Being a Supernova Mentor

Information on how to be a mentor in your district.

Supernova vs. Nova 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.

Supernova: A Six Step Process

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.

Supernova: A Six Step Process

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.

Who is a Mentor? 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

Supernova Template 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.

Cubs & Webelos Supernova

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.

Boy Scout and Venturing SuperNova

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.

Getting the Award 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.

Common Questions 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.

Contacts? www.baltimorebsa.org/STEM www.scouting.org/stem Contact Us:

• Patrick Shields 443-573-2537 pshields@baltimorebsa.org

• Ian Smith 443-573-2554 ismith@baltimorebsa.org

Let us know on your progress!