Announcing the 2027 Youth Adventure
The St. Lucia Contest Club is very happy to announce the J62K Youth Adventure for the 2027 CQWW WPX SSB Contest. We will be selecting two young hams to join us!! This is an all expenses paid experience for the youth operators.
Details and download application: https://j62k.com/youth-on-the-air/
Deadline July 15 to apply.
Program Overview
- Youth submit an application and essay to the J62K team for review and consideration with the selection of youth operators typically done in July/August of the prior year to the targeted contest. Youth must be between the ages of 15-25 for consideration.
- Youth that are selected participate in a supervised, structured contesting environment.
- Emphasis is on operating discipline, logging accuracy, rate management, and teamwork.
- CQ WPX is an ideal learning platform due to its fast-paced exchanges and focus on precision.
Program Structure
- Youth operators do not travel alone. Participants meet experienced, well-known operators in Miami or Charlotte and travel as a supervised group to and from St. Lucia.
- In cases involving younger participants or female youth, a parent accompanies the participant for the trip.
- Continuous adult supervision is provided throughout the stay.
- On-site lodging and meals are provided at no cost to the youth operators at a private villa owned by J68HZ and his wife.
- Transportation to St. Lucia and on-island transportation is fully furnished and provided at no cost to the youth operators.
- Well known operators are mentors to the youth operators – J68HZ, J69DS, NY3B, WA4PGM, W0CN
J62K Prior Youth Participation & Outcomes
- 2026 CQ WPX SSB (Claimed Score: 30,473,604)
- Youth Ops: Kylee Shirbroun, K0KYL (ex-KE0WPA) and Seth Jones, NU1D
- Note: Kylee’s father ND0C also accompanied his daughter
- Results: https://www.3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=RvYizV7nDexDJU
- 2025 CQ WPX SSB (Score: 35,201,088 – 6th Place World M/2 HP)
- Youth Ops: Violetta Latham, KN2P and Leon Hellmich, DL3ON (see comments of their experience here)
- 2024 CQ WPX SSB (Score: 31,632,156 – 6th Place World M/2 HP)
- Youth Ops: Grace Papay, K8LG and Corey Landrum, KB4YPN
- Note: Grace’s father Doug K8DP accompanied his daughter
Seeking Donations:
- Please let us know if you would like to assist with a donation to the future of ham radio.
- All sponsorship funds are restricted to direct youth related expenses only.
- No funds may be used for compensation or reimbursement of station owners, mentors, or volunteers.
At J62K, the goal extends beyond operating a competitive station — it includes inspiring young amateur radio operators to discover, develop, and pursue contesting as a meaningful part of their amateur radio journey. Building on early successes, the program is seeking support from clubs, individuals, and mentors to help bring forward the next generation of contesters.
Any questions? Please reach out to TeamJ62K@gmail.com