This was an excellent article on the Elmer Guide. We should all try a bit harder. His points for an Elmer, trying to get some interest in young people, is set out in three very good points:
1. Description – sometimes kids only want a short description – observation and questions will open up your change to really explain.
2. Demonstration – We have to admit we live in a world of instant gratification and a demonstration is the first and most sure way of getting some interest in your topic.
3. Follow-up – we are all getting really bad a follow-up. It has become a world of “put it out there and move on”. We have too many things and too much information flowing at and by us to really spend a lot of time double checking and “follow-up” care, but it is really necessary to show you have interest and then they might gain interest.
Do not forget that we have Field Day coming up and this will be one of the best ways to hit on all three points above. Maybe get some kids involved in planning or setting up Field Day, Demonstrate the equipment while you explain why we do field day each year. Then Follow-up.
The full article from the ARRL can be found here: Youth@HamRadio.Fun: An Elmer’s Guide to Explaining Ham Radio
WD0AJG