JOTA: Jamboree on the Air
Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) is an annual Scouting event that connects Scouts around the world with the use of amateur radio. The event is held on the third full weekend of October each year, together with Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI).
Activities
Manual
JOTA-JOTI is an annual event in which Scouts all over the world connect with each other by means of internet and amateur radio. Short-wave radio signals carry their voices to virtually any corner of the world.
It's the sheer excitement of having a live conversation with a fellow Scout at some other place in the world that attracts so many young people to this event.
JOTA-JOTI is a real Jamboree during which Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared.
The use of amateur radio techniques offers an extra educational dimension for Scouts. Many boys and girls grasp the opportunity to discover the world of wireless radio techniques and electronics.
You will need the support of at least one licensed amateur radio operator or the support of a local amateur radio club if you want to use amateur radio for JOTA-JOTI.
Amateur radio operator is enthusiastic about their hobby and most of them will be willing to help you participate in the JOTA-JOTI.
The national amateur radio organization in your country will be able to give you the contact of an amateur radio operator in your area. You can find contact information for your national amateur radio organization on the website of the International Amateur Radio Union or, simply search online for information locally on Amateur Radio.
Amateur Radio operators have obtained a license (they passed a technical examination to obtain this license) for their radio transmissions from the authorities in their country. License conditions vary from country to country.
The amateur radio operator may suggest that the Scouts visit his/her station during the JOTA-JOTI weekend, or bring his/her equipment to your local headquarters, or campsite.
Often JOTA-JOTI Amateur Radio Stations have been set up in unusual locations such as at the top of a mountain or on a boat.
Thousands of Amateur Radio operators will assist the Scouts over the JOTA-JOTI weekend with their knowledge, equipment, enthusiasm and ethics (Please read the Amateur Radio Code of Conduct).
In some countries, Scouts may speak over the air themselves; in others, special permission can be obtained for Scouts to speak on the radio themselves during the JOTA-JOTI weekend.
Where Scouts are not allowed to speak over the air, the licensed operator will have to make the contacts. If the operator is not a Scout or leader, they will need a special briefing about Scouting and your group. The operator should be able to talk about Scouting in your local area and be able to have friendly and informative exchanges on behalf of the present Scouts.
The Scouts can help briefing the operator and telling him the sort of things they would like to find out from other Scouts.
Be sure that any amateur radio operator, or other external supporter, is aware of your safeguarding / child protection policies for the event.
Read about BE SAFE during JOTA-JOTI and LISTENING EAR support at https://www.jotajoti.info/be-safe
The Amateur Radio Code of Conduct is a set of basic principles that should govern our conduct during amateur radio operations:
- Social feeling, Feeling of brotherhood/sisterhood, Brotherly/sisterly spirit: Large numbers of us are all playing amateur radio on the same airwaves (our playing field). We are never alone. All other amateur radio operators are our colleagues, our brothers and sisters, our friends. Act accordingly. Always be considerate.
- Tolerance: Not all amateur radio operators necessarily share your opinions, and your opinions may also not be the best ones. You shall understand there are other people with different opinions on a given subject. Be tolerant. This world is not for you exclusively.
- Politeness: Never use rude language or abusive words on the bands. Such behavior says nothing about the person it is addressed to, but a lot about the person behaving that way. Keep yourself under control at all times.
- Comprehension: Please understand that not everyone is as smart, as professional or as much an expert as you. If you want to do something about it, act positively (how can I help, how can I correct, how can I teach) rather than negatively (cursing, insulting etc.).
Amateurs Radio Operators are:
- Considerate: they never deliberately operate in such a way to reduce the pleasure of others.
- Loyal: they offer loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateur radio operators, local clubs, the IARU Radio Society in their country, through which amateur radio in their country is represented nationally and internationally.
- Progressive: they keep their amateur radio station up to date. It is well-built and efficient. Their operating practice is above reproach.
- Friendly: they operate slowly and patiently when requested; offers friendly advice and counsel to the beginner; kind assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the marks of the amateur radio spirit.
- Balanced: amateur radio is a hobby, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.
- Patriotic: their amateur radio station and skills are always ready for service to country and community.
For more please read: Ethics and operation procedures for the Radio Amateurs (Edition 3, 2010)