1. Information on how to be a mentor in your district.

2.  Nova Award: The Nova award can be earned by all scouts wolf and older and worked on by the unit. Any adult leader can sign off on Nova Requirements.  Supernova Award: A mentor must be the one to sign off on a scout’s requirements for Supernova. When completed, a scout must have their Supernova packet confirmed by the district advancement committee.

3.  STEP 1: A scout finds a mentor that agrees to supervise work on Supernova.  STEP 2: The mentor reviews that all prerequisites are complete before working on the requirements.  STEP 3: The mentor councils then approves progress made by the scout. The scout’s work is recorded in a folder.

4.  STEP 4: On completion the scout takes his signed application and progress folder to the district advancement committee for approval.  STEP 5: The district approves and passes on the application to council to be processed.  STEP 6: The scout is presented the award by the unit.

5.  Those with STEM careers are great options for mentors.  A mentor is a no-fee position registered with the district, not the unit.  A scout leader can multiple as a mentor.  Nova.jpeg

6.  Broken down by scout program then by increasing levels of progress.  General Theme of requirements: Some prerequisites to qualify. Earn some scouting awards from a list of choices that are STEM relevant. Complete some more STEM exploration.  Different Tiers Cubs and Webelos have their own award. Boy Scouts have a first and second level award. Venturing has three levels.

7.  Wolves and Bears can earn the Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova award.  Webelos can earn the Charles H. Townes Supernova award.  Tigers are not eligible for the Supernova.  Each award criteria is designed towards an age group and their education.

8.  Requires some Nova award points to be completed.  Certain merit badges need to be completed for Boy Scouts and Explorations for Venturers.  Both have two tiers. The first must be finished to work on the next.  Venturing has a third, college oriented award that must be approved by the Council then passed on to national.

9.  The completed application is turned into the council.  A letter of confirmation and certificate is sent off to the scout.  A leader can order the medal at the Scoutshop by using a copy of the letter.

10.  How far back can badges be relevant? A scout should earn a belt loop, pin, or badge with the intent of applying it for Nova.  Approval process? The district review is a procedure review, not a full interview with the scouts.  But I heard…? Collect information from direct sources if you are unsure of requirements or procedure.

11.  www.baltimorebsa.org/STEM www.baltimorebsa.org/STEM  www.scouting.org/stem www.scouting.org/stem  Contact Us: Patrick Shields 443-573-2537 pshields@baltimorebsa.org pshields@baltimorebsa.org Ian Smith 443-573-2554 ismith@baltimorebsa.org ismith@baltimorebsa.org  Let us know on your progress!