What is it?

We'll be participating in Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI), which is where youth connect from all over the world on internet resources. For our event, we've chosen to focus on the worldwide, Scout-run, Minecraft servers. These servers are adult-supervised and offer a number of fun challenges for Minecraft players to tackle. They are compatible with laptops (Java edition) and mobile devices (Bedrock edition) running Minecraft; they are not compatible with Nintendo Switch devices.

In parallel, we'll also be participating in Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, which is the largest Scouting event in the world. It is held annually the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. Last year we talked to scouts in Portugal and the UK, as well as several in the US. Let's see who we reach this year!

Who can participate?

This event is open to ALL YOUTH! We welcome non-scouts as well as Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts and Explorer Scouts from San Francisco and beyond, including those in other Councils. 

The Radio Merit Badge is available to Scouts BSA (those who are over age 11 and are members of a Scouts BSA Troop).

New for 2026: We will be offering the Journalism Merit Badge to Scouts BSA (age 11+ who are members of a Scouts BSA Troop).

Want to help / volunteer?

Youth are eligible to earn service hours for helping younger scouts with Minecraft (subject to Scoutmaster approval). Use the "Volunteer" option in registration to sign up. There is one volunteers shift (9am-12:30pm) available but if you need different hours, please contact Paul Lanzi (ggd.commissioner@gmail.com); youth need to remeber to CC a second adult.

What will happen at this event?

Minecraft: Youth attendees who bring their laptop or iPad (not compatible with Nintendo Switch devices) with Minecraft already installed can log onto the world-wide Jamboree On the Internet Minecraft server. There are at least 2 Minecraft servers operated by international scouting groups that offer fun, scout-themed, activities during the day. We'll have 200mpbs internet access available for those that want to log on from our event. It's a great place to make friends! You will need to have your own copy of Minecraft Java Edition or Minecraft Bedrock Edition.

Talking on the radio: We will have several radio stations set up. Attendees can rotate between the stations, making contact with other JOTA friends across the USA and even across the world. The trained radio operators will be facilitating the communication, and attendees can record their "contacts" (the scouts they talk to). A huge THANK YOU to Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) for their assistance with this event.

Learning about the science of radio: The radio operators will be educating the youth attendees on how the radios work, and what allows us to make contact with others so far away.

Radio Merit Merit Badge: Scouts BSA members can complete the Radio Merit badge. The course begins at 9:30am and ends at 12:30pm and there is a $40 fee to cover the materials used in the course. One patch ($5 value) is also included for each Merit Badge participant. 

Journalism Merit Badge: New for this year! With thanks to KPIX for hosting us, we'll be offering the Journalism Merit Badge to Scouts BSA members. The course begins at 9:30am and ends at 12:30pm and there is a $20 fee to cover the materials used in the course. One patch ($5 value) is also included for each Merit Badge participant. 

It is not possible to do both the Radio and Journalism Merit Badges at this event.

What is the schedule?

Youth attendees can be signed up for 1 hour blocks, but are welcome to hang out after their time block ends. Non-scouts and Cub Scouts must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult; only registered Scouts BSA scouts, Sea Scout and Venture Scouts can be dropped off/picked up. The event ends at 12:30pm.

Where will this be?

KPIX will be hosting us in their Event Space, located at 825 Battery St, San Francisco CA. Enter through the stairs at 825 Battery St. Street parking is generally easy to find on the weekends along the neighboring streets; public transit is also available. The KPIX building is a short walk from the Embarcadero BART / MUNI station (all BART lines, and all MUNI Metro lines), and the #1, #12 and F-Market stop within a few blocks.

How much does it cost?

The event is FREE, and patches are available at registration time for $5 each. The patches are extremely cool and can be worn on the scout uniform as an activity patch. We will also sell the same patches at the event for $7, so it's $2 cheaper if you buy at registration time. Participants may purchase up to 5 patches.

The Radio Merit Badge fee is $40/scout to cover the cost of the materials used (and one patch is included). Scouts BSA scouts may purchase up to 4 additional patches for $5 each.

The Journalism Merit Badge fee is $20/scout to cover the cost of materials used (and one patch is included). Scouts BSA scouts may purchase up to 4 additional patches for $5 each.

Food?

We will not be providing food this year, however, you are welcome to explore the many nearby food options! Water will be available onsite.