This information is being kept here as an historical record and in case former members of CC-ARC try to reconnect and are trying to find out what happened to the club.  We are hoping that someday a new administration at the school would consider what a valuable asset to STEM education the radio club was and could be in the future.

NOTICE: As of June 7, 2018, the school administration decided that the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club was no longer welcome and needed to remove all its equipment from the Clay Center building. Determined to keep youth ham radio alive and to rebuild the huge membership the Clay Center club has had for over a decade, the students started a new youth and family club called "Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society" (STARS) (http://www.stars.radio) which is supported by New England Amateur Radio Inc (NEAR), a 501(c)(3) non profit based at New England Sci-Tech Inc., 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA. We encourage all people interested in joining the best youth radio club in New England to join STARS and NEAR and visit them in Natick.

This information is being kept here in case former members of CC-ARC try to reconnect and are trying to find out what happened to the club.

Who We Were (before June 2018)

The CC-ARC was made up of over 350 parents, teachers, students, summer campers, and even 12* NASA astronauts. There were active members who were FCC-licensed HAMs, provisional members who are working on their HAM technician licenses, and supporting members who would oversee the club activities and lend help or expertise where needed.

Where We Met

The CC-ARC was based on the top floor of the Clay Center Observatory high on a hill on a school campus in Brookline, MA. There was a radio room set up with HF, VHF, and UHF rigs, a conference room with a kitchenette for meetings and classes, a world-class telescopic observatory, and 360-degree views of Greater Boston.

How To Join

There was no fee to join. Filling out the application gave you membership privileges including, among other things, emailed newsletters and invitations to club events and activities. There were no age restrictions, however it was recommended that children be at least age 10 and that a parent enroll as a supporting member for youth under age 18. Join online: www.cc-arc.org. Go to STARS at http://www.stars.radio.

Other Activities

The Clay Center hosted educational and outreach programs, public astronomy nights, sci-tech summer camp, public lectures, and it participated in ground-breaking astronomical research. 

Youth Net

An on-air network for area youth to participate in amateur radio in a friendly, supportive environment

UHF Repeaters

Monitored repeaters for newly licensed radio operators to learn and practice radio etiquette

HAM Radio Classes

Offered through Brookline Adult and Community Education and hosted by the Clay Center, a fun parent-child shared activity

Educational Club Meetings

Topics that focused on improving knowledge and skills in amateur radio and related sciences

Club Newsletters

News and information about events, activities, and tips about amateur radio

Social Interaction

A supportive environment to meet others who share similar interests in science and amateur radio

Scouting Support

A place to work on the skills and experience needed for merit badges in amateur radio and electronics

Community Service

Participation in educational science events, walk-a- thons, and community programs using and supporting amateur radio

Emergency Preparedness

Learning how to be ready for weather-related emergencies and how to help during severe storms