Jamboree On The Air – Jamboree On The Internet or JOTA JOTI is the largest Scouting event in the World with over 1.3 million Scouts participating across 150+ countries. Scouts and Guides across the World connect with each other during JOTA JOTI using the Airwaves and the Internet. The event has been held on the third weekend of October since 1957.

This year during the JOTA JOTI weekend – 19^th to 21^st October 2018, we helped the 1^st Baa Atoll Scout Group – Dharavandhoo School Scouts to experience JOTA JOTI. Especially to setup a Radio Station apart from the usual Internet setup. The 1^st Baa Scout Group consists of both Cub Scouts and Scouts – about 50 Cubs, 40 Scouts and 7 Adult Leaders.

18^th Thursday:

In the evening, we had a general meeting with the Scouts and their Parents, to explain the Program for the weekend. Since it’s near the end of the academic year and they are preparing for the final exams, we were able to use weekend – Friday and Saturday only. We used the Computer Lab of the School since its internet ready. They had about 20 computer systems so we asked the Scouts to bring their own laptops and tablets so that all could experience the event.

As for the JOTA Station, we setup a space in the Lab and fixed the Antennas on the other side of the Lab – in the School ground.

19^th Friday:

Morning, we did the main setup work and, in the afternoon, we had the Opening Ceremony. Followed by an information session about JOTA JOTI as most of the Scout are new to this. Even thought its their first time, they learned quickly and pretty soon they were collecting JIDs and other information on their own. The main problem we faced was slow internet.

20^th Saturday:

We started in the morning and in the afternoon, we invited the Cub Scouts to experience the Jamboree with the Scouts. While the Cubs were with us, we were able to do some Skype video sessions with other Scouts – mainly with Capital City.

Highlights of the Event:

• JOTA JOTI information session
• Scouts got the opportunity to physically involve in the setup of Radio Station, especially assembling the Antennas and hoisting it as well.
• Radio Station – equipment information and its use
• JOTA JOTI 2018 contests – quiz ets
• Video call/ Skype calls
• Inviting Cub Scouts to experience the event with Scouts

Some useful links:
JOTA JOTI information (MARS): https://www.marsmv.org/jota-joti-maldives/
Some Photos of the event: https://www.marsmv.org/dt_gallery/2018-jota-joti-dharavandhoo-school/
JOTA JOTI official website: https://www.jotajoti.info/
World Scout website: https://www.scout.org/
Maldives Scout Association: https://scout.mv/

73 🙂