The jamboree will be full of opportunities to exercise a Scout’s body and to challenge themselves physically. But did you know that there will be opportunities to challenge your mental capacity as well? Those with interest in a mental challenge will be pleased to know that an award achievement opportunity will be available at the Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR) this year. For the first time, you will be able to earn an award for exploration in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at SBR.

There will be many different focuses in STEM related fields that those attempting to get this award will go through and get know at the 2017 National Jamboree. The jamboree NOVA award will be available for youth who explore many different fields of focus such as constellations, alternative energy sources, conservation, engineering of bridges, flood control STEM Quest and more. By visiting two specific program areas, and fulfilling a few requirements in each of the STEM fields, Scouts will not only learn to appreciate STEM as a whole, they might even consider one of the focuses as a hobby or career path for the future.

This unique award is available for any youth participant at the 2017 National Jamboree. Full requirements are now available as well as a spreadsheet to help a designated NOVA award counselor track the progress of a scout attempting to complete all required for the achievement. Those who complete the requirements for the NOVA award should take that information back to their home unit for troop records and the process of receiving a corresponding patch.