Arrival Day: The Adventure Begins!

The long-awaited YOTA Summer Camp in Prague has officially kicked off! After months of anticipation and preparation, young radio enthusiasts from across the globe have gathered in the heart of Europe.

The day was filled with participants arriving to the camp venue. Jet-lagged faces and excited smiles were the order of the day as participants checked in and claimed their accommodations. While some teams arrived bright and early, eager to dive straight into the camp experience, others opted for a more leisurely start after their long journeys.

For those who arrived with extra time and energy on their hands, a guided tour of the local area was offered. Led by the Martin OK1VHB, participants explored the captivating CTU University campus and visiting the Nikola Tesla monument. It was a perfect way to stretch their legs and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.The journey to Prague proved to be a test of endurance for many. While the allure of international travel is undeniable, the reality of long-haul flights and cross-country bus rides is a different story. Clearly, guest teams from IARU Region 2 and 3 had a super long flight. Though, this years longest travels by plane goes to a team from region 1, as the team from Burkina Faso travelled for 24h and thus even a little more than our guest teams from Singapore or Japan. Closer to Prague, but yet an even slightly longer travel was the one from the Bulgarian team that faced an equally challenging journey, spending a grueling 26 hours on the road in the bus.

As expected, social media platforms were full with travel updates and photos as participants shared their adventures with friends and family. However, true to the spirit of the camp, radio communication was of course also a part! Dedicated Tetra and 2m FM frequencies were used by participants to connect with fellow friends.The camp started in the evening with the first part being the dinner, providing a much- needed opportunity for participants to relax and refuel after their journeys. The official opening ceremony then marked the first program point of the YOTA camp. A warm welcome from the organizers and Henni OH1ESI, the chair of the YWG, set a positive tone for the week ahead. Philipp DK6SP, a Director on the Board of the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF), delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of the sponsor, expressing their enthusiasm for supporting young radio enthusiasts. A huge thank you was extended to all the sponsors for their generous support in making this year’s YOTA camp possible. The organizers also took the opportunity to provide essential information about the camp’s logistics, ensuring a smooth running event. To add a touch of fun, the ceremony also included a special celebration for two participants who happened to share the same birthday with the arrival day of camp, making their YOTA experience even more memorable.

Stay tuned for updates on the exciting activities and challenges that await them in the coming days.