Morse Code Interpreter

Had some fun this week with the introduction of the Morse Code interpreter strip for wear on the Boy Scout uniform. There are a number of interpreter strips that normally include Spanish and other languages. They are meant to identify those Scouts and Scouters proficient in the language so that they can serve as interpreters to facilitate communication with other Scouts. My daughter Brooke wore the American Sign Language interpreter strip on her Venturing uniform, during her three years studying signing in high school.

The Morse Code interpreter strip came about as a result of a suggestion by Frank Krizan, KR1ZAN, who serves on the National Radio Scouting Committee. After discussions with the Boy Scouts Awards Committee, we were able to specify the proficiency requirements and gain approval. The strip itself was manufactured by the BSA Supply Group and went into stock this week. Friday I activated the various Radio Scouting Yahoo Groups and notified a number of people that it was available and ready for ordering. We also posted information on K2BSA’s website.  Scouting Magazine’s Bryan Wendell made it the topic of his blog for Friday. Very nice write-up at Bryan on Scouting.

The patch itself, shown nearby, is meant for wear above the right shirt pocket. The dots and dashes spell out M-O-R-S-E. Another fun project along the way in my “Ham Radio Adventures!”