Etowah Jamboree on the Air

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 "get together" over the airwaves for the annual Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA).

Modern technology offers Scouts the exciting opportunity to make friends in other countries without leaving home. JOTA is an annual event in which Scouts 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. The radio stations are operated by licensed amateur radio operators.

Scouts at any age can participate, from Cub Scouts, Scouts, BSA, and Venturers! Once at the ham radio station, the communication typically involves talking on a microphone and listening on the station speakers.

This event is like a radio "open house." There is no specific schedule or agenda - come and go as you please.

When: 9am - 1pm

Where:
Scoutland

3685 Looper Lake Road

Gainesville, GA 30506


Potential Advancements

Cub Scouts

  • Webelos and Arrow of Light Adventure Requirement: Building a Better World
    • 6C. Under the supervision of your parent, guardian, or den leader, connect with a Scout in another country during an event such as Jamboree on the Air or Jamboree on the Internet or by other means.
  • International Spirit Award
    • 4. Participate in Jamboree-on-the-Air or Jamboree-on-the Internet.

Scouts BSA

  • Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
    • 7C. Visit with a student or Scout from another country and discuss the typical values, holidays, ethnic foods, and traditions practiced or enjoyed there.
  • Radio Merit Badge
    • 7. Visit a radio installation (an amateur radio station, broadcast station, or public service communications center, for example) approved in advance by your counselor. Discuss what types of equipment you see in use, how it was used, why types of licenses are required to operate and maintain the equipment, and the purpose of the station.
  • International Spirit Award
    • 3. Participate in Jamboree-on-the-Air or Jamboree-on-the Internet.

Sea Scout, Venturer

  • International Spirit Award
    • 3. Participate in Jamboree-on-the-Air or Jamboree-on-the Internet.

General information

Local Radio Clubs

 

File Name Description
2024 Etowah Jamboree on the Air Flyer Download
ARRL What is Amateur Radio flyer What is amateur radio - American Radio Relay League Download
ARRL Youth flyer Why You Should Give Amateur Radio a Try - American Radio Relay League Download
International Spirit Award application Download
Jamboree-on-the-Air Fact Sheet for Scout Leaders Download