How about a local/training QSO Party?
Based on experiences working VA, WV, MD & NC QSO parties as a mobile, I started working on a concept in 2017 to create something more local that new technicians could participate in, and that would recreate the cooperative spirit that these particular contests promote. I wonder if this might be a good HVARC project? Some basic tenets: 1 - Brief and local. 4 hours at most, over a limited geographic area. Creating 'localities' out of extended Maidenhead squares. Would conclude with a picnic for the participants. Maybe even a tailgate sale? 2 - Educational purposes would be to familiarize new hams with the grid squares, contest procedures, on-air courtesy, and maybe even Cabrillo. 3 - A practical purpose would be to identify prime accessible vantage points where simple radios could be placed to create a reliable communications network. 4 - Opportunities for listen-only participants, including possible fox hunting, scavenger hunting, or even a receive-only category for awards. 5 - Expanded number of categories to include everything from well-equipped base stations to simple handhelds. 6 - System of bonus points and multipliers which would reward the finding of good vantage points, using direction-finding skills, etc. When I came up with this, I was very reluctant to include digital modes, because of concerns over interoperability and potential factionalism. I still can't find a way around that, but am wondering if another possible event might be a 'shoot-out' of various digital modes, vs. analog with and without CTCSS or DCS. It could be a good use of vantage points that are identified by participants in the QSO event. Attached is what I worked up about 10 years ago. Needs refinements, but provides ideas in more detail. Any interest?