In 2025, the Woodruff Middle School STEM Club in Upper Deerfield Township, New Jersey, has thrived through a dynamic collaboration with the GCARC. This partnership introduces middle school students to the exciting world of amateur radio, blending hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math with real-world applications like communication and experimentation.
The club’s activities kicked off with a strong focus on high-altitude balloon launches. Students built and launched weather balloons equipped with trackers, including WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) radios for global signal propagation and APRS for position reporting. These projects taught soldering, antenna construction, payload design, and data tracking—culminating in successful launches that reached impressive heights and even inspired a recent weather balloon project in December.
Other highlights included participation in the ARRL School Club Roundup, where students operated HF and VHF stations to make contacts worldwide, and a summer STEM camp featuring antenna building (like 20-meter dipoles and tape measure Yagis), programming handheld radios (TidRadio H3), and experimenting with electronic kits. GCARC volunteers provided mentorship at the club’s clubhouse on the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds, sharing expertise in emergency communications, digital modes, and more.
The station at the clubhouse consists of a Yaesu FT-991A HF/VHF/UHF transceiver allowing both terrestrial and satellite communications. Antennas are a 25 foot end-fed antenna and 2 meter and 70 cm eggbeaters for satellite work. Also mounted on the roof are a solar-powered Meshtastic node for 915 MHz along with the Accu-Rite weather station.
The program has sparked lasting interest: students advocated to their school board for continuation, many pursued ham radio licenses, and plans are underway for 2026 projects like building simple receivers and transmitter hunts. This initiative not only builds technical skills but also fosters curiosity, teamwork, and a passion for STEM—proving ham radio remains a powerful tool for inspiring the next generation.
