A Global Scouting Adventure You Can Join
Each year, over a million Scouts and Guides from more than 170 countries around the world take part in something really special: JOTA-JOTI (Jamboree on the Air & Jamboree on the Internet). It’s a weekend of radio, internet, and friendship — all happening in October — where young people connect with their peers across the globe without ever leaving home.
What is JOTA-JOTI?
- JOTA: Scouts use amateur radio to talk to other Scouts over the airwaves. It’s an old-skool, kool, hands-on way of learning about radio, technology, Morse code, and communicating without the internet — a skill that is vital in times of natural disasters and emergencies.
- JOTI: Scouts connect over the Internet — using chat rooms, video calls, forums, and other online tools. It’s a digital jamboree where Scouts share stories, cultures, games, and make new friends.
How to Get Involved
If you’re part of a Scout, Guide, or youth group, here are easy ways to join in:
- Register on the official site
Go to jotajoti.info and register your group (or as an individual if needed). Registration gives you access to programme resources, challenges, badges, and helps you receive updates so you can plan what you’ll do during the event. - Check out available activities and plan a program
Once you’ve registered, explore the “Activity Hub” or “Challenges” on the site. There are lots of different options: online games, sustainability challenges, activities that help Scouts learn about other cultures, communication skills, and more. Pick a few that appeal to your group. - Join in with already registered groups
Use the Scout Group Directory on the JOTA-JOTI site to find other local or national groups that have already signed up. Reach out to them — sometimes they share programme ideas or invite you to link up for joint online sessions. It’s a great way to get started if you’re new to JOTA-JOTI.
What’s Happening This Year (Ireland)
- JOTA-JOTI will run 17–19 October 2025 globally.
- Many groups and individual Guides and Scouts will take part from their Dens or homes.
- There’ll be at least three camps in Cork, Dublin, and Waterford, maybe more. These camps will be local hubs where Scouts can gather to take part together.
- These physical camps are great: they combine the digital/radio side with face-to-face Scouting fun, teamwork, outdoor skills, and the chance to meet other Scouts in person.
Why It’s Awesome
- You get to meet Scouts from other countries and cultures without needing to travel.
- It helps build communication skills, tech & radio skills, and awareness of global issues.
- It can count toward badges in many Scout programmes (International Badges, Global Issues, Communication, etc.)
- It’s flexible - your group can join online only, or combine a local camp/hub or ham radio club with the international events.
If your group isn’t yet registered, now is a perfect time. Go to jotajoti.info, register, pick a few activities, maybe contact a nearby group and plan something together, or plan your own event in Cork, Dublin, or Waterford. Let’s all connect, learn, and make friendships around the world and locally.
