IRVING, Texas––BSA Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock announced April 15 that Boy Scouts of America will expand programs that encourage young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
“As one of the leading youth-serving organizations, we have a responsibility to provide young people with new, relevant, and fresh programs and experiences that will have long-lasting impact on their lives,” said Brock. “Today’s youth crave hands-on learning experiences and STEM Scouts fill that need while honoring scouting’s proven and impactful values and ideals. “
BSA launched STEM Scouts pilot program in 2014 in Knoxville, Tenn., giving boys and girls a new way to learn about STEM outside of the classroom. The pilot program helped 400 students who previously struggled in these areas to improve their understanding.
The April 15 announcement extends the STEM program to 12 new areas:
Capitol Area Council, Austin, Texas; Pathway to Adventure, Chicago, Ill.; Circle Ten Council, Dallas; Denver Area Council; Connecticut Rivers Council, East Hartford; Sam Houston Area Council, Houston, Texas; Crossroads of America Council, Indianapolis; Middle Tennessee Council, Nashville; Greater St. Louis Area Council; Catalina Council, Tucson, Ariz.; Garden State Council, Westampton, N. J.; and Samoset Council, Weston, Wis.
Camporee in Tucson
Three days after the April 15 announcement by Brock, Arizona Scouts participated in a day-long STEM Camporee at the Double V Scout Ranch in Tucson. The April 18 event was sponsored by the Old Pueblo District of the Catalina Council.
A total of 430 innovative Scouts selected two of the four areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (one in the morning and one in the afternoon).
In addition, patrols participated in a popsicle-bridge competition, a cardboard boat race, a patrol cook off and astronomy activities.
Photo 1 -- The addition of weights to Popsicle bridges determined the winning Scout team. The winning “flat bridge design” withstood 75 pounds before collapsing. Photo by Doug Wright.
Photo 2 -- Scouts race across a swimming pool in a boat built of cardboard and duct tape. Photo by Doug Wright.