Jamboree-on-the-Air for 2012 will be held October 20 and 21. Last year’s effort saw a 600 percent increase in reported Scout participation in the U.S.; more than 3,000 Scouts were a part of exciting activities and a superb introduction to the science and technology of amateur radio. Worldwide participation reached just short of 750,000 Scouts operating from more than 6,000 amateur radio stations across 150 countries. Ham radio contacts included several with Mike Fossum, a ham radio astronaut, on the International Space Station.

Through JOTA, Scouts are introduced to radio technology and to other Scouts around the U.S. and the world. They get a chance to talk with one another and share information that broadens their perspective on other cultures, on geography, and on the technology and hobby that provides the means for their communication.

The most successful JOTA events around the U.S. occurred during camporees or other troop, district, or council events. This allowed a wide range of Scouts to tour ham radio stations and, if they desired, talk on the radio with a microphone or even with a keyboard using digital communication. Several JOTA events offered foxhunting—amateur radio direction finding used to locate hidden transmitters, a fantastic outdoor Scouting activity.

I encourage you to reach out to your local amateur radio clubs and get your council involved in the largest Scouting event in the world. If you need help identifying ham radio clubs in your community, let me know and I’ll provide a list.

Nothing in Scouting gets done without a patch. Here’s the official BSA patch design for the 55^th Jamboree-on-the-Air. You can find more information at www.scouting.org/jota.

Jim Wilson, K5ND
National JOTA Organizer
Jim.wilson@scouting.org

Jamboree-on-the-Internet 2012

The 16^th Jamboree-on-the-Internet will be held October 20 and 21, along with Jamboree-on-the-Air. The JOTI and JOTA events always occur on the third full weekend in October, and the World Organization of the Scout Movement sponsors the events.

JOTI is the younger brother who turns 16 this year and is learning to drive. A national BSA committee is in place to provide direction and assistance as the 16-year-old heads down the road.

The Internet has sparked a revolution in communication. JOTI is becoming more user-friendly and is responsive to these advances.

JOTI invites all youth and organizations that support Scouting to join the Internet revolution. This event utilizes computers and the Internet so thousands of Scout groups can be contacted during the weekend. Computers are growing exponentially; the Jamboree-on-the-Internet is prepared to keep pace with that growth.

Shown above is the official BSA patch design for the 16^th Jamboree-on-the-Internet.

Greg White
National JOTI Organizer
gregjwhite@live.com