Jamboree on the Internet: Special Edition arrives at exactly the right time

The JOTI virtual campsite shows some of the activities Scouts can enjoy from April 3–5, 2020.
The JOTI virtual campsite shows some of the activities Scouts can enjoy from April 3–5, 2020.

Self-isolation can feel pretty lonely.

But this weekend will bring a welcome reminder that as Scouts, we’re never truly alone.

From April 3–5, join a special edition of Jamboree on the Internet, a digital event designed to help Scouts make new friends, develop skills, and learn how to take good care of themselves and others.

The Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) and its older sibling, the Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), are normally held in October. Those events are still scheduled for October 2020. But the global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) necessitated the need for a one-of-a-kind edition of JOTI.

“This is a challenging time for all,” says Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, which includes 171 national Scout organizations, including the BSA. “As Scouts, we are resilient and always prepared. So together, let’s turn this challenging time into an opportunity.”

While it’s impossible to replace the things we love most about Scouting — exploring the outdoors, learning new skills, spending time with friends and more — Alhendawi says this special edition of JOTI will bring some of the magic of Scouting right into our living rooms.

“We will have global conversations from our homes, talking about physical and mental health, global citizenship and a special program facilitated by young people, experts and volunteers around the world,” he says. “Let’s connect all together.”

How to join and what to expect

Part of the fun of Scouting is that Scouts get to discover the world for themselves. They plan their own adventures, choosing the merit badges, camping destinations and service projects that inspire them most. In short, there’s no one way to do Scouting.

This special edition of JOTI follows that same principle.

JOTI isn’t a three-day webinar. It’s an interactive digital experience built to challenge, inspire and educate Scouts during this difficult time.

There’s no need to register for JOTI. Simply return to the JOTI website starting Friday, April 3, to begin your journey.

In the meantime, explore the JOTI campsite to see all the ways you and your Scouts can participate in this special event.

Meet Scouts from other countries via livestreaming video, watch a talent show, listen to JOTI Radio, learn how to boost your physical and mental health, and find resources for helping your family understand the COVID-19 outbreak.

Staying safe during JOTI

The Scout Movement put together this page of reminders about how Scouts can stay safe while participating in JOTI.

Those rules and recommendations align with the BSA’s robust Youth Protection policies.

A team of moderators will monitor the JOTI platforms to ensure that users are Safe From Harm online, but this is a shared responsibility. Scouts should participate in JOTI with adult supervision.

2021 National Scout Jamboree registration open

Speaking of Jamborees, the BSA’s (in-person and totally awesome) National Scout Jamboree is still set for July 2021 at the amazing Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.

Learn more about how to secure your spot today.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.