Radio Merit Badge at Jamboree-on-the-Air 2023

Who: Scouts BSA members

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 operators ham shack. The World Scout Bureau reported that the 2017 JOTA-JOTI had over 1.5 million Scout participants from more than 160 countries.

During the sessions Scouts will have the opportunity to earn the Radio Merit Badge.

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

When: Saturday, October 21st, 2023

2 sessions  (Only one session is required to earn the Radio Merit Badge)

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Why: This is a great event to introduce Scouts to the radio hobby. Scouts will also have the opportunity to earn the Radio Merit Badge.

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!

***The below pre-requisite must be completed and presented in order to earn a full complete on this merit badge.***

Pre-Requisite: 8. Find out about three career opportunities in radio. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.

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

• Scout uniform is encouraged but not required.
• Scouts are asked to come prepared with a Scoutmaster signed blue card.
• Registered participants will receive a JOTA 2023 patch.
• Scouts must provide their own snacks, and or meals.