If you ever need proof that Scouting can be local and global at the same time — this is it.
A brilliant 169 young people took part in the annual JOTA-JOTI weekend at Cherry Garth Campsite, bringing together Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers for a weekend packed with communication, curiosity, and a proper taste of worldwide Scouting.
What is JOTA-JOTI?
JOTA-JOTI stands for Jamboree On The Air and Jamboree On The Internet. It’s a worldwide Scouting event that connects Scouts through radio and online activities — giving young people the chance to talk, play, learn, and share experiences with other Scouts across the globe.
In simple terms: it’s like a worldwide Scout meet-up… but through radios, computers and the internet. 📻📡
A weekend of radio, internet games and global connections
Throughout the weekend, young people got involved in:
- radio communication (learning how to use equipment, call out clearly, and work as a team)
- internet games and online sessions (meeting Scouts from other countries and taking part in international activities)
- team challenges that tested listening, problem-solving and confidence
And they absolutely loved it.
Scouts we met from around the world
One of the best parts of JOTA-JOTI is the people you meet. This year, we chatted with Scouts from all over — including:
🇻🇪 Venezuela
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇨🇦 Canada
🇳🇱 The Netherlands
🇮🇩 Indonesia
🇦🇺 Australia
…plus plenty more lovely folk along the way. It’s hard not to feel part of something bigger when you’re swapping stories with someone on the other side of the world — while sat at Cherry Garth with a mug of something warm in your hands.
Skills learned (without it feeling like “learning”)
JOTA-JOTI weekends are brilliant because the skills come naturally. Young people were practising:
- communication (speaking clearly, listening carefully, taking turns)
- confidence (trying something new, talking to new people)
- teamwork (working together on tasks and equipment)
- tech and digital skills (online sessions, safe participation, problem-solving)
- curiosity and respect (learning about other countries and cultures)
And maybe the biggest skill of all: realising that Scouting is one big worldwide family.
Part of the world-wide family of Scouting
Events like this are a reminder that Scouting isn’t just what happens in your local meeting place — it’s a global movement. For many young people, this weekend is their first real moment of thinking, “Wow… there are Scouts everywhere.”
A huge well done to everyone who took part, and a big thank you to the volunteers who made the weekend possible — from organising activities to supporting the comms and online sessions.
Bring on the next adventure. 🌎📻📡
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