JOTA/JOTI Scout event

Congratulations and a big thank you to all BDARS members that participated in the 2023 JOTA/JOTI Scouts Jamboree of the Air yesterday. BDARS sent two teams, each team looking after the radio training and experience for the local scout troops meeting up at the Redlands Karingal Scout Campsite. The troops were drawn from Scout/Guide camps around the Bayside/Brisbane area.

Team one consisted of Eddie, Steve and Pete who concentrated on the HF aspects of the hobby; team two was Martin, Russel, Tom, Darryl, Bob, Clive and Roger, who covered VHF, HF and the Digital communication modes.

The Scout leaders provided a very comfortable setting for the operations of the day, and we were treated to an excellent lunch of a wrap with healthy ingredients. The Scouts and Guides were well behaved and interested in using the radios and talking to other troops. Some Scouts and Guides definitely looked to be natural radio operators of the future!

Contacts were made with other Scouts around Australia; some international contacts were also established. Several radio modes were used including digital, HF and via the Internet using IRLP and Echolink.

Finally, thank you to the BDARS members and other radio amateurs that were not able to attend the site, but supported the day by taking the time out to talk to the children over the air from their home stations; especially Damo and Gary!

It was a great day for all, with excellent weather and great company. We look forward to hopefully being invited again next year.