Here is a fun community event for SARC members, families, and anyone curious about amateur radio. The Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club will have a booth at National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Meineke Recreation Center.
National Night Out brings residents, police officers, neighborhood groups, and local organizations together in a friendly setting. It is a good opportunity to meet the people who serve our community while learning more about the organizations active in Schaumburg.[1]
Visit the SARC booth at Schaumburg National Night Out and discover how you can get started in amateur radio.
Event Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | National Night Out |
| Date | Tuesday, August 4, 2026 |
| Time | 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Location | Meineke Recreation Center and Meineke Park |
| Address | 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg, IL 60193 |
| Admission | Free; no registration is required |
| Ages | All ages |
| SARC participation | Visit the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club booth |
| Event sponsor | Schaumburg Bank & Trust |
A Community Evening at Meineke Park
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that encourages positive connections between residents, law enforcement officers, and neighborhood organizations.[2]
The Schaumburg event will include games, contests, giveaways, and opportunities to meet local police officers and community organizations. Food will also be available for purchase.[3]
During the final hour, Meineke Pool will offer free open swim. Anyone planning to swim should check the Schaumburg Park District event page before attending in case pool rules, schedules, or event details change.
Meet the SARC Booth Team
SARC members will be available throughout the event to welcome visitors and answer questions about amateur radio.
| SARC Member | Call Sign |
|---|---|
| Howard Mitchell | KD9WSV |
| Kirk Musselman | K9MSG |
| Robert Benwitz | N9JAX |
If you have heard the term “ham radio” but are not sure what it means, this is a good time to ask. Amateur radio is a licensed radio service used for communication, technical learning, experimentation, public service, and recreation.
You do not need any radio experience to visit the booth. New operators, experienced hams, families, and curious visitors are all welcome.
Why SARC Participates
National Night Out gives SARC an opportunity to meet people outside a regular club meeting. It also helps residents learn that amateur radio remains an active hobby with practical community connections.
Visitors can ask about getting an amateur radio license, joining the club, attending a SARC activity, or taking the first steps toward getting on the air.
Current operators are welcome to stop by, introduce themselves, and share what parts of amateur radio they enjoy. A short conversation can make the hobby feel much more approachable to someone who is just getting started.
How to Participate
Visit the Event
Come to Meineke Recreation Center between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, and the event is open to all ages.
Stop at the SARC Booth
Look for the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club booth. Meet the SARC volunteers, ask questions, and learn how amateur radio can connect people across town or around the world.
Bring a Friend or Family Member
National Night Out is designed as a community event. Bringing someone who has never seen amateur radio is a simple way to introduce the hobby.
Explore the Rest of the Event
Allow time to meet police officers and neighborhood organizations, enjoy the activities, and visit the other community booths. Families interested in the free open swim should bring the appropriate swim gear and review current pool information before leaving home.
How the Evening Works
---
config:
markdownAutoWrap: true
flowchart:
wrappingWidth: 220
useMaxWidth: true
nodeSpacing: 40
rankSpacing: 50
---
flowchart TD
A["`Arrive at Meineke
Recreation Center`"]
B["`Explore National
Night Out`"]
C["`Meet police and
community organizations`"]
D["`Visit the
SARC booth`"]
E["`Ask about
amateur radio`"]
F["`Learn how to
get involved`"]
G["`Enjoy activities
and open swim`"]
A --> B
B --> C
B --> D
B --> G
D --> E
E --> F
What to Bring
- Your family, friends, or neighbors
- Questions about amateur radio or SARC
- Your call sign if you are already a licensed operator
- Swimwear and other pool items if you plan to use the free open swim
- A way to pay if you would like to purchase food
- Weather-appropriate clothing for an outdoor community event
Event arrangements can change. Check the official Schaumburg Park District event page before attending for the latest information.
Suggested SARC Goals
| Participant | Suggested Goal |
|---|---|
| Someone new to amateur radio | Visit the SARC booth and ask what is required to earn an amateur radio license. |
| Newly licensed operator | Meet local operators and ask about SARC nets, activities, and opportunities to get on the air. |
| Experienced operator | Introduce yourself and help make newer visitors feel welcome. |
| SARC member | Stop by the booth, greet the volunteer team, and invite a friend to learn about the club. |
| Parent or family member | Ask how amateur radio can support technical learning, communication skills, and family activities. |
| Community visitor | Meet local organizations and learn how residents can become more connected with their community. |
Give It a Try
National Night Out is an easy way to spend a summer evening with neighbors while learning more about Schaumburg’s community organizations.
Please stop at the SARC booth and say hello to Howard Mitchell, KD9WSV; Kirk Musselman, K9MSG; Robert Benwitz, N9JAX; and Paul Meyers, KE9EJX. Whether you are already licensed or simply wondering what amateur radio is all about, we will be glad to meet you.
We hope to see you at Meineke Recreation Center on Tuesday, August 4.
References
- “National Night Out.” Schaumburg Park District. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://www.parkfun.com/event/national-night-out. ↩
- “About National Night Out.” National Association of Town Watch. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://natw.org/about/. ↩
- “Programs and Events Calendar.” Schaumburg Park District. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://www.parkfun.com/programs-events/calendar. ↩