JOTA and Radio Scouting

What is Radio Scouting?

Radio Scouting is a unique combination of amateur radio with the Scouting programme. Scouts study radio communication and electronics among other things and can earn a number of Radio Scouting-related badges like the Communicator Activity Badge which is the badge containing an amateur radio component.

To find out more visit the Radio Scouting UK website.

Jamboree on the Air

The highlight of the Radio Scouting year is Jamboree on the Air, or JOTA in which Scouts and Guides all over the world speak to each other by means of amateur radio contacts.

Started in 1957, it now involves approximately 600,000 Scouts and Guides, with the help of over 23,000 radio amateurs in over 100 countries.

JOTA takes place on the third full weekend of October each year, officially between 00.00 Saturday and 24.00 Sunday.

Scout Nets and more about JOTA

Scout Nets are weekly or monthly nets where scouts with amateur radio licences can exchange information on JOTA, Radio Scouting or scouting in general. More information can be found at https://radioscouting.uk/jota/

Usual Scout Net frequencies;

Band SSB (Phone) CW
80m 3.740 and 3.940* 3.590
40m 7.090 7.030
20m 14.290 14.070
17m 18.140 18.080
15m 21.360 21.140
12m 24.960 24.910
10m 28.990 28.190

UK Scout net is on Saturdays, 3.740 ± MHz at 09:00 local time. European Scout net is on Saturdays, 14.290MHz at 0930 GMT.

* USA only.

JOTA is organised by the Scout movement, supported by radio amateurs or clubs. Their aim is to bring Scouts around the world closer together, and to introduce them to the capabilities of amateur radio.

All amateur bands are used. Most stations use a special event or a club call, allowing the Scouts to pass greetings messages over the air. Participating JOTA stations should send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Amateur Radio Department at RSGB HQ if they wish to receive the JOTA information pack.

The interest fostered by JOTA and World Jamboree has spread and many Scout camps and campsites boast amateur radio facilities. Several countries have permanent Scout Headquarters stations—for example the World Scout Bureau in Geneva has the callsign HB9S and Gilwell Park in the UK operates under the callsign GB2GP.

Factsheets and further information about JOTA and other Scout Radio and electronics activities are available from:

The Scout Association
Gilwell Park
Chingford
London E4 7QW

Call 020 8524 5246 or see the Scout Association website.