Scouting is a global movement. Toward the end of every year, Scouts from around the world can connect for a few days of camaraderie and fun.
During the third weekend of October, Scouts from more than 160 countries turn on a ham radio or log in online to join the largest Scouting event in the world: Jamboree-on-the-Air and Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTA-JOTI).
This year’s events will be Oct. 16-18, with activities available around the clock.
It’s a great way for Scouts to learn about different cultures, communication practices and what Scouting is like on a global scale. Here are five reasons we love JOTA-JOTI:
1. It’s the largest Scouting event in the world, like a jamboree that you can attend from home. Last year, about 2 million Scouts did just that, either connecting via ham radio in the JOTA or logging on for the JOTI. The World Organization of the Scout Movement, which hosts the events and which Scouting America is a part of (that’s what the purple patch on your uniform represents), is the only youth organization to connect young people on this scale.
2. Valuable life lessons are built into the event. Before connecting, participants take a safety pledge. For the JOTI, they take an online course on how to be safe online. For the JOTA, licensed operators supervise the youth when using a ham radio. Learning these safety principles instruct youth on how to safely and responsibly use these communication tools in the future. Participants also build confidence by connecting with others who have different backgrounds and customs.
3. The Minecraft camp is pretty awesome. Participants can explore the virtual activity hub, where they can play games, try interactive challenges and party on at the celebration arena, which will highlight music, live shows and performances. One of the activities includes logging on to the JOTA-JOTI Minecraft hub server. There, players can interact with Scouts from around the world by building their own Scout camps and visiting the Kandersteg International Scout Centre, the famous Switzerland Scouting center recreated in the game.
4. Your Scouts can get a cool patch! You can visit the Scout Shop and order a patch commemorating your Scouts’ participation in this year’s event. Your Scout can also earn digital badges by completing JOTA-JOTI challenges and tracking their progress with ScoutPass, a digital achievement wallet.
5. Following along is fun too. You can keep up with all the JOTA-JOTI activities by following Scouting America’s JOTA-JOTI social media accounts. One of the latest additions to the JOTA-JOTI Live schedule: NASA astronaut and Distinguished Eagle Scout Mike Fossum will be speaking about the International Space Station. He’ll be interviewed by fellow Eagle Scout JD Shaw on Oct.17 from 5 to 6 p.m. CT.
How to connect
Because this is a global event, you’ll need to register on World Scouting’s JOTA-JOTI website. You’ll also need to have a World Scouting username and password different from your Scouting America credentials.
The website also provides ways to sign up for video calls and chatrooms. Click here to review safety rules and codes of conduct.
Quick links
For more resources on the event, check these links:
- JOTA-JOTI website
- JOTI Activity Hub
- JOTA-JOTI participant directory
- JOTA-JOTI safety rules and codes of conduct
- JOTA-JOTI live shows
- JOTA-JOTI program in a box
- Scouting America resources, including fact sheets, brochures and guides
During JOTA-JOTI, you can share your experience on social media using these hashtags: #JOTAJOTI or #JOTAJOTI_USA or #JOTI_USA
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