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Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)

What is JOTA?

When Scouts want to meet young people from another country, they usually think of attending a World Jamboree. But few people realize that each year more than a million Scouts and Guides "get together" over the airwaves for the annual Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA). During the 2023 event, worldwide Scouting participation included 1.1 million Boy Scouts and 200,000 Girl Guides/Gils Scouts, for a total participation of over 1.3 million--the largest Scouting event in the world.

Modern technology offers Scouts the exciting opportunity to make friends in other countries without leaving home. JOTA is an annual event in which Boy and Girl Scouts and Guides from all over the world speak to each other by means of Amateur (ham) Radio. Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared via radio waves. Since 1958 when the first Jamboree-on-the-Air was held, millions of Scouts have met each other through this event. Many contacts made during JOTA have resulted in pen pals and links between Scout troops that have lasted many years. With no restrictions on age or on the number of participants, and at little or no expense, JOTA allows Scouts to contact each other by ham radio. The radio stations are operated by licensed amateur radio operators. Many Scouts and leaders hold licenses and have their own stations, but the majority participate in JOTA through stations operated by local radio clubs and individual radio amateurs. Some operators use television or computer-linked communications.

JOTA FAQ

  • When does JOTA happen?-

    Jamboree-on-the-Air is held the third weekend in October. A change in policy from previous years, there is no set time for the start or end. Since it isn’t a contest, there’s no designating starting point. When your station is ready to go, get on the air and make contacts. You'll have the whole weekend!

     

  • How do we take part?+

  • Licensing Regulations that Apply+

  • JOTA Rules+

  • BSA JOTA /JOTI Resources and Information+

  • Scout Station Call Signs+

  • ARRL JOTA Story Page+

  • JOTA Program Activities+

  • World Scout Frequencies+

  • European JOTA Frequencies+

  • What is JOTI?+

  • Patches+

  • Certificates of Participation and Contact Logs+

  • Information Handouts+

  • World Scout Bureau+

  • Register your JOTA activity!+

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