Get ready for Jamboree-on-the-Air, Jamboree-on-the-Internet

Scouts from Troop 1 of Logan, Utah, participate in the 2023 Jamboree-on-the-Air. Photo courtesy of Stu Parkinson

Every year, more than 2 million Scouts from more than 170 countries log online or turn on a ham radio for the largest Scouting events in the world: Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) and Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI).

Your Scout can join in the jamboree fun for this year’s events, slated for Oct. 18-20.

During that weekend, Scouts can learn about communications, discover other cultures, and enjoy activities and live shows. These events are open to Scouts of all ages; you can register here.

For JOTI, all you need is an Internet-enabled device, like a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. If you have a ham radio, you should be good for JOTA. Many Scouts choose to visit a local amateur radio operator’s ham shack or a ham shack at a council camp.

Radio equipment from a 2023 Jamboree-on-the-Air event that Troop 1 of Logan, Utah, participated in. Photo courtesy of Stu Parkinson.

Worldwide connections

JOTA launched in 1958 out of Scouts’ increased interest in amateur radio. Likewise, JOTI was first offered in 1996. Both are offered every year over the third weekend of October.

The events not only provide opportunities to try fun activities and talk with Scouts from around the country and the world, but they also can fulfill requirements for the International Spirit Award. Plus, this is a great opportunity for Scouts to explore concepts in the Radio merit badge.

Check with your local council to see if related events are already planned for JOTA and JOTI. You can also search for local radio clubs to help on this database, hosted by the American Radio Relay League, which is the national association for amateur radio and cooperates closely with Scouting America.

After attending, you can order this cool patch from the Scout Shop.


About Michael Freeman 471 Articles
Michael Freeman, an Eagle Scout, is an associate editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines.