Nova/Supernova Award and Counselors

Nova and SuperNova Award Information

To find out more information concerning the Nova and Supernova Award click here.  Once on the Award page click on the appropriate ‘button’ for Cubs, Scouts, or Venturing to get the specific information needed to earn the award and how to receive it. 

To receive the Nova Award the Advancement Chair of the unit can enter the Nova Award into Scoutbook. ** Units it must appear on the Advancement Report to receive.**

To receive the Supernova Award the application must be filled out and signed by the applicant, unit leader, and mentor prior to being turned into the Scout Shop.  It must further be signed by the Council Advancement Chair and Scout Executive prior to the unit purchasing the award.

To Become a Nova Counselor

To be added to the list as a Nova Counselor you must be a registered adult 21 years of age or older with some knowledge of STEM topics.  Counselors should be comfortable with high school math and science, but it is not necessary to have a degree in or work in a STEM-related field or be an expert in the topic. 

To become registered, you will need to turn in the following forms to the Scout Office.

1. BSA Adult Application (Position Code 58) and Background Check Authorization Form
2. Copy of Youth Protection Training Certificate
3. Nova Counselor Information Application (click on ‘Nova-Application’)

To Become a Supernova Mentor

To be added to the list as a Supernova Mentor you must be a registered adult age 21 year of age or older.  If working with Cub Scouts and Webelos you must have some STEM knowledge and interest.  Boy Scout Mentors require significant expertise such as being a hobbyist, having a bachelor’s degree in a STEM topic, or having work experience in a STEM-related field like mechanics, welding, etc.  Venturers Mentor should be adults with in-depth knowledge of STEM and with experience in teaching, guiding, and mentoring young people.  To become registered, you will need to turn in the following forms to the Scout Office.

1. BSA Adult Application (Position Code 58) and Background Check Authorization Form
2. Copy of Youth Protection Training Certificate
3. Supernova Awards Mentor Information Application

To Be Renewed for the Coming Year

Nova Counselor / Supernova Mentors who are on the list for the current year and current Youth Protection Training will have their registration as a Nova Counselor / Supernova Mentor automatically renewed for the coming year.  If you no longer wish to be a Nova Counselor / Supernova Mentor, please inform the council’s registrar to be removed from the list.

** NOTE:  To be renewed as a Nova Counselor or SuperNova Mentor for 2021 you must have also turned in the “Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization” form that National now requires.

Help for Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors

Here are links to guides, training courses and other resources regarding Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors.

Nova Counselor Training Instructor’s Guide

Nova Counselor Self-Study Guide

SuperNova Mentor’s Guide

Cub Scout Unit Guide for STEM Nova Activities

Troop Guide for STEM Nova Activities

Venturer and Sea Scouts Unit Guide for STEM Nova Activities

For additional information go to https://www.scouting.org/stem-nova-awards/awards/