S.T.E.M.

Over the last 10 years, high school education has been included a higher focus and integration of STEM courses into all curriculum. That emphasis has extended to middle schools and elementary schools.

Innovation

The good news is that Scouts BSA has always incorporated STEM elements into its program. The great news is that in the last few years, the BSA has added new STEM focused activities, such as robotics and geocaching merit badges. Now, from Archery to Welding, Scouts can experience a wide range of STEM related activities.

Impacting Local Youth

Our STEM-NOVA and SUPERNOVA awards programs consists of individual activity elements in various STEM topics structured for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, or Venturers. These topics are designed to encourage participation and to increase interest in STEM by making it relevant and fun. In addition, many of today’s merit badges and adventure belt loops and pins can be used towards these new awards!

Within each Scouting program, there are four parallel Nova Awards available, one in each STEM field. These awards recognize completion of fun STEM activities.  For those youth who want to take their STEM interests further, BSA offers the Supernova Award, which recognizes completion of independent, more advanced challenges in the STEM fields.

Our programs focus on year-round “hands-on” learning experiences that include:

• Scouts BSA STEM Merit Badge Midway
• STEM activity and advancement area at Scouts BSA summer camps
• Cub Scout STEM Day Camp

Facilitation and Implementation

As an organization, we are constantly looking for ways to successfully serve the youth in our communities and our country. We are excited to realize the opportunities to play an active role in the continuation of meaningful education of youth, while continuing our passion for outdoor experiences. Our STEM initiative, coupled with our steadfast mission to instill positive values into the lives of young people will help to develop young men and women who will be filled with a sense of adventure and become prepared to be the leaders of tomorrow.  We continue with our passion – creating kids that are Prepared. For Life.