Cub Scout STEM Awards: Nova and Supernova
Some of the many awards that our Cub Scouts may earn are STEM Nova and Supernova awards.
STEM is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America has taken on 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 STEM Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts.
Nova Awards
Starting with Wolf Scouts, Scouts may earn Nova awards by completing requirements for individual Nova award pins. Scouts may earn a pin for each topic: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. There are different choices for each of these four areas. These awards are pinned to a Nova award patch that the Scout may wear on their uniform.
You can find all the awards and their requirements on the BSA Nova Awards page.
Find a Nova counselor for your Scout to contact on our Pack 505 NOVA Counselor / Mentor list.
For your Cub Scout to earn their Nova Awards:
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Review the award requirements at BSA Nova Awards page.
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Complete the requirements for the award. To find a counselor to help with these awards check our Pack 505 NOVA Counselor / Mentor list.
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Enter award completion in Scoutbook.
Supernova Awards
Wolf to Arrow of Light Scouts may earn Supernova Awards.
Wolf and Bear Scouts may earn the Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Bronze Medal.
Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts may earn the Dr. Charles Townes Bronze Medal.
Before a Scout may begin working on the Supernova Award, they must first earn two different Nova Awards before working on each award (i.e., one Science and one Math award (not two Science awards or two Math awards) as a Wolf or Bear before working on the Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Award). If a Cub earns the Dr. Luis Alvarez Award, they must earn two more Nova awards before beginning work on the Dr. Charles Townes Bronze Medal.
We also recommend that your Scout work on their Supernova award with another Scout. Ask in your den if another Scout is interested in working towards the award with your Scout.
You can find all the awards and their requirements on the BSA Supernova Awards page.
Find a Nova mentor for your Scout to contact on our NOVA Counselor / Mentor list.
For your Cub Scout to earn their Supernova Award:
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Scout must earn two Nova awards under two different topics (or two more Nova awards if your Scout already received the Dr. Alvarez award).
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Review the award requirements at BSA Supernova Awards page.
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Your Scout should work with the mentor (and preferably a buddy) to complete the award requirements.
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Submit a completed application for the award to your Scout's mentor.
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Your Scout's mentor will submit an approved application to the Pack committee.
Counselors and Mentors
Find a counselor or your Scout's
Supernova Mentor
Below is a list of our counselors and mentors for the Nova awards.
If you want your Scout to meet with a counselor or mentor, please contact them through Scoutbook ahead of the meeting to make sure that they are available to meet.
Patricia McGinnis
Counselor
Den leader for Dens 14 & 16
Ms. McGinnis is available to counsel all of our Scouts in any of the Nova awards.
Your Scout can meet with her before or after a Pack meeting.
Jeff Frey
Mentor
Counselor
Mr. Frey is an expert with computers. He is especially excited about getting to build robots with Scouts working on their Supernova awards. Mr. Frey is available to counsel all Scouts for Nova awards and mentor all Supernova awards.
Meet with Mr. Frey before Pack meetings.
Kyle Verret
Mentor
Counselor
Assistant Cubmaster
Meets with Dens 10 and 17
Mr. Kyle is a lawyer with some university level education in coding and math, and a lifetime of reading National Geographic. He is a hobbyist computer programmer, rocket builder, fossil hunter, and nature watcher.
Mr. Kyle is available to mentor Scouts for the Supernova awards by appointment with a parent (or for Den 4 boys, counseling or mentoring at the den meeting.).
Kevin Horner
Mentor
Counselor
Meets with Den 10
Mr. Horner has some university level science and math courses and enjoys hobbies relating to STEM topics.
Mr. Horner is available to counsel all of our Scouts in any of the Nova Awards and mentor all Supernova Awards.
You can meet with him before or after a Pack meeting if you contact in advance, or for Den 4, at your Den meetings