Guides connect with friends around the world at CQUni Emerald

Emerald Guides have been able to make connections with other Guides and Scouts from across the world during the annual Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) recently.

CQUniversity Emerald Campus hosted six Emerald Guides and four Leaders as they used modern communication technology to make friends in other countries.

Now in its 24th year (as an extension of the Jamboree of the Air - JOTA - which began in 1958)' the Jamboree' is an official international event of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement' and takes place simultaneously around the world each year in October.

JOTA-JOTI aims to support young people of all ages to learn about communications technology' the values of global citizenship' and their role in creating a better world' through online interactions such as webinars' global campfires' talent shows' live shows' fun challenges' Internet Relay Chat and more through an interactive 3D campsite.

Emerald Guides Leader and CQUniversity Associate Lecturer Michelle Gray said JOTI was a fun and exciting experience for Guides' engaging young people from many parts of the world and promoting a sense of belonging to the World Guiding Movement.

"It also provides opportunities for teamwork and leadership skills and gives young people the chance to explore technology and develop technical skills'" she said.

"It involves more than 150 countries and typically around a million Scouts and Guides from around the world.

"We sincerely thank CQUniversity Emerald Campus' once again' for being our hosts for the event."

CQUniversity Associate Vice-President Rockhampton and Central Highlands Regions Kim Harrington welcomed the Guides to the Emerald Campus.

"It is great that CQUniversity has the technology available at our Emerald Campus which enables community members to participate in these types of virtual global events'" she said.