STEM in Scouting Day Sept. 28

By Rachel Ponder, APG NewsAugust 22, 2013

STEM in Scouting Day Sept. 28
Sgt. Terence Ellis of U.S. Army Public Health Command watches as Zach Miller of Troop 460, tests the pH levels in water samples during the second annual STEM Merit Badge Day. During this event, organizations displayed technologies and innovations cur... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Area youth can learn about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers from APG and other community professional volunteers during the third annual STEM in Scouting Day at Shore Park Sept. 28.

One of the event's organizers, John Gillette, said this year's goal is to make the event more inclusive by opening the program to more than just Boy Scouts. Cub Scouts (first through fifth grade boys), Venturers (male or female youth ages 14 to 20), and Girl Scouts are welcome to participate.

Alex Hutton, Harford District Director of the Boy Scouts of America, Baltimore Area Council, said the 2013 event is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of Scouts on a military base.

"It is exciting because it allows Scouts to be taught by experts in their field, doing some of the coolest things," Hutton said.

Also new this year, participating Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers can earn additional badges and NOVA Awards. NOVA awards were created by the Boy Scouts of America two years ago to help them develop critical skills in a competitive world market while increasing an interest in STEM.

Gillette said the Nova Awards generally take more time to complete than a merit badge, "so it is recommended that Scouts complete some of the requirements to earn a NOVA Award before attending the event."

Approximately 25 Navy Midshipmen Eagle Scouts will join the roster of APG volunteers and Scout leaders to help mentor and instruct participants. Eagle Scouts have obtained the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scout program and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, explained Hutton.

"These are solid role models," Hutton said. "They will inspire the Scouts to think big."

Hutton said the Baltimore Area Council is proud to be on the front end of STEM programs. The first STEM Merit Badge Day co-organized by the Baltimore Area Council was held at APG in 2011. Since then, events like STEM in Scouting have been held at Fort Meade, Md., and several other locations throughout Maryland.

"These events give them an opportunity to try something new," he said. "Our goal is to expose Scouts to a variety of activities so they can become well-rounded people. Through this STEM event, hopefully they can develop a new interest or develop a passion that turns into a career."

Gillette said participating Boy Scouts over the past two years have come from Maryland, as well as Washington D.C., Delaware, Virginia and Pennsylvania. This year, camp sites are reserved for Boy Scout Troops that wish to stay overnight at the Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation, located in nearby Whiteford, Md.

During online registration, participants will pick their top three choices from among 32 STEM-related merit badges offered through BSA. Fields of study include space exploration, computers, dentistry, veterinary medicine, weather, robotics, computers and aviation.

"We will offer the top 13 to 15 merit badges," Gillette said. "We did that purposely because we want the youth to drive the program."

Volunteers are still needed help organize and run the event.

For more information about volunteering, contact Alex Hutton at 443-573-2526, or e-mail ahutton@baltimorebsa.org.

Find more information and register for the event at www.baltimorebsa.org/stemapg . Visit www.scouting.org/stem/Awards.aspx for more information on NOVA Awards.

The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $20 per Scout. Participants must register by Aug. 30.

This event is a volunteer lead event from the APG Community and the Baltimore Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.