JOTA-JOTI 2017

GIJoe and I went to the JOTI/JOTA event at Corf on Saturday.

Organiser Ali told us what it was all about: “Since 1957 Scouts have been making contact with other Scouts around the world using Short-wave radio in an event called 'Jamboree Of The Air'

“In 1996, computer technology brought in a revolution and the 'Jamboree Of The Internet' was introduced as well. GIJoe pointed out that the Mattinson Centre at Corf Campsite has internet access so it’s a great place for an internet event.

“Yes”, said Ali. “And we’ve asked 2 licenced Amateur Radio “Hams” from the Isle of Wight Amateur Radio Society to bring their radio equipment and run a radio station for us.

The instructor explained that although some amateur radio transmission is by voice, some uses the old original method of wireless communication - Morse Code. This is a series of short 'dots' and longer 'dashes', made by pressing a Morse Key.

Sid and GIJoe could just work the key by jumping up and down on it together.

Wight Rovers Media Team members Tim, Graham and Alan set up a couple of laptops with projectors so that everyone could see the Internet conversations in progress.

Of course, there are many other ways to send a message...semaphore...sign language.... pen and paper....

During JOTA/JOTI our Scouts were communicating with other Scouts all over the world so International Commissioner Malc was on hand to help. In front of him is Adam who's hoping to go to the next World Jamboree in 2019. Malc and his team were giving a show and tell about life in other countries including Iceland and Mexico.

A group of Scouts from 4th Bramhill were staying at Corf for the weekend. We invited them to join us for the day.

As if we needed an excuse for making Mexican Fajitas. Graham sorted out all the ingredients and cooking utensils.

James, V and MaC (with Hatty2) were on hand to help with Cooking......

while Sid and GIJoe were on hand to help with mixing the ingredients....

...which, of course. meant diving into the middle of the Fajitas to help mix it all up.

Vik was hungry. She made her fajitas so quickly that Sid didn't have time to jump out.

Fortunately Vik heard Sid shouting for help!

The Scouts (of all ages) enjoyed the JOTA/JOTI, which all counted as badgework, but they enjoyed the Fajitas more!