THE BSA STEM PROGRAM

What is STEM Nova-STEM in Scouting?

 STEM in Scouting encourages  the natural curiosity of youth members about these fields through  existing programs including Cub Scout Adventures, Boy Scout Merit Badges,  and Venturing STEM Explorations. The NOVA Awards program recognizes BSA youth that excel in STEM at the Cub, Scouts BSA, and Venturing levels. For an added challenge, youth may work towards the  SUPERNOVA Awards.

When did STEM in Scouting start?

Officially the NOVA program was created in 2012.  However, STEM in one form or another has been a part of BSA from its creation.  Along with teaching leadership, citizenship and character, the BSA program has for over 100 years taught youth skills needed to be successful in life and career - everything from cooking to first aid involves STEM skills. Nowadays, an increasing number of scouting skills and activities involve STEM. 

What does the STEM program include?

  • STEM related Cub Adventures,  Scouts BSA Merit Badges, and Venturing STEM Explorations
  • NOVA Awards Program
  • SUPERNOVA Awards Program
  • STEM in Scouting Events and Camps


To bring more STEM to your unit, contact council at the addresses below. Nova counselors can be any interested adult leader. Supernova Mentors must have a STEM background and complete council training.  Check out the scouting STEM events below and the STEM Program and Resources  in the menu bar.  These resources include everything from other events you can attend to activities you can do in your unit meetings.

How to Contact us

Tim Urban  STEM NOVA Committee Chair

 urban@csr.utexas.edu 


Jessica Snider  Director of STEM and Conservation, Committee Staff Advisor

jessica.snider@scouting.org

512-617-8651

Upcoming Events

STEMboree: Saturday, March 30, 2019

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PACKS, TROOPS, CREWS

Join a FREE day of STEM-filled excitement for ALL AGES at the Frank Fickett Scout Training & Service Center with tons of hands-on activities, science demos, and more! 9 AM to 3 PM. STEM patches and t-shirts and food available for purchase.

Click here to register

Spring Hornaday - STEM Joint Weekend: April 12-14, 2019

http://www.hornadaybsa.org

TROOPS, CREWS

Enjoy Hornaday now with STEM Nova and STEM merit badge  opportunities.

 Hornaday Award Weekend provides a path for Scouts BSA you to earn Scouting's highest conservation award, offering all 21 Hornaday merit badges, Leave No Trace classes and conservation. 


Click here for more info

TechLab STEAM camp: June & July 2019

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YOUTH ENTERING 3rd-9th GRADES

The award-winning STEAM summer day camp challenges your Scout to explore STEM as they prepare to live in arctic environments. Classes cover Robotics, Electronics, Programming, Woodworking/CNC, and more! Special offer: get $25 off registration if you register in the month of February!

Click here for more info and to register

STEM Adventure Weekend: September 20-22, 2019

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TROOPS, CREWS

Race down the STEM trail with merit badges like Engineering, Welding, Robotics, Automotive Maintenance and more. 

This event is designed to get youth started on earning the prestigious STEM NOVA and SUPERNOVA awards.

Find out more

Contact Us

Drop us a line!

Feel free to set up a time to visit

Please drop us an email or call before you come, but you are welcome to come and visit, to join us for some tea and ideas on bringing more STEM to your unit or to look through our library of STEM lessons and books.


Tim Urban

 urban@csr.utexas.edu 

STEM NOVA Committee Chair


Jessica Snider

jessica.snider@scouting.org

STEM NOVA Staff Advisor

Director of STEM and Conservation

BSA STEM NOVA

12500 North IH 35, Austin, TX 78753, US

(512) 617-8651