Science · Technology · Engineering · Mathematics
STEM in Scouting
Scouting has always been hands-on. Across Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts, youth in the Gulf Coast Council build, code, launch, dig and test their way through science, technology, engineering and math — across all programs, at camp, and at council events.
STEM
STEM is part of an initiative Scouting 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. Today that shows up in the adventures Cub Scouts work through, the merit badges Scouts BSA earn at camp and at home, and whatever crews and ships decide to take on for themselves.
Why STEM?
We live in a time of great opportunity. The spirit of innovation can help us overcome challenges and ensure a prosperous and secure future. To seize this opportunity, we must position ourselves at the cutting edge of scientific discovery and technological innovation.
Yet our country is falling behind in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is why many professionals and educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics believe the United States should do more now than ever to encourage students to enter STEM-related fields. These experts say our young people need strong STEM skills to compete in the world market. We must work together to cultivate the next generation of critical thinkers and innovators.
STEM Is the Future
Fostering a strong STEM education is our best opportunity to boost the spirit of innovation. It’s what we need to help ensure this country continues on a prosperous and secure journey. STEM literacy is also critical because it has a profound and growing impact on our day-to-day lives. Nature, space exploration, and any STEM-related interest reveals to us the beauty and power of the world we inhabit.
How Scouts Do STEM
There is no single STEM badge to chase. Cub Scouts meet STEM in the adventures they are already working on — every rank has at least one built around science, technology, engineering or math. Scouts BSA earn it through merit badges, from Robotics and Digital Technology to Geology and Space Exploration. Venturers and Sea Scouts take it further through crew and ship activities.
STEM for Cub Scouts
Scouting America rebuilt the Cub Scout elective adventures so every rank — Lion through Arrow of Light — has at least one adventure built around science, technology, engineering or math. A Cub Scout working the adventure trail is already doing STEM. Nothing extra has to be signed up for.
Adventures like these turn up at each rank:
- Lion — Gizmos and Gadgets; Build It Up, Knock It Down
- Tiger — Everyday Tech; Count On Me; Race Time
- Wolf — Computing Wolves; Code of the Wolf; Digging in the Past
- Bear — Super Science; Marble Madness; Forensics; Baloo the Builder
- Webelos — Tech on the Trail; Build It; Earth Rocks; Aquanaut
- Arrow of Light — Engineer; High Tech Outdoors
The full, current adventure requirements live on Scouting America’s Cub Scout Adventures pages.
STEM for Scouts BSA
For Scouts BSA, STEM turns into merit badges — several of which count toward Eagle. The ones that are STEM from start to finish: Animal Science, Astronomy, Automotive Maintenance, Aviation, Chemistry, Digital Technology, Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Nuclear Science, Plant Science, Radio, Robotics and Space Exploration.
Requirements for all of them are on Scouting America’s merit badge pages, and counselors are listed in the council counselor list.
STEM at Spanish Trail Scout Reservation
The Euchee Tech program area at Spanish Trail Scout Reservation runs STEM-focused merit badges at every Summer Camp and Winter Camp. Which badges are on the schedule depends on the season’s program — the camp program guide has the current list — but there is always something in Euchee Tech for a Scout chasing a STEM badge, with a counselor right there to help them.
Venturing and Sea Scouts
There is no separate national STEM award for older youth anymore. Crews and ships build STEM into what they already do — navigation and weather on the water, electronics and engines, mapping and environmental work in the field — and set their own pace. Talk to your Advisor or Skipper about what your crew or ship wants to take on.
Explore Each Program
Each program page covers what Scouts do at that age and how to join.
What Happened to the Nova and Supernova Awards?
Scouting America retired the national STEM Nova and Supernova awards on June 1, 2025. They are no longer tracked in Scoutbook, and Nova Counselor is no longer a registered position. Scouts who were partway through were asked to finish before that date.
Councils are permitted to offer their own STEM awards in their place. If that is something you would like to see in the Gulf Coast Council, let us know — the contact is below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does my Cub Scout work on STEM?
Through the adventures the den is already doing. Every rank has at least one elective adventure built on science, technology, engineering or math, so it counts toward rank at the same time. Ask your den leader which ones the den has planned this year.
Which merit badges count as STEM?
Fifteen of them are STEM from start to finish: Animal Science, Astronomy, Automotive Maintenance, Aviation, Chemistry, Digital Technology, Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Nuclear Science, Plant Science, Radio, Robotics and Space Exploration. Several count toward Eagle.
Can a Scout earn STEM merit badges at camp?
Yes. The Euchee Tech area at Spanish Trail Scout Reservation offers STEM merit badges at both Summer Camp and Winter Camp, with counselors on site. Check the camp program guide for the current season’s list.
Who do I contact about STEM in the council?
Maria Randolph, Program Chair — program.chair@gulfcoastcouncil.org.
Questions About STEM?
Maria Randolph, Program Chair
program.chair@gulfcoastcouncil.org
