JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Amateur Radio Club will be teaming up with Scouts BSA Troop 5555 to host the Jamboree on the Air (JOTA).

Jamboree on the Air is the largest Scouting event in the world. Held anually on the third full weekend in October, JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in the community.

“[It] is one of World Scouting’s longest-running global events dating back more than 60 years to 1958,” Amateur radio operator Doreen Eckman states. “The digital educational event has seen steady annual growth in participation over the years and with a focus on the future aims to reach millions of more participants in the years to come.”

The local jamboree will be held on Saturday, October 17th from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at Gussner School. All scouts are welcome and will be able to receive their Radio Merit Badge. The public is also welcome to see the event.

“The use of amateur-radio techniques offers an extra educational dimension for Scouts,” Eckmann adds. “Many grasp the opportunity to discover the world of wireless radio techniques and electronics. Thousands of volunteer radio amateurs assist the Scouts over the JOTA weekend with their knowledge, equipment and enthusiasm.”