JOTA Menu

Preparing for JOTA

You're absolutely right—talking on the radio for the first time, especially during something like JOTA (Jamboree on the Air), can feel a little intimidating. Practising ahead of time will really help. Here's a helpful list of open-ended conversation starters and follow-up questions you can use. These are designed to encourage full-sentence answers and keep the conversation flowing. Remember to say “over” when you finish speaking.

Radio Conversation Starters (with “Over”)

  1. What is your name and where are you from? Over.

    • Follow-up: What’s something interesting about your hometown? Over.

  2. What group or unit are you part of? Over.

    • Follow-up: What kinds of activities do you do with your group? Over.

  3. How did you first get involved in Guides or Scouting? Over.

    • Follow-up: What do you like most about being a Scout? Over.

  4. What’s one of your favourite Guiding or Scouting memories? Over.

    • Follow-up: Why is that moment special to you? Over.

  5. What kinds of badges or awards have you earned? Over.

    • Follow-up: Which one was the most fun or challenging to earn? Over.

  6. What do you like doing in your free time or as a hobby? Over.

    • Follow-up: How did you get started with that hobby? Over.

  7. Have you ever been to a jamboree or camp with Guides or Scouts from other countries? Over.

    • Follow-up: What was that experience like for you? Over.

  8. What is your favourite outdoor activity and why? Over.

    • Follow-up: Do you do that activity with your Scout group? Over.

  9. Can you tell me about a skill you learned in Guides or Scouting that you still use today? Over.

    • Follow-up: When was the last time you used that skill? Over.

  10. What are you looking forward to in Guiding or Scouting this year? Over.

    • Follow-up: Is there a specific event or trip you’re excited about? Over.

Practise Like This

  1. Pair up with another Guide or Scout.

  2. Take turns asking a question and finishing with “Over.”

  3. The other person answers with a full sentence and says “Over.” at the end.

  4. Try asking one or two follow-up questions on the same topic before switching.

 

 

Supervision during JOTA

Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) – Participant Guidelines

Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) is a unique opportunity for Guides and Scouts to use radio waves to communicate with others around the world. Greetings are exchanged, program ideas are swapped, and experiences are shared—while learning more about each other through the power of amateur radio.

Amateur Radio is a hobby enjoyed by a passionate group of licensed operators. These operators generously provide and set up the radio equipment for JOTA. They will do their best to establish contact with other JOTA radio stations. Once a connection is made, youth members will have the chance to speak directly with others at the distant station.

Important Notes for Leaders and Participants

  • Leaders must remain with their group members at all times when youth are present at the radio station or involved in any JOTA activity.

  • Leaders are responsible for supervising behavior and ensuring a respectful, safe environment for all participants.

  • Youth supervision is not the responsibility of amateur radio operators.

  • Leaders should help youth prepare suitable open-ended questions (not just yes/no) to encourage meaningful conversations.

  • Only one person may speak at a time during a radio conversation. Practise saying “Over” at the end of each sentence to signal that the other person can speak.

Key Reminders for Youth Participants

  • Be polite and patient—radio communication can be slow and takes turns.

  • Use full sentences and ask thoughtful questions.

  • Always say “Over” when you finish speaking.

  • Be respectful of the equipment and the time given by radio operators.

  • Enjoy the chance to connect with Scouts and Guides from all over the world!