STEM Center conversion

Radio Scouting provides an exciting and engaging introduction to a wide range of technologies with a STEM foundation. We provide the fun of communicating with other Scouts, and the magic of long-distance communication, even in remote areas without cell service. To expand our reach and offer even more educational classes we need a permanent home at scout camps. To this end, Camp LaNoChe in Paisley FL has offered us the use of a campsite to expand our program and help them offer their scouts even more STEM programs.

Goals for the Stem conversion.

1. Enclose Activity Shelter

To avoid wind-driven rain from ruining the classroom and its equipment...

Remove the old screen, insulate the roof rafters, drywall interior walls, insulate the outer wall and cover with Hardiboard, and a few windows (with screens), add mini-split A/C,

2. Add a Storage Shed (~12x20) near the building for long-term storage of equipment and program crates.

3. Add 3x 12ft round gazebo education centers in the existing tent areas for outdoor group activities.

4. Add a 190ft Rohn 25 Tower for antennas, camp repeater, astronomy and other STEM projects that need above the tree height.

5. Outfit classroom with Displays and Equipment.

A couple of large screen TVs, various stem demos, bench seating in a lecture hall format in the middle and a workbench countertop around the perimeter for experiments and learning.

The classroom will be available for any STEM program, including our events, the goal is to make the site multipurpose so it has the most use possible between radio events.

Of the two existing bunk rooms... one will remain a bunk room for adult overnights, with a small microwave and fridge added.

The second bunk room will be converted to the formal BSA Camp Station (WB4SA), with radios, storage and equipment.

REF: https://k2bsa.net/camp-station-resource/ A training program will be set up for authorized users on how to use the equipment and procedures. While having a valid license is required of the operator, they should know its setup and be familiar with the equipment, also camp staff should be familiar with its setup should the need arise.

The goal of that room is to allow licensed scouting adults and youth to use that room during camping events or when visiting..i.e. summer camp. To make it easier we may set up a video-type learning system with questions to make training easier, like the current BSA youth protection on the web.

We have no paid staff and all donations and funds from this GoFundMe, and other grants that we've applied for will be used for this STEM program. We currently present our program to 10,000 youth each year, at this one location. We've recently expanded to help other scouting youth in other areas, at the end of 2024 our program will cover 40,000 scouting youth, of all genders and backgrounds. Our mission to is to teach and ignite that STEM spark in our youth.