by: C.W.Crist, W9IH

Early saturday moring, October 21 this year. several central Indiana Amateur
Radio operators got together to help scouts from the  CrossRoads Council
participate in the Jamboree On The Air event. Troop # 152 and the ham
helpers began their set up and radio operations in the hazy but warm climate
of the Conner Paririe Farms in Fishers Indiana.
The goal is to introduce young people (scouts) to amateur radio and the high
tech. future of communications, while having  FUN!
This year , thanks to Dick (K9SVB), Chuck (KA9DBM) & Don (K9YJW) 
Troop 152 advisors, JOTA operations was successful .

What is JOTA?

JOTA is an annual event in which Boy and Girl Scouts and Guides from all
over the world speak to each other by means of Amateur (ham) Radio.
Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared via radio waves.
Since 1958 when the first Jamboree-on-the-Air was held, millions of Scouts
have met each other through this event. Many contacts made during JOTA
have resulted in pen pals and links between Scout troops that have lasted
many years. 
With no restrictions on age or on the number of participants, and at little or
no expense, JOTA allows Scouts to contact each other by ham radio. The
radio stations are operated by licensed ham radio operators. Many Scouts
and leaders hold licenses and have their own stations, but the majority
participate in JOTA through stations operated by local radio clubs and
individual radio amateurs. Some operators use television or computer-linked
communications. 
JOTA is held the third weekend in October of each year. JOTA takes place
starting Saturday at 0001 hours local time to Sunday, 2359 hours local time,
though some activity continues over from Friday to Monday to take
advantage of long distance (DX) time differences. 

For more Information goto:  JOTA