These disciplines are considered by many to be the foundation of an advanced society. In many forums — including political, governmental, and academic — the strength of the STEM workforce is viewed as an indicator of a nation’s ability to sustain itself.
The Boy Scouts of America has taken on STEM to encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields through existing programs. From archery to welding, Scouts can’t help but enjoy the wide range of STEM-related activities. To support this initiative, the BSA developed the Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts.
The program consists of individual activity elements in various STEM topics structured for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, & Venturers. The NOVA awards are designed to encourage participation and to increase interest in STEM by making it relevant and fun. The NOVA award is a distinctive pocket patch with a separate pin-on device awarded for each individual topic completed by the youth.
There are seven Nova awards for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Scouts BSA, and four for Venturers. Each award covers one component of STEM.
Scouts BSA Only
Date: Saturday, Nov 2nd, 2024
Location: Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Spots: 10
Cub Scouts Only
Date: Saturday, Nov 16th 2024
Location: Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Spots: 10
Any of the metals or pins below would need to be requested and we would order them for you or your unit.
Please email stem@colbsa.org with your request.
Please allow up to 2 weeks for the items to be ordered and delivered.
The STEM Supernova Awards are designed to take Scouts on a deep dive in various STEM topics. Each Supernova Award is named after a famous scientist or inventor and has a medal associated with it that is presented to the Scout.
Cub Scout–Rocket/STEM Meeting Plans:
Comments, Questions, or Concerns.
Email: stem@colbsa.org
Please visit colbsa.org/hours for the holiday hours of the resource center and the scout shop.
