Energizing ice breaking games in the morning
Our first day at the YOTA Camp was packed with fun, learning, and new friendships! We kicked off the day with breakfast and a quick team meeting to get us ready for the adventures ahead.
With participants hailing from all corners of the globe, our camp was a melting pot of cultures, languages, and new faces. To kickstart the bonding process, we dove right into energizing icebreaker games, helping us break down barriers and build a strong group dynamic from the very start.
Our first workshop took us to a nearby building where we met up with Milan OK2IMH for an in-depth look at SMD technology. We learned all about surface mount technology, different types of PCBs, and the fascinating process of bringing a circuit board to life. It was mind-blowing to see how a machine can place a whopping 45,000 components per hour!
Exploring SMD components on PCB
Our next adventure was a deep dive into ARDF, an exciting sport that combines orienteering with radio direction finding. The introduction was given by Pavel and Simon. We watched thrilling competition videos, learned about the history of the sport, and got a hands-on look at the equipment. With a clear understanding of the maps, rules, and how the receivers work, we were ready to put our skills to the test in the afternoon workshops.
A snapshot of audience from todays lectures and workshops
After a quick lunch break, the excitement reached new heights as we dived into our workshop rotations! Divided into six groups, we got to experience a variety of activities. First up, we had the ARDF workshop, where a team had hidden transmitters, or “foxes,” in the surrounding area. Our mission was to find them using our radio direction-finding skills.
ARDF in action
For those eager to master Morse code, there was a dedicated workshop led by Honza OK1JD. Using whistles and interactive games, we learned how to send and receive those iconic dots and dashes. The QTH operating workshop was a dream come true for aspiring radio operators. Under the guidance of experienced hams, we got the chance to practice our skills on the airwaves.
Operating at the camp QTH
To keep the team spirit high, there was also an icebreaker workshop filled with fun and engaging activities. For the creative minds, we had a rocket building challenge hosted by Ana EI5IXB. Using paper materials, we constructed our own rockets and competed to see whose would fly the highest. The record for the day was an impressive 50 meters! Finally, we had a unique Lego challenge that tested our communication skills. Partnered up, we had to build identical Lego creations without seeing each other. It was a fun and challenging way to work together.
Playing the Lego Radio game
Even though everyone was already hungry after all the workshops, there was no dinner planned for the night! We embarked on a culinary and cultural journey around the globe – it was time for our intercultural evening, one of the highlights of the camp, showcasing the incredible diversity of our ham radio community. With participants from so many different countries, we knew we had to celebrate our unique cultures. Each country brought a special dish, snack, or piece of traditional clothing to share. The result was a mouthwatering spread of flavors and a vibrant display of cultural heritage. From savory delicacies to sweet treats, there was something to tantalize every taste bud. It was amazing to try food from countries we’ve never visited before and learn about the stories behind each dish. We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed to this unforgettable experience! This evening brought us even closer together as a community, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures within our hobby. It was a reminder that while we may speak different languages and come from different backgrounds, our shared passion for ham radio unites us all. And how exciting the international aspect of this hobby can be!
Intercultural Evening – find more pictures of it in our dedicated gallery!
Midnight Magic
