YOTA Paris 2025
The YOTA 2025 Summer Camp took place between 18-25 August at the historical Château de Jambville near Paris.
The event was organised by Réseau des Émetteurs Français (REF), the French national amateur radio society, and the IARU. YOTA camps are a chance of a lifetime for young RSGB members to represent their country and their national society.
The 2025 team included:
Leon, 2E0VUF (Team Leader)
Age: 18
Location: Hertfordshire
Are you currently studying or in the workplace? “I am currently taking my A Levels and plan to start university in the autumn, studying Engineering”
Tell us a little bit about yourself: “I was inspired to get into amateur radio due to my love of engineering and electronics. I’ve been captivated by the workings of radio and the ingenious technologies amateur radio uses. I also love working with other amateurs and learning from them.”
What are you looking forward to most about YOTA Paris? “I am looking forward to meeting other enthusiastic young radio amateurs and making new friends in the hobby, as well as getting to further my skills.”
Emily, M7HPU
Age:16
Location: Caithness, far North of Scotland
Are you currently studying or in the workplace? “I’m a student at Wick High School studying higher physics, higher mathematics, higher history and higher English.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself: “I first got into amateur radio when I attended my school’s radio club (Wick High School Radio Club – GM0WHS) where we do practical and theory activities. Through the club I also learned how to solder radios. The club also helped me pass my amateur radio Foundation licence exam at the end of 2024.”
What are you looking forward to most about YOTA Paris? “I’m looking forward to developing my practical skills as I am still quite new to amateur radio. I’m excited to get to know the other attendees.”
Sophie, M7IJG
Age: 18
Location: Northamptonshire
Are you currently studying or in the workplace? “I am currently sitting my A Levels and have an offer from Imperial College to study Electronic and Information Engineering.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself: “I was introduced to amateur radio through an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship Connect Day at Bletchley Park. I enjoyed seeing how amateur radio combines engineering and technical knowledge with global communication, leading me to obtain my Foundation licence and explore the hobby further. Taking part in a session at Bletchley Park where we made international contacts showed me how far-reaching and exciting amateur radio can be.”
What are you looking forward to most about YOTA Paris? “I’m really looking forward to meeting other young people from around the world who share an interest in amateur radio. I’m excited by the chance to explore the hobby in more depth by taking part in activities, whilst also learning from others with different backgrounds and experiences. I hope that when I return, I’ll be able to inspire more young people to get involved by sharing what I’ve learned and experienced.”
Sam, M0UEL
Age: 19
Location: West Midlands/Gloucestershire
Are you currently studying or in the workplace? I am currently studying BSc (Hons) Cyber Security at the University of Gloucestershire, where I chair the University of Gloucestershire Ham Radio Society (MX0UVG).
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I’ve been licensed since passing the Foundation exam in September 2021 and initially made a rather slow start. However, in recent years I’ve become far more active, taking up HF and CW, passing my Intermediate and Full exams, and taking up the RSGB Youth Champion (Scouts, Cadets & Guides) role. It’s been a wonderful experience so far and I hope to continue for a long while!
What are you looking forward to most about YOTA Paris? I’m looking forward to reconnecting with friends I’ve already made through radio and exploring new areas of the hobby with them. It also sounds like an amazing networking opportunity to make more friends from abroad and I’m excited to see what’s in store for us all!
