Can you hear me now? It’s time for the Jamboree-on-the-Air, Jamboree-on-the-Internet

The largest Scouting event in the world is set for this weekend: the Jamboree-on-the-Air and Jamboree-on-the-Internet.

In 2017, more than 1.5 million Scouts and leaders in more than 160 countries participated. This year marks the 62nd rendition of the radio event and 23rd Internet event, held concurrently Oct. 18-20. These events, hosted every third weekend in October, allow Scouts to connect with other Scouts, locally, nationally or globally.

You won’t have to go anywhere for the Jamboree-on-the-Internet, all you need is an Internet-enabled device, like a computer, tablet or phone.

How to participate

On the air

For the Jamboree-on-the-Air, Scouts can visit a participating ham radio station. Contact your local council to see what is planned near you or click here to check with area ham radio operators. Local clubs might be able to direct you to planned activities, like ham stations set up at events.

If nothing near you is planned, Scouts can also participate just by making contacts with the stations that will be on the air.

Online

Scouts can participate at home with the help of an adult, or they can participate at a council event. Again, check with your council to see what’s planned. Participating can fulfill Cub Scout or merit badge requirements as well as count toward the International Spirit Award.

Safety tip: Scouts should learn the rules of safe internet use by earning the BSA’s digital training tool, the Cyber Chip, before they participate in JOTI.

Share with us

After participating in either the Jamboree-on-the-Air and Jamboree-on-the-Internet, let us know how your Scouts liked it. What did they learn? Who did they get to talk to? You can share by clicking here.


About Michael Freeman 432 Articles
Michael Freeman, an Eagle Scout, is an associate editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines.