Radio Scouting covers amateur radio, electronics, and computers. With the Scouting program combining tradition and technology, Radio Scouting is a perfect opportunity to incorporate these activities into any Section meeting or activity or as part of an Achievement Pathway.
The principal Radio Scouting events are the Jamboree of the Air (JOTA) and the Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI).
Who Can Do It?
Radio Scouting is available to all members of the Movement and everyone is welcome to participate in JOTA and JOTI, either by running their own activity or joining another group.
When Can I Do This?
JOTA and JOTI are held on the third full weekend in October each year. For 2021, this will be 16th & 17th October.
JOTA and JOTI
These worldwide Scouting events attract well over 2½ million participants every year, making them the largest single event on the Scouting calendar. JOTA is a “no travel” Jamboree – you can join in from wherever you are. It is also the only international event in which all sections take part simultaneously.
JOTA Badges
JOTA badges need to be pre-ordered from the Sydney North Region Office. If you are holding a JOTA event then you need to order these at least before the end of June. No badges can be ordered after the event.
JOTI
JOTI makes use of local Amateur Radio Operators to provide two-way communication with other Scout and Guide Groups around the world. JOTI uses the internet and various communications technologies such as websites, email, instant messaging, internet relay chat, video, and more. The primary chat network used for JOTI is ScoutLink. This is a special worldwide chat network run by Scouts for Scouts, with security-enforced servers. ScoutLink is considered to be very safe and the conversation on the channels is open, friendly, and polite. Go to www.scoutlink.net for more information. ScoutLink is online every day of the year.
Northern Beaches JOTA at Narrabeen Lakes
Garigal and Northern Beaches Districts and the Guides’ Northern Beaches Region hold a JOTA/JOTI Camp at a venue in the northern beaches area, from Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon. This is a great fun weekend camp, where both Guides and Scouts join together as mixed groups to participate in various activities. The Manly Warringah Radio Society provides radios and operators for radio communications. A network of computers is available for Internet Chat with Scouts and Guides all over the world. Bookings open in June, check here for Booking Forms and an information pack.
Host your own JOTA/JOTI activity
Any Groups or Districts intending to host their own radio base at their halls, on camps, or wherever, are asked to register with the Region Radio Co-ordinator, Glenn Satchell, so that support, and base acknowledgement can be set up. This should be done as soon as your planning is underway. If you have a website, a link can be added to this page. Remember to pre-order your JOTA badges from the Region Office prior to the end of June. No badges can be ordered after the event.
JOTI @ Home
Did you know you can participate in JOTI at home, school or work if you have a computer and an internet connection? Use the online client at the official JOTI website, http://jotajoti.info or use your favourite IRC client. Scoutlink in online 365 days of the year.
Who Can Help Me?
Glenn Satchell: 0409 458 580 or email