Scouts to Take to the Airwaves for the 54th Jamboree On the Air

Each year, more than 500,000 Scouts in more than 100 countries take to the airwaves on the third full weekend in October -- and this year will be no different. The Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) is a Scouting and Amateur Radio event sponsored by the World Scout Bureau of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. JOTA is an annual event where Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from all over the world speak to each other via Amateur Radio.

Amateur Radio Operator Strip for scouting uniforms

Since 1958 -- when the first Jamboree on the Air was held -- millions of Scouts have met through this event.  Many contacts made during JOTA have resulted in pen pals and links between Scout troops that have lasted many years. The radio stations are operated by radio amateurs, and many Scouts and leaders hold licenses and have their own stations. The majority of JOTA Scouts participate through stations operated by local radio clubs and individual hams.

Be sure to support scouting and the JOTA special event.  Scouting is an excellent endeavour for kids and it is preparing our future leaders, citizens, and a new generation of hams.

Radio Merit Badge