With just over 1 month to go until the biggest Scouting event in the world, here is what you need to know! If you have any more questions, join Leani Khan at our upcoming Campfire Chat on 25 September @19h on Teams. Find our more here!

When is JOTA-JOTI?

JOTA-JOTI takes place from 18 to 20 October over the airwaves and online.

What is JOTA JOTI

JOTA JOTI, the world’s largest digital Scout event and brings together more than 2 million Scouts every year for a weekend of Scouting and friendship. Young people can learn about communication technology and connect with fellow Scouts from over 174 countries. People join by registering and can either participate through amateur radio or through online chats.

 The theme for JOTA-JOTI 2024 is “Scouts for a Greener World” and is centered on the idea of supporting young people to connect to each other and to nature throughout the event while making a commitment to sustainability. The theme reinforces the importance of collective action and youth leadership in addressing pressing environmental challenge and serves as a call to action for Scouts to champion sustainability and strive towards creating a healthier and more resilient planet for future generations. #Wellness #scouts4sdgs #SDG2 #SDG6 #SDG7 #SDG11 #SDG12 #SDG13 #SDG14 #SDG15 #SDG17.

How to join & what you need?

It’s not difficult to setup an event at your Scout Hall. All you need is a couple of Cubs, Scouts and a Scouter or two to organize the weekend. It’s a great opportunity to have Pack and Troop working together. Run a badge or two over the weekend and take part in the International games and competitions. No need to run the entire weekend either; you choose what days to run according to your Group’s schedule. The busiest times are on the Saturday. Get more details here!

There are two ways of joining the event:

1. Amateur radio: There are plenty of ham radio operators around the country to assist, but it needs to be arranged well in advance. Contact SSA’s National JOTA JOTI Coordinator, Richard Hooper, for assistance: Richard.Hooper@scouts.org.za
2. Online chat: There are several official platforms available.
   • Rocket Chat
   • Scoutlink, or their Minecraft server
   • The directory (available if you’re registered) lists Scout Groups from around the world, for instance to arrange video calls.
   • Other options are organised by various Scout individuals, but keep in mind that online safety is a priority. Be sure to check it out beforehand, establish their credentials, and find out what safety measures they have in place.

Registrations are open!

Registration has now opened. You can register yourselves or your Scout Group on https://www.jotajoti.info/

Safe from Harm

WOSM offers a short course about online safety, which is recommended for everyone who participates:

• Teenagers can complete Safe from Harm 3: Being Safe Online,
• while adult leaders should take Safe from Harm 3b: Being Safe Online for Adults in Scouting (with an extra module about your responsibility as an adult).

JOTA JOTI Badges

This year we have tweaked our JOTA JOTI badges to include SCOUTS SA, making this a true collectible! Badges will be available for purchase just after the event from SCOUTS SA’s online and national shops @R20 a badge.