OARC Youth Equipment Program

The OARC Youth Equipment Program (YEP) is a radio-equipment loan program that that provides used radio gear to the next generation of Amateur Radio operators. After taking the Club’s Basic Amateur Radio course, many young people earn their certificate with great enthusiasm, only to find that the cost of quality equipment can sometimes be a barrier. Our program ensures that no keen and motivated young amateur is held back by financial limitations. 

About the Youth Equipment Program

Am I eligible for the YEP?

Youth (under 21 years old) who have passed the Amateur Radio exam at lease the Basic level or higher and are eager to get started in the hobby. 

How does the program work?

We work with the youth member (and often, parents) to determine an appropriate assortment of equipment and then sign a one-year loan agreement.  The agreement asks the recipient to:  

  • Treat the equipment with care; 
  • Remain reasonably “radio active” during that period, meaning they will do their best to actively participate in Club activities (such as Monthly Meetings and Field Day), community events, and local nets;
  • Write a brief six-month and final one-year usage report,
  • Provide a copy of their log, and
  • At the end of the year, if the recipient has met these requirements, then they are allowed to keep the equipment and do with it what they want: keep it or sell it and use the funds to upgrade their rig with new equipment.  

What sort of equipment does YEP provide?

Equipment can include the following: 

  • VHF/UHF handheld radio 
  • VHF/UHF mobile radio and antenna (e.g. J-pole) 
  • HF radio and antenna (e.g. EFHW) 
  • Digital interface 
  • Power supply 
  • Dummy load 
  • Low pass filter 
  • Antenna tuner 
  • Morse code key 
  • Logbook, operations handbook, antenna book 
  • Other (as needed) 

Is ongoing help and support part of the YEP?

Yes, in addition to loaning equipment, mentors are provided, if needed, to assist with ongoing questions, set-up and challenges. 

Donate to the YEP

Honouring the Legacy of Local Amateurs

Over many years, experienced amateurs can accumulate stations full of radios, antennas, test gear, and accessories. When these amateurs inevitably downsize, move into a retirement residence or a long-term care home, or become silent keys (pass away), they or their families are often unsure of how to responsibly dispose of their Amateur Radio equipment. It can be a daunting task. 

The OARC Youth Equipment Program provides a useful and meaningful solution. We accept donations of quality radio gear, ensuring that the equipment continues to serve the hobby and honours the legacy of the amateurs who built, cared for, and enjoyed it. It helps transfer equipment from those leaving the hobby to those that are just starting to enjoy its wonders. Many families are grateful that the equipment is going to youth, in particular. 

Refurbish, Reuse, and Reinvest

Donating equipment also helps ensure that it is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way, rather than ending up in the e-waste stream. 

What are the steps to donating?

  1. Click here to Contact Us and use our online form to provide some details about the equipment you would like to donate, such as: 
    • a list or brief description of the equipment,
    • product band names and models,
    • clear pictures of the equipment, 
    • where the equipment is located, and 
    • how urgent it is to remove it.
  2. If we determine that the equipment would be suitable for YEP, we will schedule an initial telephone call to discuss next steps. We can only accept specific, reasonable-quality equipment, suitable for use by a new amateur.
  3. Drop off your used equipment, once we have said it is suitable. In certain cases, we can pick up your equipment and arrange to dismantle larger items, such as antennas. 
  4. Once received, every donated item is carefully assessed by our program volunteers. We sort, test, clean, and, if needed, refurbish and repair equipment to bring it back to good working order. 
  5. Usable equipment is then provided directly to recipients with a YEP agreement. 
  6. Surplus or unsuitable items are sold, with 100% of the proceeds invested in the Youth Equipment Program to help purchase needed equipment and supplies.

Can I also donate funds to the YEP?

The YEP also gratefully accepts monetary contributions. These funds allow us to purchase equipment for the Program when certain things have not been donated. Click here to donate directly to the YEP.(This link takes you to Zeffy, the secure, Canadian online payment system.)

What we don’t do

Because the program is entirely managed by volunteers, there are services that we can provide and unfortunately, some that we cannot. Specifically: 

  • We do not accept entire, very large lots; we only accept equipment we have determined would be suitable for YEP; 
  • We do not accept older, damaged or poorly maintained equipment or any equipment that is from a smoking environment. 
  • We do not assist donors in selling some or all the equipment, even if a commission is offered. However; we can provide suggestions on how to sell it. 
  • We do not provide charitable tax receipts. The OARC is a not-for-profit corporation and not a charity and so it cannot issue tax receipts. 

Thank you for considering donating your used Amateur Radio equipment, including radios, antennas, test gear, and accessories.  

Last Updated on 2026-05-04 by Joannadanna