Teaching youth how to respond to emergencies has always been at the core of the Scouting program. Today, along with learning skills such as CPR and first aid, Scouts worldwide are discovering that Ham Radio goes hand in hand with their motto, “Be Prepared.”
Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) is the largest Scouting event in the world. In 2017, more than 1.5 million Scouts from 160-plus countries participated by getting on the air and contacting fellow Scouts across town and around the world. The 2018 Jamboree-on-the-Air will take place October 19-21.
From existing or temporary stations, Scouts will be exchanging information such as name, location, Scouting rank, age and hobbies. Scouts of any age can participate, from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts and Venturers. In addition to JOTA, youth can earn a Radio Merit Badge through the Boy Scouts.
DX Engineering, a longtime supporter of Scouting’s participation in Amateur Radio, looks forward to another successful year of JOTA—a good sign that the future of Ham Radio is bright.
“It is always exciting to see so many young people discover the fun and usefulness of Ham Radio,” says Tim Duffy, K3LR, DX Engineering Chief Operating Officer. “JOTA gives participants—tomorrow’s enthusiasts and EMCOMM operators—their first taste of Ham Radio. For many, the magic of making those initial contacts will instill a lifelong love of the hobby.”
Need any last-minute upgrades for your stations in time for JOTA? DX Engineering is ready to help.
