[PPRAANet] DRT Hurricane Katrina Trip

[Dan Scott]

(Sorry if this ends up being a dupe.   I sent it yesterday but didn't 
see it echo back from the reflector.)

Howdy,

I didn't do this, really!  If you are interested in helping out, read 
the last
paragraph of this short article.  In the quarterly Pikes Peak Council BSA
newsletter ("Pikes Peak Summit") I found the following:

---
Jamboree On the Air (JOTA)
"The Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is an annual Scouting and amateur
radio event sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout
Movement.  Thousands of amateur radio station around the world
participate.  If the conditions are right, it is common to contact a 
hundred
Scouting countries during this weekend.  This year's event is scheduled
for October 15-16.

In the United States, Cub Scout dens and Boy Scout patrols visit a local
amateur's ham shack during JOTA.  Many districts and councils hold
events that coincide with JOTA, where amateurs set up stations giving
Scouts and leaders a chance to exchange greetings with Scouts from
other areas.  (NOTE: Remember this is a BSA publication, Girl Scouts
are involved in JOTA too.)

The exchanges typically include information such as name, location (QTH),
Scout rank, hobbies, and age.  Some exchanges lead to long lasting
friendships and the exchange of photos, badges, pins, and patches.  Special
scout stations including Gilwell Park, England; World Scout Headquarters
in Switzerland; and Camp Freedom, Texas.

If you are interested in participating, but do not have contacts in amateur
radio, log into http://www.arrl.org/ead/jota.html to search for HAM
operators who might be interested in participating.  It is also suggested
that you contact Radio Merit Badge counselors in your area.  If you are
a HAM who is interested in helping a troop participate in JOTA, contact
the Pikes Peak Council service center at 635-1584 to volunteer."
---

This year I took a break from putting together an "in the field" JOTA 
event, although I will be out hiking with a Pikes Peak Council wide 
Venturing activity.  Next year we are have a JOTA camporee scheduled.  
The same district we worked with 2 years ago would like another JOTA 
event.  The expected attendance at the 2006 JOTA event will be in excess 
to 250 boy scouts.  I'm going to try to get a camping area set aside for 
Girl Scouts as well, but now I'm into politics between two separate 
organizations.  Next year Jim (k0lob at arrl.net) will be the coordinator 
for the Amateur Radio including EOSS part of the event.

If you want to work on next years event (2006) please get in touch with 
Jim, myself, or both of us. The event 2 years took a 14 month planning 
cycle, we are already down to just 12 months.
If you want to help this years JOTA (2005) see the last paragraph in the 
article above or contact me.

73,
Dan Scott
kb0ppm.