Sam Birck has been actively pursuing interests in science and technology ever since returning to in-person school after the Pandemic. He actively pursued extracurricular science groups and the Science Fair, and he started to notice: many of the Arrow of Light requirements he was completing for Scouts included science and technology. This spurred Sam to investigate the various STEM Nova awards offered to Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts.
Sam’s first STEM Nova Award, Cub Scouts Can Code, was made possible through the organization and effort of the National Capital Area Council, which arranged a virtual Coding event. When he completed this and the final Webelos Activity Pin (Super Achiever!), he realized the Charles H. Townes Supernova Award he had been eyeing for over a year could be achieved.
Fortunately for Sam, at this same time Josh Young, a leader in Pack 436, became a Scouts STEM Nova counselor. When Josh scheduled a Nova award eligible event at iFly Montgomery County, this gave Sam the opportunity to earn Up and Away. When Sam saw he could earn a second Nova award – the golden pi device! – he was able to work with Josh to verify the completion of all the Townes Supernova requirements. On May 17, 2023, Sam was thrilled to receive this prestigious award from his Cubmaster Howie Draisen at his final Pack meeting.
Sam proudly wore his Townes medal as he was recognized with his Arrow of Light and bridged from Pack 436 to Troop 1097 on May 24, 2023.
