Seasoned and new hams of all kinds will be cooking in Baldwin County this weekend — and we're not talking about the Christmas variety.

As hurricane season arrives, amateur radio operators will take to the airwaves June 28-29 in Silverhill for the annual Amateur Radio Field Day exercise, a chance to test their equipment, practice emergency response and connect with radio enthusiasts across the country.

Hosted by the Baldwin County Amateur Radio Club (call sign N4MZ), the event, physically happening at Silver Creek Boy Scout Camp, 16914 County Road 52, simulates a disaster response, challenging radio operators, or "hams," to set up temporary antennas, radios and generators that can support emergency communications when storms or other events take down traditional infrastructure.

Fun fact: According to historical accounts, while "ham" is used as a badge of honor for amateur radio operators today, it started as a slur. In the late 19th century, professional telegraphers used it to mock colleagues with sloppy Morse code skills, calling them "ham-fisted" operators. The term stuck as radio evolved, but by the mid-20th century, the amateur radio community embraced it — turning an insult into a point of pride.

The field day is part of a nationwide effort organized by the American Radio Relay League, a group founded in 1914 to support amateur radio and its role in disaster response and technical education. Its first outing was in 1933.

Throughout the weekend, club members will establish two-way communications stations to contact other hams across the United States. The goal is to hone their ability to support local emergency management agencies if needed. Points are awarded for making radio contacts, using off-the-grid energy and setting up quickly — adding a competitive element that encourages participants to do their best.

"Our club was incorporated in 1983, and in one form or another, we have been going out in the field every summer," said Joe McIntosh, a member of the Baldwin club. "In past years, we have used parks, vacant lots or someone's backyard. The hard part is getting a wire antenna (about 80 feet long) up in a tree — high enough to be effective but still able to retrieve it later."

The annual Field Day is more than a hobby for these volunteers — it's a vital test of their ability to keep lines of communication open when disaster strikes. In a hurricane or severe weather event, when phones, internet and electrical grids can fail, amateur radio operators often become the only link between first responders, emergency officials and the communities that need help. The skills practiced this weekend could prove critical if, or when, Baldwin County finds itself in the path of the next big storm.

According to McIntosh, the Baldwin County club operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the county's Emergency Management Agency, providing a critical link if regular lines of communication are lost.

"In addition to our field day, the EMA carries out a simulated emergency test in May. We work with this group to test their procedures, and our people interface with them," he said.

While the focus is on preparedness, the weekend also provides a chance for camaraderie. Club volunteers will cook meals, and the public is invited to drop in, learn about the equipment and try making a radio contact. An educational station will be available for visitors to talk with hams near and far, and a Morse code station will give adventurous participants the chance to tap out a message and earn a certificate.

"The field day event is a lot of fun and a chance to see folks who don't usually come to our regular meeting," McIntosh said. "Baldwin County has well over 200 active hams, but most attend our monthly meetings sporadically."

Amid this exceptionally hot part of this summer, radio stations will operate inside an air-conditioned building while the antennas and gasoline-powered generators remain outside. In a real disaster, volunteers must be prepared to work in any conditions.

The public is encouraged to attend, watch and listen. The site will open Saturday at noon, and cold drinks will be available throughout the afternoon.

For more information or directions, contact Greg Powers at N4RAI@ARRL.NET or visit the Baldwin County Amateur Radio Club Group on Facebook.