Background:
In our previous conversations, we often discussed how we could better motivate young amateur radio operators, how to keep their enthusiasm alive, and how to recognize their efforts. During one of these brainstorming sessions, an idea came up: what if we took them to a QTH where they could gain valuable experience, practice contesting, and also enjoy an unforgettable social and cultural adventure—something that would surely benefit them in the future?

The idea quickly turned into action. It was a Wednesday morning when the concept was born, and the planning started right away. At first, we considered organizing a team for the IOTA contest on a nearby Croatian or Greek island, but due to logistical challenges and the tight timeline, it wasn’t realistic.

Then came the next idea: what if we called Tibi, OM3RM, one of the owners of OM-Power, to ask if we could rent their contest station on Madeira Island for a week? Tibi responded very positively and only asked for a bit of time to check with his co-owners. Just a few minutes later, he called us back: we got the green light, and the CR3DX station was available for the IOTA contest!

We hesitantly asked what the cost would be—but Tibi’s response exceeded all our expectations:
“Since this is about young people, of course, we’ll let you use one of the world’s top 10 contest stations completely free of charge!”

Huge thanks and deep gratitude to the OM-Power team for this incredible opportunity!

Then came the next difficult task: deciding who would travel with the team. Together with Bea (HA2UF’s wife and the head of the MRASZ Secretariat), we tried to use objective criteria, particularly focusing on how much each person had contributed to the organization.

We first selected the adult chaperones:

• HA3NU was appointed as team leader – he has visited the CR3DX station multiple times and is considered among the elite contesters globally. The youth are sure to learn a lot from him.
• HA5BN (Bea) and HA5MIG (Zoli) joined as accompanying adults – both are reliable and constant behind-the-scenes organizers of MRASZ events.

Thus, the "adult section" of the team was formed:

• HA3NU – Laci
• HA5BN – Bea
• HA5MIG – Zoli

Next came the toughest decision: choosing the young participants. Fortunately, we had many deserving candidates, but unfortunately, space was limited. Those who couldn’t join this time should not be discouraged—we hope this becomes a recurring initiative, and they’ll get a chance next time.

Because airfare prices changed almost by the minute and seats were quickly selling out, decisions had to be made very quickly. Sadly, we had to exclude some because we couldn't reach their parents in time. The flight from Budapest was already full, so the team had to depart from Vienna—which luckily turned out to be cheaper as well.

The final team members:

• HA1NA – Attila
• HA3MAR – Marcell
• HA5YN – Nóri
• HA8TA – Boti
• HG5CX – Dávid
• HG8CK – Attila

The Journey and Arrival:
The team departed for Vienna International Airport in the early hours of July 22, 2025, then flew to Madeira. Even the landing was an experience in itself—flying over the Atlantic Ocean to a volcanic island, where the airport is literally carved into the hillside, is truly unforgettable.

The CR3DX station is located on the western side of the island, on a hilltop with a breathtaking view of the ocean. The accommodations are in the same building as the contest station—comfortable, well-equipped, and perfectly suited to all needs.

"With the call sign CR3KID, the youth team hits the airwaves for the IOTA Contest – let the fun begin!"

More stories and experiences will be shared once the team returns—stay tuned for updates!

A little teaser with a few photos:
(photos to be inserted)

This year the 5th World Youth ARDF Championship was held in Városlőd from 26-29 June, where close to a hundred competitors participated from eleven countries from three continents.

The organising team started the initial preparations in September last year. The selection of the perfect terrain is the foundation of a good race, but the arraging of maps, presents and free time activities were just as important.

The participants arrived on 26 June to Iglauer Park, the accommodation and event centre for the week.

The opening ceremony was hosted by the local village hall where dr. Szabó László Zsolt said a few words as the representative of the Hungarian National Media Council.

On the first competition day the young people competed on classic 2m in the forest near Városlőd, where they got lucky with the weather, as it only started raining once the last competitors were in the finish.

The Sprint was the second event, which was set up in the Sobri Adventure Park nearby. The contestants did really well, but their motivation to be fast was understandable, as after finishing they were greeted with a delicious meal and a wristband which allowed them to use almost all the games in the park. So for the afternoon the kids put aside all rivalry and swam and played together.

Thursday was the day of the classic 80m competition and the last day of the championship. The youngsters were looking for the foxes in blazing sunshine on the other side of the terrain from the first day. Although their tiredness was visible, they all still ran heroically and achieved great results.