I’ve been running an event in Christchurch since 2013, and it’s become a big project for me. This year’s event was run at Brooklands Lagoon Walkway from 10:30am to 3:30pm, participants being invited to come along at any time to walk with us for an hour or two.
470 badges were earned on the day, but we calculate nearly 1000 people took part in total. It was great to see so many people enjoying the beautiful day, and each other’s company.
After many years and much success, David Wiebe has announced that 2023 will be his last event as Hike Chief.
Coordinators from all around the world have responded with thanks for all his hard work. Twenty Six years of planning and coordinating have made JOTT into something special for all of us!
We are hoping and planning to continue in the future, but I don’t want to take away from David’s special moment. Let’s celebrate the success of the journey so far, and give him his moment of glory. Thanks David!
Next weekend should have been JOTT 2020 all around the world. It’s a little sad to think we can’t join our Worldwide Brotherhood just now, but I hope you’ll find a way to get out some time soon, and to share your story with SCOUTS all around the world. Either close to home in your level 3 bubble, or maybe when we reach level 2 you could go out with some of your SCOUT Section (remember your physical distancing), remember to get out there and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine we’ve been yearning for while stuck in level 4 lockdown.
There are no date limits set for JOTT 2020, but please remember to take some photos and put them up on the JOTT Jamboree on the Trail Facebook Page, the one that reaches all countries taking part. They love photos with the current JOTT badge in it, and I should be able to send some out soon. They’ve been delivered to my home, I’ll start sending them out once I figure out how to safely access NZ Post services.
Get out, have fun, and stay safe. I’d love to hear your stories from the trail.
Orders are now being accepted for JOTT 2020 badges.
Please remember the guidance we have received from SCOUTS NZ and the New Zealand Government about safe and responsible activities. The 2020 event is not running on a specific date so that you can choose a time and place that is safe for everyone.
While you’re out there on the trail, please think about SCOUTS around the world who are joining you in spirit. This is the true meaning of the event, and an important part of our international brotherhood.
An order has been placed for 500 day hike and 200 night hike badges, we’re just waiting for them to arrive. In the meantime I’m making some background changes to how orders are processed to make sure I don’t miss anyone.
More than ever I think it’s important that we get some fresh air and exercise in a healthy and safe manner right now. Remember that SCOUTS all around the world are trying to do exactly the same thing right now in their own way. That’s the true message of our international organisation, that they are just like us – just in another part of the planet. Please remember that when you get out there on the trail.
The price has been set at $3 per badge plus postage. In some cases that will be an envelope with a stamp, in other cases that might be a $3.50 satchel from NZ post.
If we sell out there might be delays getting more badges in and some price changes if I have to order small quantities. Please be patient, I’ll do everything I can to make sure you get the badges you earn!
Following up on a link (below) pasted on the SCOUTS NZ Cub Section Facebook page, I STILL intend to get JOTT badges made so that anyone who gets out for a walk can earn and buy the badge in NZ. I think it’s really important to support our mental and physical health (in a safe manner), and to share our experiences online to encourage others to get out there too. If a badge helps motivate people to go for a walk, that’s great.
I’m talking to Edmund about getting 500 day hike and 200 night hike badges made at my own cost. I’ll sell them at cost plus postage, whatever that turns out to be.
Samples of the 2020 JOTT badges have been made, getting ready for our event on 09 May 2020. This year’s badge shows a Koala, and is linked to the “South” element of the badge set. How nice to have one of our Tasman cousins on an international badge!
I encourage everyone running a JOTT event to make themselves aware of the advice around COVID-19. Seek advice from your local Zone or Events Team, watch SCOUTS NZ, local Councils and the Ministry of Health for advice.
As at 16March2020, I’m seeing the following advice from MoH:
With more care required around hand washing and safe disposal of tissues, and tighter emergency plans, it feels like we need to start planning early this time around. Remember, “Safer Scouting – it’s what we do.”
Preparation is underway in Christchurch for JOTT 2019, and the first sample badge has been received and approved. Time to get the Council Consent and start asking for help as we base our Day Hike around the Groynes and Otukaikino Walkway!
Sales are now open for the JOTT 2018 badges. This year’s badge is the first of a new design series featuring a bear in seasonal settings. The Night Hike badge includes glow-in-the-dark threads on a black-on-black setting. Very cool!
Order badges in April for a lower pre-event price.
Due to handling constraints, we’ve had to put in a minimum order quantity of 6 badges in total per order. If this is a concern for you, it might be a good time to link up with other groups in your area to run a combined event!
This amazing option for JOTT 2017 is being run by Andrew Whitt of Churchward Park Scout Group. It includes a boat trip to the start of the trail, and a 10km walk in a section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Cost $45, bookings essential.
This may be the coolest JOTT event in NZ this year, possibly the best ever! If you think your event is better, let us know about it 🙂
If you’re in the Picton area, I’d encourage you to join in. More details on the flyer.
Thanks for letting us know about your event Andrew, and well done for running such an amazing event! Can’t wait to see your photos!
