JOTA is out of this world

This year’s JOTA event at Greenock & District Scouts Headquarters reached new heights. The Amateur Radio Group were joined by Beavers from the 10th and 70th Groups.

The young people participated in a variety of radio related activities and some also completed their Explore and Communicator Badges.
In addition the 70th were enthralled by the contact between the 1st Radford Semele Scout Group in Radford Semele, UK and the International Space Station (ISS) which was arranged by the ARISS Group.

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) inspires students, worldwide, to pursue interests and  careers in science, technology, engineering and maths through amateur radio communications opportunities with the International Space Station (ISS) on-orbit crew. 

The Beavers were able to listen in to astronaut Jonny Kim, Amateur Radio callsign KJ5HKP, who operated the amateur radio station call sign NA1SS aboard the ISS and called the radio amateur ground station call sign GB4RSS in the United Kingdom.  Jonny described life on the Space Station and then moved on to some insightful questions posed by the Scouts with his equally insightful answers.

We all had a wonderful time, our Beavers had fun playing the games and completing the badge work while we all learned much more about the International Space Station and what life is like for the astronauts aboard.

Photographs to follow.

By ionosphere Posted in News

Join us for JOTA/JOTI 2025

Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA), now often combined with Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI), will take place from Friday, October 17 to Sunday, October 19, 2025. This annual event, organized by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), connects millions of Scouts worldwide via amateur radio and the internet to promote global citizenship, cultural awareness, and friendship.

What is JOTA-JOTI?

  • Radio and Digital Event: 
    It’s the world’s largest radio and digital Scout event, bringing Scouts from over 170 countries together. 
  • Global Connection: 
    Participants make new international friends, explore different cultures, and experience Scouting activities from around the world. 
  • Skill Development: 
    Scouts learn and practice internet and amateur radio communication skills, fostering teamwork and collaboration. 
  • Yearly Tradition: 
    The event takes place every October on the third full weekend. 

How to participate in 2025

  1. Sign up for a slot with us at Headquarters:
    We will be operating on the 18th and 19th October 2025 from 10.00 until 16.00 on the Saturday and 10.00 until 1400 on the Sunday. (All times local).
    The format will be informal with fun games to play, the opportunity to speak with other Scouts using Amateur Radio and take part in the Jamboree on the Internet, which will be running in parallel with the other activities.
    Reach out to your leader or group to find out about participation opportunities. 

    To book a time slot for yourself or your group please email us at:
    mm0tsg@gmail.com
    Places will be offered on a ‘1st come 1st served’ basis with 1-hour slots from 10am – 3pm on Saturday and 10am -1pm on Sunday.

    Leaders must be present with their group and spaces are limited to about 12 per hour.
  2. Visit the official website: 
    Stay updated on registration and new activities by visiting the JOTA-JOTI website.
    https://www.jotajoti.info/
  3. Explore the Activity Hub: 
    Find a variety of online activities and experiences on the JOTA-JOTI website. 
  4. Learn from the Guide: 
    Read the official JOTA-JOTI Guide for essential tips on staying safe and making the most of the event.
  5. Volunteer:
    We also provide opportunities to volunteer for the event. Why not come along and see for yourself?

The Official JOTA/JOTI Chat Room

It wouldn’t be a JOTA-JOTI camp without the chance to make new friends — and this one is no different You can join the conversation by visiting the Chat Room on the JOTA-JOTI Activity Hub, where you’ll find a variety of chat rooms to connect with young people from all over the world

Please note: For your safety and the safety of others, all chat rooms are monitored by trained moderators.

Beaver Day 2025

Radio Club members spent a wonderful day in the company of Greenock and District Beavers on Saturday 10th May.

The Beavers enjoyed the opportunity to converse with one of our Scouts over the radio, helping him with his survey to find the most popular biscuit, which, if you are interested, turned out be Oreo.
Also on offer were our ever-popular radio related games and “walkie talkies”
All in all, everyone had a great day in the glorious sunshine.
We would like to thank the organisers for including us in this special day and look forward to next year.

By ionosphere Posted in News

Radio fun at the Coppermine


The Radio team visited the 1st Gourock Cubs at their Coppermine base to assist them in completing the Cub Communicator Badge.
Over two evenings the Cubs spoke to other Scouts over the Radio and participated in a number of radio related games.
Since the weather was kind to us i.e. the sun was shining, they were able to join in a range of outdoor games, including a Morse Code wide game and a Phonetic Alphabet Race.
A most enjoyable and energetic time was had by all.  

By ionosphere Posted in News