyone hit the pillow, the excitement for the adventures ahead was already through the roof!
