On Saturday, October 15, 2022, the FYRE Foundation and the Brandon Amateur Radio Society (BARS) hosted the 2022 Jamboree Over the Air and Internet (JOTA/JOTI) at the Redeemer Church in Riverview, FL. It was offered to all Scouting units in Timucua District. JOTA/JOTI is the world’s largest digital and radio Scout event promoting friendship and global citizenship. JOTA-JOTI takes place online and over the air promoting citizenship. The educational event brings together more than 2 million Scouts every year in October for a weekend of Scouting and friendship. Young people can learn about communications technology and connect with fellow Scouts from over 172 countries.
At FYRE/BARS’ JOTA/JOTI, there were classes and competitions for youth of all ages and adults. BARS provided classes on shortwave radio – amateur (HAM) setup and operations, radio theory, antennas, communications customs and protocols, Morse code, satellite communications procedures and technology, BSA Radio Merit Badge introduction, and learned radio direction finding (DF) with a transmitter hidden in the woods and they moved as teams with DF equipment to find it.
FYRE believes that part of fortifying the family entails helping people become better prepared and resilient for natural disasters such as Hurricane Ian. HAM radio operators are a key resource in times of emergency. FYRE and BARS hope to spark interest in youth to learn more about how they can serve the community or nation with skills learned at JOTA/JOTI.
