**This has been updated with the new 2018 requirements and awards as of April 2018. Please see my new page here.**

Did you know that BSA has a STEM program? Let me introduce you to the NOVA awards.

The Boy Scouts of America’s NOVA Awards program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulates interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging, contemporary, and fun program to life for youth members.

This past fall, I launched the NOVA program for my pack, basically treating it as a den. Cubs have to sign up to be a NOVA and we meet before regular den meetings once every month as many activities may be done outside of the den while others may be completed as part of Pack outings or special events. This essentially works just like merit badge counseling at the Boy Scouts level.

Before you jump in, you need to be sure you have registered with your council for the NOVA Counselor and Supernova Mentor positions for your Cubs to earn the awards. More information on that is available here.

The way that I am running our NOVA program is we work on four awards this year, and will work on three awards plus Supernova next year, then alternate. This makes sure all Cubs get a chance to work on the awards at a reasonable pace and complete all 7 before crossing over.

Year One:

• Science Everywhere
• Down and Dirty
• Nova WILD!
• Tech Talk
• Supernova

 

Year Two:

• Swing
• 1-2-3 Go!
• Out of this World*
• Supernova

*I had intended for Out of this World to be earned in the second year, but ended up doing that as part of my Eclipse Day program.

For each Cub that signed up, I created them their own workbook – the books sold by the Scout Stores only include the original awards, and more have been added since. (Midway through, requirements changed regarding the belt loop electives, so if you are using my workbook, you may have to change that part. You can see the full requirements here.)

Files for you to download:

• Sign up sheet
• Parent information handout
• Year One Program Workbook

 

I’ve had a slow adoption rate to the program this year, but many of our Cubs earned the NOVA patch participating in my Eclipse Day program and doing the Out of this World award. Do not be discouraged if there is not a run of Scouts to take it up. Encourage the ones who participate, they can help recruit others.