Scouts worldwide connect for largest digital Scouting event

Thousands of Scouts and volunteers from every corner of the globe came together online and over the radio waves for three days of fun activities, live shows, workshops, and online games at the world’s largest digital Scouting event. 

More than 650,000 Scout groups and individuals registered to take part in this year’s JOTA-JOTI from 188 countries and territories around the world. Guided by the theme “A World Shaped by Youth”, they joined hands-on activities from 17 to 19 October, directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, from measuring their environmental footprint to solving fast-paced “hot potato” challenges. 

Throughout the weekend, young people also used their voices to promote fairness, inclusion, and civic participation through the “Influencer for a Day” activity, showing how social media and digital communications can drive real-world change. The event also featured moderated chatrooms, group video calls, and a searchable online directory enabling participants to connect across borders and make friends with other Scouts. 

Among the event highlights was the opening JOTA-JOTI live show, streamed on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and hosted by Riris from Gerakan Pramuka Indonesia. The broadcast brought the global Scouting community together for watch parties and online entertainment. Over 62,000 people tuned in - the highest number yet - to enjoy talent performances, games, special guests, and to celebrate Scouting’s global impact. 

The JOTA-JOTI Minecraft server returned this year and was more popular than ever with more than 1,500 Scouts spending over 1,600 hours going on virtual nature walks, orienteering, competing in triathlons, and building campsites. In 2025, Scouts gained the ability to explore the world-renowned Kandersteg International Scout Centre and its surrounding Swiss mountains, recreated in Minecraft.

Behind the scenes, more than 100 volunteers from around the world contributed to the event's success, supporting technical operations, moderating online forums, and hosting live sessions to ensure a smooth, safe, and engaging experience for participants.

Over the course of the event, Scouts tracked their achievements using ScoutPass, earning over digital badges that celebrated youth leadership, creativity, innovation and teamwork. Inspired by what they learned during the JOTA-JOTI, Scouts were also encouraged to take action in their communities by organising environmental clean-ups, nature hikes, and other local projects to drive community change. Scouts can still submit their completed projects by 30 November 2025 to receive a special certificate that recognises their efforts.

Safety remained a top priority for online and in-person activities. Every registered participant has had to adhere to the Safe JOTA-JOTI Pledge, helping to ensure a secure and respectful environment for everyone involved. 

This year’s event also saw the introduction of a new permanent brand for JOTA-JOTI, as well as the growth of the Ambassadors Programme aimed at expanding the reach and promotion of the event through National Scout Organizations to millions of young people. Ambassadors will also contribute ideas and feedback to help make next year’s edition of JOTA-JOTI even better.

Significant online engagement was achieved thanks to an improved website and mobile experience, as well as registration systems developed last year in partnership with Accenture, which again powered JOTA-JOTI this year. The event was also made possible thanks to the support of content partners, including SAP, Global Youth Mobilisation, Kandersteg International Scout Centre, Solafrica and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, whose contributions helped to deliver a safe, inclusive, and impactful experience for young people worldwide.

Next year’s JOTA-JOTI promises to be even bigger and better! To take part, mark your calendars for 16 to 18 October 2026.