Hello Everybody!
We realize this is short notice for a lot of units, but after a series of planning delays and obstacles, we’re finally in a position to announce this event and thought we would move forward in the hope that we can provide some help to the scouting community in the East Trinity Trails district and surrounding areas.
This year, Rockwall Amateur Radio Club as well as the K5BSA Amateur Radio Society will be operating as K5BSA and hosting Jamboree On The Air on October 19th, 2019, starting at 10AM until 6PM (end time dependent upon interest). The event will take place at Harry Myers Park in Rockwall, Texas. We have obtained permission to use two mobile command centers: The Rockwall County Cities Readiness Initiative trailer as well as the Cisco Systems Emergency Response Vehicle (availability dependent on emergency deployment). These mobile stations will be outfitted with licensed radio operators and the tools necessary to assist participants in communicating with other scouts across the country, or possibly even the world.
In addition to the event itself, we will also be offering Radio Merit Badge by preregistration only (we have to bring the appropriate amount of materials) between the hours of 10AM and 3PM. There is no fee, but please provide your scout with a lunch, and a valid blue card for the Merit Badge Counselor to fill out. This year’s Radio Merit Badge will be taught by Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG. Allan has a very long history in both Scouting as well as Amateur Radio, and I believe is still the most recent recipient of the ARRL Service To Scouting Award in Circle Ten Council. Don’t miss out! There likely won’t be another advertised classroom style Radio Merit Badge offering until Hamcom in June.
If I’ve already sold you, please skip to the bottom for contact and reservation information. However, if not, please give me a chance to convince you by reading on.
What is Jamboree On The Air?
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.
How does radio relate to the Scout Promise?
A Scout is concerned about being prepared and helping other people at all times. At Jamboree On The Air, scouts will explore what Amateur Radio is and how it can be helpful in an emergency. Participants will hold conversations with scouts elsewhere in the world using Amateur Radio.
Will my scout be able to gain any advancement from this event?
Maybe. While we try to bundle as many advancement activities in with Jamboree On The Air to share our enthusiasm for radio, it’s the first time we’re doing so at this venue. The offerings will be a little reserved compared to past years, but for certain we can vouch for the following:
Arrow Of Light
Building A Better World (Required)
10 d. Under the supervision of your parent, guardian, or den leader, connect with a Scout in another country during an event such as Jamboree on the Air or Jamboree on the Internet or by other means.
Merit Badges
Radio Merit Badge
Your scout will satisfy all requirements to obtain the Radio Merit Badge during this event, including visiting a radio station as well as credit for an on air contact.
Citizenship in the World
7. Do TWO of the following (with your parent’s permission) and share with your counselor what you have learned:
e. Participate in or attend an international event in your area, such as an ethnic festival, concert, or play.(JOTA counts for this and should be specified )If you happen to see other advancement requirements that we can help you fulfill using the tools at our disposal, please don’t hesitate to contact me and we will do our best to accommodate you as long as we have the staff to do so within BSA Youth Protection guidelines and Guide to Safe Scouting best practices.
Okay, you’ve convinced me. How do we sign up?
Signup for Jamboree On The Air! Please send an email to n5ebw@k5bsa.org and specify the size of your unit that will be attending as well as what time slot you will be present for. We will allocate a half hour per 5 attendees that would like to participate on the air, and it is first come, first serve.
Signup for Radio Merit Badge! Please send an email to n5ebw@k5bsa.org to reserve a spot for your scout. This is first come, first serve as well. As we said before, the course will run from 10AM to 3PM with a break in between for lunch. Please provide your scout a packed lunch, as well as ensure that they have obtained a blue card from their designated unit leader.
More information
JOTA:
https://www.scouting.org/jota/
https://k2bsa.net/jota/
Supporting Clubs: http://www.rockwall-arc.org