BDARS was proud to support another successful Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) weekend, helping Scouts engage with amateur radio across multiple locations.
We would like to extend a sincere thank-you to all our members, Scout/Cub Leaders, and organisers who contributed to the success of the 2025 event held yesterday at the Karingal and Samford Scout Camps.
We also acknowledge the support of Ian VK4YIP; BDARS member and Scout Leader, who assisted with setting up the station and providing poles before establishing his own station at the main camp area. Ian is also working on introducing APRS tracking and radio fox-hunting into his programme, with an eye towards expanding these activities in next year’s event. Additionally, Scout Leaders ‘Curlew’, ‘Stingray’ and ‘Kookaburra’ were instrumental in organising the day and providing excellent hands-on support to our teams throughout the event.
BDARS volunteers Eddie VK4TJE, Russell VK4DCM, and Bob VK4YA operated from a scenic hilltop clearing provided for the event at Karingal. The location featured a fixed gazebo, offering an ideal base of operations for engaging scouts in the world of amateur radio.
At the Samford Scout Camp, BDARS volunteers Martin VK4MCU and Henry VK4BUD established a station to support the Manly Scout Troop, who were onsite for their JOTA activities. Once the humorous challenge of deciding which club callsign — VK4BAR or VK4BAY — would be used at which location, the teams coordinated a series of HF contacts. Scouts and Cubs rotated through various activity stations, engaging in live radio conversations and learning the basics of amateur radio operation.
Meanwhile, at the BDARS clubhouse in Victoria Point, John Paul VK4JPW and his young family kindly hosted the regular Saturday morning opening while also operating radios to communicate with Scouts and Cubs participating in the event. Their involvement ensured that young visitors had a chance to experience radio in action from the comfort of the club’s well-equipped station.
Throughout the day, numerous QSOs were made with scout locations including Coffs Harbour, Ipswich, and of course, Samford. The team at Karingal kindly provided a delicious lunch, keeping energy levels high until the late afternoon, when looming storm clouds signalled the time to wind down.
This year’s JOTA event was a resounding success, made possible by the enthusiastic support of Scouts Queensland, the dedication of their leaders, and the tireless efforts of BDARS members. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all volunteers who contributed their time, expertise, and good humour to make the day both educational and memorable.
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