Start getting ready for JOTA–JOTI 2023
Imagine speaking to other Scout groups across the world? That’s what millions of Scouts did last October when they took part in the annual JOTA–JOTI event.
JOTA–JOTI is a Jamboree with a twist. It's a brilliant event that Scouts all over the world take part in every year. The best part is that it’s completely free.
It’s taking place on the 20 to 22 October this year.
Although it's a little while away yet, you can sign up now. By registering now, you can find out handy tips and stay tuned for updates, such as the programme launch and this year's challenges!
As a parent, carer or young member, you can contact your local Scout group to see if they are participating in this year's JOTA-JOTI activities. If they aren't, you can still register and join as an individual.
As a section, you can reach out to your local Scout community and make plans, so you’ll be super prepared when the weekend comes around. Why not see if a local JOTA-JOTI event is happening near you?
JOTA–JOTI in a nutshell
JOTA-JOTI stands for ‘Jamboree on the Air’ and ‘Jamboree on the Internet.’
Organised by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), JOTA–JOTI is the world’s largest digital and radio Scout event. It takes place online and over the air.
Every year, the event brings more than two million Scouts together from over 150 countries to promote friendship and global citizenship.
Scouts learn all about communication and technology, while making new friends all over the world. It’s all about global citizenship and helping Scouts learn about other cultures, while working as a team.
One of the best things about JOTA–JOTI is that everyone can take part (even people who aren’t part of Scouts – yet!)
Why you should take part in JOTA–JOTI
JOTA–JOTI is a truly unforgettable event in the Scouts calendar. It’s a unique opportunity to speak to Scouts around the world, learn about different cultures and global issues, and build on communication skills.
While meeting new faces from different places, you’ll step away from today’s technology with JOTA and communicate through radio. There’s something truly special about the crackling of the airwaves and first hearing the voices of a Scout group on the other side of the world!
It’s also the perfect opportunity to work towards badges. JOTA–JOTI can help you get the International badge, Global Issues badge, World Challenge Award or Communicator badges.
How to get involved
If you’re not sure how to get started, don’t worry. It’s super simple to get involved for the next JOTA–JOTI.
First things first, you’ll need to register your group on the JOTA–JOTI website.
Why not see if there’s a local or national event your group could take part in? You could also reach out to another volunteer who’s been to a JOTA–JOTI event to find out more.
Here’s what Scouts got up to last year
We spoke with a few volunteers who held JOTA–JOTI events in 2022 to see how they enjoyed the experience.
‘JOTA was held with the help of Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society. They supplied radio stations to give young people the chance to learn about the different modes in amateur radio – Morse code, Data, Slow Scan TV, the classical analogue radio, and digital radio.’
‘Young people from all sections came along (around 100 in total) and each of them tried all the stations. They learned how radio works and made friends around the world. The excitement when they transmitted their name in Morse code, or spoke with Scouts around the world, was a joy to see.’
‘On Friday, 1st Earls Colne visited, and they contacted groups in the USA and Canada. We ran the station between 9am and 9pm on Saturday, with all groups in the District attending. We contacted groups in Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, and even the Azores! We heard the International Space Station, but sadly they couldn’t hear us.’
‘On Sunday, we saw several young people and leaders come back from Saturday, as they had been bitten by the radio bug, and wanted to have another go! We also had groups from outside our District join us and stayed until we had to close down the station.’
‘We’ll host this again next year, so keep 21 and 22 October free in your diary, and listen out for GB0CHS calling at a JOTA station near you!’
Alex shared a brilliant story about how the weekend helps create and nurture international Scout friendships:
‘The event I run near Banbury is very much focused on the International Citizenship and Global Friendship side of JOTA-JOTI – we use the tech to get and improve our international contacts.’
‘JOTI is a hard sell to the young people if they’ve never done it before. But, once they realise they’re communicating with a Scout in New Zealand or Indonesia, the event suddenly clicks with them.’
‘Our friendship with Visoko Scouts in Bosnia started in 2015, through one JOTI call. In August this year, 10 volunteers and 29 Scouts from Oxfordshire visited Bosnia. We spent some time in Jajce and finished off our trip visiting Sarajevo and stayed in a town called Visoko. We were looked after by Visoko Scout Group, and we got in touch with them this weekend at JOTI.
‘They were asked to show us around town. Their Scout meeting place is opposite Bosnia's equivalent of Tesco – called Konzum! The Scout Leader was trying to show Visoko's Pyramid – we’re told it’s a real pyramid.’
‘Most of my international contacts have come about because of making contact with them over JOTA-JOTI weekend.’