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 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 Germany, Austria 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).

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 (8am-1pm) 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 3 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!

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 Badge: Scouts BSA members can complete the Radio Merit badge. The course begins at 10:30am and ends at 1pm and there is a $25 fee to cover the materials used in the course. One patch ($5 value) is also included for each Merit Badge participant. 

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 1pm.

Where will this be?

The SFFD Union Local 798 and Troop 415 will be hosting us! The address is 325 Newhall St, San Francisco, CA 94124 and there is plenty of free street parking.  The radio stations will be setup in the building's front parking area. We'll also have tables and chairs set up for Minecraft stations inside.

How much does it cost?

The event is FREE, and patches are available at registration 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 $25/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.

SPECIAL BBQ LUNCH

Our host unit, Troop 415, will be running a BBQ at the event. They will be selling plates of BBQ for $10 (cash or the usual payment apps). BBQ lunch will be available from 11am to 12:30pm. Please support our host troop, Troop 415, by purchasing lunch!

To make sure we buy the right amount of food, please let us know if you'll be buying lunch by completing this quick survey.