What is it?

Want to meet Scouts from around the world without leaving Mercer County?  Interested in high tech wireless, computers or telecommunications?  Then the international Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) is for you!  Every third Saturday of October, Amateur Radio ("Ham") operators around the world help Scouts meet each other without leaving home.  In our area, the hams of the Delaware Valley Radio Association (DVRA) hold an open house for Boy Scouts, Cubs, and Girl Scouts at their building at Mercer County Airport that Saturday from 9 AM to 3PM.  There are no fees involved and it’s a lot of fun!

Scouts who attend can earn a patch, just like those from a regular jamboree, and it counts as an international Scouting event.  JOTA patches can be purchased for $4.00 each by their home unit from BSA National HQ’s International Division, S221, Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.  See the attached flyer for details.

In addition, Boy Scouts can earn 2 requirements for Radio Merit Badge and 9B for Citizenship in the World Merit Badge. You’ll also see how easy it now is to get your Amateur Radio License.   Adults and Girl Scouts are welcome to participate as well!

How to participate

Each Scout talks for about five minutes over the radio. They also get to listen to the other Scouts talk, get a tour of the radio station and an explanation of very basic radio theory.   If you’re bringing more than ten Scouts, consider bringing them at different times during the day so they can get more personalized attention. 

How to get there

The DVRA radio station is immediately adjacent to I-95 Exit 2 at Mercer County Airport in Ewing Township.  Head south on Rte 579 and immediately turn east into the short road marked NJ Dept of Transportation before you get to the airport entrance.  If lost, look for all the radio antennas across the street from the Ewing Water Tower! 

Preparation

Unit leaders should remind their Scouts that they’re guests of the DVRA. Scouts should simulate talking over a radio beforehand.  This means only one person talks at a time and the second person can’t talk until the first person says “over”.  Also, think about what questions you might ask a Scout from another country. Things to ask about might include the weather and time in the other parts of the world, sports, hobbies and what they’ve been doing in Scouting.  Also check out the Radio MB pamphlet and the web sites listed below for more info and ideas.

Web Sites to check out:

To learn more about Amateur Radio and how to get a ham license, check out http://www.wedothat-radio.org/

To learn more about JOTA and how your unit leader can order patches, see the attached flyer from BSA National Headquarters.

To learn what else you need to know for Radio Merit Badge, check out: http://k2gw.tripod.com/onlineradiomeritbadge/

Yours in Scouting,

Gary Wilson, K2GW

Radio Merit Badge Counselor

Home: 609-890-3370                            

E-Mail:  k2gw@arrl.net