[PPRAANet] Jamboree On The Air

[Dan Scott]

Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) is one month away. I’m looking for volunteers 
to help introduce scouts to this exciting hobby.

In the past, the mystery of distance communications over the radio waves 
was enough to intrigue our youth. Today, most youth carry a cell phone 
and can make free calls to grandma and grandpa living anywhere in the 
nation. Also, many youth enter kindergarten being well versed using 
computer technology as well as understand the basics of distance 
communication over the Internet including having on-line friends from 
around the world due to interactive games. (NOTE: I have been on 
Internet role playing games teaming with youth as young as 4 as well as 
adults in their 80s.)

I need YOUR help. We have an opportunity to demonstrate Amateur Radio to 
a LOT of scouts. Exposure to youth is one of the main avenues we, as 
Amateur Radio Operators/Community, have in building our future. I know 
we can not demonstrate all operating modes, or operating styles, but we 
do have the means to create and put on one heck of a good show. This 
translates to volunteers, will you volunteer?

Today, the challenge is engaging the youth that are growing up with 
technology. Because youth have already been exposed to communications 
via cell phone radios and use it daily (at a minimum), we need to 
demonstrate various modes of operation and various operating styles 
which separates amateur radio from a phone call. HF communication and 
its randomness may spark an interest in some while others will be 
intrigued by VHF/UHF with or without Echolink/IRLP, or CW, APRS, ATV, 
Satellite, RTTY, psk-31 or …etc. What we do from Emergency 
Communications, Science, to rag chewing needs to be displayed. A 
different operating style may appeal to one scout and a different mode 
or style to another. That is, the style of communications we use 
depending on our intent may be the thing that sparks an interest. ECom 
(ARES/RACES) communications, contesting, and chatting with friends each 
has a form or efficient/effective communications suited for the 
activity, can this be conveyed to the scouts? While digital 
communication protocols vary from voice, it’s protocols and technology 
may strike an interest.

Currently there are 2 stations coordinators:
Shel – KFØUR -HF SSB and Tent QRP Demonstration
Mike – KØTER -Digital

With an expected 150 to 200 scouts plus a lot of adults, we need a few 
more stations and more relief operators. Besides any mode you would like 
to bring and demonstrate, I would really like to see a couple VHF/UHF 
stations including a few operators efficient in the use of Echolink 
and/or IRLP volunteer (I've read these go over well at JOTA).

The date of JOTA operations is Saturday, October 21^st with setup 
Friday, October 20^th . The site is located near Elbert, CO in Peaceful 
Valley Scout Ranch.

Please contact me directly at <mycall>@arrl.net or phone 635-0871

73 and Thanks,
Dan
kb0ppm