Scouts WA contacts the International Space Station!
On Friday 17th April 2026, Scouts WA made contact with the ISS from OneCamp 2026 in the Swan Valley. Eighteen Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers asked Astronaut Jack Hathaway KJ5NIV a series of questions.
The contact with the ISS, callsign NA1SS, was made via a telebridge conference call, and relayed via Amateur Radio from a ground station, callsign AB1OC, located in New Hampshire USA. The call was part of the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) Project.
Check out the audio recording!
Our Radio and Technology Program
The Radio and Technology (R&T) team provides support to Scouts WA members through:
Workshops
Workshops and activities for youth members focusing on both the Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) and the Special Interest Areas (SIA)
Training
Training and education in radio and communications skills including courses and assessments for marine and Amateur a radio qualifications
Equipment
Provision of radio communications support at Scout events by way of Land Mobile Radio equipment
Youth Radio STEM Club
Activities for Scouts, Venturers, and Rovers who like to dive deeper into Radio STEM.
JOTI-JOTA
Support for the JOTA-JOTI radio and communication event in October each year
Special Interest Area – STEM and Innovation
Youth members seeking to complete SIA project in STEM and Innovation have many options. One pathway could include participation in one or more structured workshop activities run by the Radio and Technology Team. These workshops have a focus in radio, communications, electronics and related technologies. This could then be finished off with an individual, patrol or unit activity using the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt.
Some of these activities may also fit into a different SIA, depending on the focus. For example the Marine Radio Workshops might be part of a Venturer’s Sport and Adventure SIA if they then use the skills and knowledge in a water based boating or sailing activity.
| Section | SIA Required Hours | Workshop Component | Unit / Patrol / Individual Component | Radio / Stem Workshop Format |
| Joeys | 2 hrs | 2 hrs | – | 2 x 1 hr workshops |
| Cubs | 4 hrs | 3 hrs | 1 hr | 2 x 1.5 hr workshops |
| Scouts | 8 hrs | 6 hrs | 2 hrs | 1 x 2h + 1 x 4 hr workshop |
| Venturers | 1 2hrs | 6 hrs | 6 hrs | 1 x 2 hr + 1 x 4 hr workshop |
Joeys SIA STEM and Innovation (Radio) Workshop #1 and Workshop #2
The Joey Scout SIA STEM and Innovation badge requires Joey Scouts to complete 2 hours of activity. Two different Joey Radio workshops are offered, each one hour in duration.
Joeys who attend both workshops should cover the 2 hour SIA requirement.
Session 1 – Be the electron in an obstacle course; Construct circuit kits; Find the radio ‘fox’
Session 2 – Create a drawing using a wiggle bot; Learn and play with the phonetic alphabet; Talk on the hand-held radios; Sound out your name in Morse Code
Cubs SIA STEM and Innovation (Radio) Workshop #1 and Workshop #2
The Cub Scout SIA STEM and Innovation badge requires Cub Scouts to complete 4 hours of activity. Two different Cub Scout Radio workshops are offered, each one and a half hours in duration.
Cub Scouts who attend both workshops should cover the 3 hours of the SIA requirement. In addition, Cub Scouts can complete a 1 hour additional individual, patrol or unit based project. A range of suggested activities is available.
Session 1: Construct circuit kits; use the Morse Code sounder to spell your name and more; Discover other secret codes; Find the radio ‘fox’
Session 2: Learn and play with the phonetic alphabet; Find the radio stations on a radio contest recording; Talk on the hand-held radios; Radio orienteering treasure hunt
Scouts/Venturers STEM and Innovation Land Radio Workshop and Scouts/Venturers STEM and Innovation Electronics Workshop
The Scout SIA STEM and Innovation badge requires Scouts to complete 8 hours of activity.
The Venturer Scout SIA STEM and Innovation badge requires Venturers to complete 12 hours of activity.
Two different Scout/Venturer Radio workshops are offered.
Land Radio Workshop (two hours duration): involves learning the basic setup and operation of a radio system and covers radio-related aspects of the OAS Bushwalking Stage 4 and 5 communications components.
These sessions may include a special focus such as Venturers and Nighthawk
Electronics Workshop (four hours duration): This workshop involves learning basic soldering skills and the construction of an electronics project and basic fault finding.
To complete the remaining time requirements, Scouts and Ventures would complete an individual or patrol project. Suggested activities are available on request.
Amateur Radio
For those who hold an amateur radio qualification, we operate VHF 2m and 70cm repeaters that covers much of the Perth Metro area. These are especially for Scouts, Guides and young people to meet and talk.
You can find VK6RSH on 146.975 MHz and 439.975 MHz. Both repeaters require 91.5 Hz CTCSS.
STEM and Innovation (Radio) Workshop Dates for 2026
These workshops are for Scouts and Venturers with a keen interest in radio, electronics, and related technology. A focus is incorporating STEM and Innovation SIA projects into youth member’s journey.
| Date | Workshop #1 | Workshop #2 | Scouts / Venturers |
| Sat 6 June | Cubs | Scouts 2A (Electronics-Basic) | |
| Wed 10 June | Joey | ||
| Wed 22 July | Venturers 1 (Radio) | ||
| Sat 1 August | Joeys | ||
| Wed 2 September | Cubs | Radio | |
| Fri 6 November | |||
| Sat 15 November | Scouts 2A Electronics | ||
| Sat 21 November | Scouts 2A + 2B (Electronics Basic + Intermediate) |
Further details about each activity can be found here and bookings can be made through ScoutMap or by emailing events@scoutswa.com.au
Youth Radio STEM Club (YRSC)
Youth Radio STEM Club (YRSC) is for Scouts, Venturers and Guides with a keen interest in radio, electronics, and related technology. A focus is incorporating STEM and Innovation projects into youth member’s journey.
| Date | Workshop |
| Sun 15 Feb | YRSC Meeting |
| Sat 21 March | Girls in STEM (International Women’s Day) |
| April (Day TBC) | Amateur Radio Reunion at OneCamp |
| Sat 2-Sun 3 May | Amateur Radio Foundation Licence Course |
| Sat 6 June | YRSC Meeting |
| Sat 27 June | Scout Hall On The Air Contest |
| Sat 1 August | YRSC Meeting |
| Sat 12 September | YRSC Meeting |
| October | October is JOTA-JOTI – No YRSC Meeting this month |
| Sat 21 November | YRSC Meeting |
STEM and Innovation (Radio) for Country Groups
The Radio Team has a package of activities that can be sent out to country groups (ie Groups in Country North and Country South Regions) on request.
The activities are free, and generally run on a monthly booking cycle– a week to get them to you, two weeks for your group to use them in all your sections, and a week to return to us for replenishment before we send to another group.
Please email radio@scoutswa.com.au for further information.
Amateur Radio Training
Amateur Radio Training courses are run 1-2 times per year. If you are interested please contact us to register your interest, or check ScoutMap for scheduled courses.
Marine Radio Training
We regularly hold Marine Operator’s Training (SROCP) courses. Check ScoutMap for any upcoming dates.
JOTA-JOTI – Jamboree On The Air – Jamboree On The Internet
JOTA-JOTI is the world’s largest digital and radio Scout event, promoting friendship and global citizenship. JOTA-JOTI is held every year on the third full weekend in October and in 2026 that will be the weekend of 16-18 October. Stay tuned for more info closer to the date!
Radio Equipment Requests
For radio equipment requests or general enquiries, please email us: radio@scoutswa.com.au