Jamboree-on-the-Air 2023

Who: Scouts of any age can participate, from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts and Venturers.

What: Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is the largest Scouting event in the world. It is held annually the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. This jamboree requires no travel, other than to a nearby amateur radio operator’s ham shack. The World Scout Bureau reported that the 2017 JOTA-JOTI had over 1.5 million Scout participants from more than 160 countries.

Where: Camp Norse - 112 Parting Ways Rd. Kingston, MA 02364

When: Friday October 20, 2023 - Sunday October 22, 2023

*** Time must be coordinated with location host to attend ***

Packs, Troops, Patrols, Crews, and individuals are not required to stay the weekend!

Why: This is a great event to introduce Scouts to the radio hobby.

How: Once at the ham radio station, the communication typically involves talking on a microphone and listening on the station speakers. However, many forms of specialized communication may also be taking place, such as video communication, digital communication (much like sending a message on your smartphone but transmitted by radio), or communication through a satellite relay or an earth-based relay (called a repeater). The exchanges include such information as name, location (called QTH in ham speak), Scout rank, age, and hobbies. The stations you’ll be communicating with can be across town, across the country, or even around the world!

Additionally Scouts BSA members can earn the Radio merit badge by registering here.

Registrants must coordinate a Pack, Troop, Patrol, Crew, or individual visit by communicating with the location host at each camp. Find the contact information for each host below. When registering please select the camp you plan to visit.

Adventure Base Camp - John Vecoli - john.vecoli@gmail.com - 401.556.1603

Camp Norse - Doug Belcher - dwbelcher@comcast.net - 781.248.7686

• Scout uniform is encouraged but not required.
• Registered participants will receive a patch.
• Scouts must provide their own snacks, and or meals.