International Committee

Jamboree on the Air 2011

The JOTA/JOTI is an annual event in which Scouts all over the world speak to each other by means of amateur radio contacts or the Internet. Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared.

When Scouts want to meet young people from another country they usually think of attending a World Jamboree or another international gathering. But few people realize that each year about half-a-million Scouts "get together" over the airwaves for the annual Jamboree On The Air (JOTA), and through the Internet in the Jamboree On The Internet (JOTI). Modern communication technology offers Scouts the exciting opportunity to make friends in other countries without even leaving the state.

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MDSC Scouts celebrate the centennial of Scouting Worldwide

With over 100 campers and over 200 participants at the summit, our council contributed in a major way to the worldwide Scouting Sunrise celebration, which took place around the world on Aug 1 at 8:00 AM local time. KTVU Channel 2 news crews and Contra Costa Times reporters were there evening and morning to cover the event. Early risers enjoyed a continental breakfast, courtesy of Noah's Bagels of Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek and Peet's Coffee of Lafayette and Danville.

George Fosselius, Eagle Scout 1958, blew the Kudu to begin Scouting's second century, after which brand new Cub Scout Dominic received his brand new neckerchief from his Dad. Thanks to Bob Witbeck, Tom Cooper, Lee Palmer, Gary Tom, Sean Martin, Clint Collier, the many Scouters who pitched in, and past International Rep Mike Seuferer for working to make the ceremony a success. Special thanks go to Mayor Mike Shimansky of Danville for reading the Danville Proclamation and to Representative George Miller and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for sending greetings.

The National Office

On 1 August 1907, Scouting's Founder Robert Baden-Powell blew his kudu horn on Brownsea Island at 08:00 AM to open the world's first Scout camp. Soon thereafter, Scouting began to quickly spread around the world and now exists in 216 countries and territories.

2007, the 100th anniversary of Scouting is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the unique value of Scouting to the world and to celebrate the achievements of 100 years of Scouting. While, the 100th anniversary provides a platform for the development of Scouting, 2007 is also the dawn of a new century of Scouting. We look to celebrate the future of Scouting and to improve Scouting in ways that meet the needs of young people, their families and communities.

Scouting units are able to participate in the 100th anniversary through a Scouting Sunrise celebration. On Wednesday August 1, 2007 at 8:00 AM Scouts around the world will be gathering together to renew their Promise in the second century of Scouting. This is a time to blow the kudu horn and to remember how Scouting was founded. The day is also a great day to plan a "Good Turn" for the community and sponsoring organizations. Picnics are a great way to gather together Scouts, their families, friends and supporters for a program of your design. The day of celebration is fast approaching, get some plans together for the big day. With two Jamboree Troops in England, led by Chuck Savage and Tom Eppenberger, Randy Summers and Brian Thiessen on WJ Staff, a Venturing Crew in Kenya (Crew 405 of Pleasant Hill) advised by Paul Tilton a Venturing Crew in Japan (Crew 26 of El Cerrito) advised by Berkeley Scouter Paul Maheu, and International Committee member Vince Lipinski in England at Brownsea and Hylands Park, we were surprised that so many were eager to participate in our humble event atop 1173-meter Mt Diablo.

100th Anniversary

Centennial continues with Service Projects. Our annual good turn for our neighbors was a huge success, with the removal of the evil and invasive Arundo ("be very afraid!") and at least two truck loads of litter and debris from Ellinwood Creek next to the Council Service Center Saturday Aug 4th. Thanks to Lily Remer and Tom Cooper for organizing the event and feeding the volunteers, which included members of Friends of Pleasant Hill Creeks.
Service will continue with a Saturday day of service to Mt Diablo State Park to be announced. Be sure to record your unit's service hours withwww.GoodTurnforAmerica.org.

World Scouting continues with JOTA JOTI on Oct 20-21. Save the date; plan to attend the Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet in October. Venues will be at the ARRL Pacificon (Ham Radio Convention) in San Ramon and on board the SS Jeremiah O'Brien at Pier 43 in San Francisco. Overnight accommodations will be available for Venturing Crews only, who wish to keep the communications going 24/2.