Jamboree on the Air 2020

Jamboree on the Air 20th Oct 2020

Jamboree on the air (JOTA) was a challenge this year as face to face meeting requires social distancing and we definitely couldn’t share a microphone!
Being a resourceful group of leaders a solution was found that let beavers, cubs and scouts access to both the information and radio operating experience that we have regularly provided.
Zoom calls were set up allowing groups with adult leaders supervising their Scouts to join the usual JOTA team for an informative presentation based around satellites and their use for amateur radio communications. An opportunity to pass a greetings message by amateur radio was provided by linking the zoom call to the radio transmitter giving Scouts the usual opportunity to speak with radio amateurs across the country.
There was a live decoding of data and images sent from both the FUNcube, a 100mm square satellite which continually transmits to both schools and amateur radio operators and from the International Space Station.
The special event callsign GB0LS was used by both Brendan Owen the main organiser for the weekends activities and his son John. They made contacts into around 20 different countries both across Europe including a long chat with the International Commissioner for Malta and as far afield as Brazil.
Jamboree on the Internet was also explained. This gives any Scout with an internet connection the opportunity to chat with Scouts from around the world by text in a safe moderated environment.
Thanks go to Janet Owen, Nick Jarman, Roger Swan and Mark Chamberlain for their help over the weekend.
Luton`s District Commissioners commented on how pleased they were that the event was carried out given such challenging circumstances.

Mark Chamberlain