Breaking Records and Building Friendships Across the Airwaves, Space and the Internet!
Each year, Scouts and Guides worldwide gather for the lar gest annual Scouting event, Jamboree on the Air – Jamboree on the Internet(JOTA-JOTI). This unique event brings together between 1 to 1.8 million Scouts and Guides from across the globe for a weekend of learning, cultural exchange, and friendship. Through the airwaves and internet, JOTA-JOTI fosters global citizenship, education, and adventure in an unforgettable experience for young people.
This year, Irish participation reached new heights literally from space and on earth with more Scout groups than ever taking part. It was great to see the event in the national calendar and no doubt this contributed to forty Irish scout groups participating. Notably, at least four multi-group JOTA-JOTI camps were held across the country. This allowed scouts to connect not only with fellow Irish Scouts and guides but also with new Scouting, Guide and Ham friends around the world.
This year for the 1st time ever we also entered the realm of space and satellite communications with EIRSAT-1 the 1st Irish Satellite beaming the message “CQ Jamboree fromEI0RSI” to earth and the Collective Communications Ham radio club in Waterford who set up communication around the world for the Waterford scout groups via the Ham radio satellite QO-100.
Growing Interest in Radio Scouting
In 2021,approximately 8 Scout groups participated in JOTA-JOTI, rising to 12 in 2022,17 in 2023, and an impressive 40 in 2024! This growth highlights the increasing appeal of Radio Scouting activities, which combine technical skills with the fun and personal development aspects of Scouting. Radio Scouting Ireland is thrilled to be part of this growth story over the last few years.
So a big shout-out to Scouting Ireland, the Irish Radio Transmitter Society, all the Scouters, Rovers, Ventures and radio clubs who supported participation in JOTA-JOTI and other events like Founders Day in Lough Dan, the Ukrainian Youth Integration Day in Larch Hill, and the re-opening of Castle Sanderson this year. None of these events would be possible without the enthusiasm, generosity, and support of scout groups and great clubs and supporters around the country like, The EIRSAT-1 team, Echo India DX Group, North Dublin Radio Club, Collective Communications, Shannon Basin Radio Club, 5th Mayo Radio Club, South East Amateur Radio Group, Westnet DX Group, Patriot Radio Club Cork, and, last but not least, Radio Scouting Ireland itself! Sincere apologies if we missed any club; if we did, please let us know!
An Example Camp
One of the biggest JOTA-JOTI camps in Ireland was hosted by 10th Kilternan at Jollylands Farm, in its fourth year and bringing together six Scout groups with all sections from Beavers to Rovers represented. This fun- packed weekend saw 279 participants making 289 contacts with Scouts and Guides worldwide, from all over Europe including Ukraine, Poland, the Middle East, North and South America, , and as far away as Australia and New Zealand. Ireland's Scouts connected with friends across continents, sharing stories and learning about life in other cultures. The 10th Kilternan team were delighted to be honoured with visits from none other than Calzer our New Chief Scout, Sean Sheehan our new CEO and Richie Ford our new Chairperson.
Some stats from the Jollylands camp:
· 6 Scout Groups: 10th Kilternan, 17th Dalkey, 125th Old Bawn, 137th Ballally, 62ndKilmacud, and 71st Kilmacud
· 279 participants: 5 Rovers, 32 Ventures, 87 Scouts, 81 Cubs, 37 Beavers, and 37 Scouters
· 289 contacts with Scouts worldwide, including connections to the Middle East, Ukraine, the U.S., Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe
· 2,208 meals prepared and served by an amazing kitchen team—the real heroes of the camp!
· Beautiful Day and night hikes Leadmines and Ballycorus and very memorable Campfire to end the weekend on a high note (I am a mango ;-),with great singalongs to bring everyone together
· 10 activity bases including traditional Scouting bases like Emergencies and Pioneering, as well as more science/tech-based ones like Cybersecurity, Ham Radio, Morse Code, Walkie Talkies, and Rockets.
It would be impossible to do justice to all the amazing events around the country, but we hope this sample of photo’s from the great JOTA-JOTI events around the country gives you a feel for the fun had!
Seeking New Volunteers with a Passion for Radio and Technology
With the rising interest in Radio Scouting activities, the Radio Scouting Team is currently stretched to its limits. To meet the growing demand, we are seeking Scouters with technical, engineering, or physics backgrounds, or licensed amateur radio operators, who are interested in supporting Scout groups.
Get Involved Anytime– Resources Available Year-Round
Check out the Radio Scouting Ireland webpage for a wealth of resources and activities that Scout groups can enjoy throughout the year: radioscouting.ie/resources.
