Did you know that the Boy Scouts of America is part of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM)? The WOSM is the largest Scouting organization in the world, with 170+ member organizations and over 50 million Scouts!  The Boy Scouts of America is proud to help Scouts and Leaders experience the bigger picture of Scouting and connect them with the WOSM. That is why we are hosting the 1st-ever International Merit Badge & Award Skill Center!

Join us Oct. 15-17 at the Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation for a one-of-a-kind experience.  At this International Scouting event, Scouts will earn Merit Badges focused on international affairs and work on International Scouting Awards!  Checkout the different awards that Scouts from the BSA can earn and display on their uniforms. In addition to working on advancements, Scouts will get to participate in the Jamboree on the Air and the Jamboree on the Internet. Read below to learn more:

What is Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)?

Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, 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. This jamboree requires no travel, other than to a nearby amateur radio operator’s ham shack. Many times you can find the hams will come to you by setting up a station at your Scout camporee, at the park down the block, or perhaps at a ham shack already set up at your council’s camp.

Scouts of any age can participate, from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts and Venturers, including girls. Once at the ham radio station, the communication typically involves talking on a microphone and listening on the station speakers. However, many forms of specialized communication may also be taking place, such as video communication, digital communication (much like sending a message on your smartphone but transmitted by radio), or communication through a satellite relay or an earth-based relay (called a repeater). The exchanges include such information as name, location (called QTH in ham speak), Scout rank, age, and hobbies. The stations you’ll be communicating with can be across town, across the country, or even around the world! The World Scout Bureau reported that the 2017 JOTA-JOTI had over 1.5 million Scout participants from more than 160 countries.

What is Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI)?

Jamboree-on-the-Internet, or JOTI, is an annual international Scouting event sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Each year, during the third weekend in October, Scouts from around the world gather online to learn about other cultures and the activities in which other Scouts participate. They communicate with each other using Internet-enabled devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Last year, JOTA-JOTI had over 1.5 million Scouts and leaders participate in more than 160 countries!

Scouts of any age can take part, from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts and Venturers. Scouts can participate at home with the help of an adult, or they can participate in a Scout group at a council event. JOTI is an economical way to participate in an international jamboree. The event allows Scouts to “meet” other Scouts from around the world through the Internet and share more information than just “Hi.” The exchanges can include such information as name, location of event, Scout rank, age, and hobbies. Some exchanges lead to long-lasting friendships. JOTI participation fulfills requirements for Tiger and Arrow of Light adventures, the Citizenship in the World merit badge, and the International Spirit Award.

Basic Event Information:

When: Oct. 15-17, 2021

Who: Scouts BSA & Adults

Where: Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation (525 Camp Hohn Dr Gravois Mills, MO 65037)

Cost: $35 per Scout (cost includes all program, lunch & dinner Saturday, breakfast Sunday, and a special JOTA and JOTI patch, and a Messenger of Peace Patch) and $20 per Adult

Camping: camping is available Friday and Saturday evening.

Program Overview:

We will be offering the Citizenship in the World, Soil & Water Conservation, & Radio (hands-on portion only) Merit Badges, & the World Conservation Award Project.  In between classes, Scouts will also get the opportunity to participate in the Jamboree on the Air and the Jamboree on the Internet. All Scouts and Scouters will also have the chance to earn the Messenger of Peace Award and the International Spirit Award. Scouts can choose to participate in as many activites as they would like. Program will be all-day Saturday and Sunday morning.

Citizenship in the World - prerequisites: none

Soil & Water Conservation - prerequisites: none

Radio - prerequistes: will be announced soon

World Conservation Award - prerequistes: earn either the Sustainability or Environmental Science Merit Badge