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What is Cyber Summer Camp?
Expanding on our virtual programs, Buckeye Council, Boy Scouts of America has created a forth season of Cyber Summer Camp with an all new groundbreaking experience featuring exclusive, live webinars with archeologists and geologists. You’ll unlock hidden mysteries by finding fossils, investigate the depths of Earth’s crust, learn about rock formation, and explore volcanoes as you go Beneath the Crust. You can also go Beyond the Stars with the original Cyber Summer Camp as you travel to space with exclusive webinars featuring NASA engineers. You’ll discover adventure through robotics, space exploration, and astronomy. And lastly, Cyber Summer Camp Below relaunches featuring exclusive webinars with marine biologists, shark experts, and an oceanographer. You’ll explore a coral reef, learn about oceanic wildlife, and practice water conservation as you go Below the Surface.
In each program you will complete requirements for a STEM Nova Award, and earn achievements towards rank advancement and Merit Badges. Whether you choose to aim high, dive deep, or drill down, your adventure will take you to new worlds. Can’t decide? You can do all three!
Behind the Screen = June 12 - 16, 2023
Beneath the Crust = June 26 - 30, 2023
Below the Surface = July 10 - July 14, 2023
Beyond the Stars = July 24 - 28, 2023
NOTE: All digital content for Cyber Summer Camp BEYOND is the same content originally released in Summer 2020, Cyber Summer Camp BELOW is the same content originally released in Summer 2021, and Cyber Summer Camp BENEATH is the same content originally released in Summer 2022. The exclusive webinars with NASA engineers, marine experts, and geologists will be released daily, but are not live this summer. Items in the pre-camp package are different though!
All Scouts who participated last year are invited back to complete adventures for their new rank, finish merit badges, earn the NOVA Award if you did not last year, and continue exploring.
NOVA Award
Scouts will focus on earning the NOVA Award and interact with experts each day during Cyber Summer Camp.
By completion of Cyber Summer Camp, the following can be earned:
CYBER SUMMER CAMP BEHIND THE SCREEN:
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Cub Scouts = Tech Talk NOVA Award + at least one rank adventure*
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Scouts BSA = Hello World NOVA Award + at least one merit badge
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Venturers = Hello World NOVA Award + at least one STEM exploration
CYBER SUMMER CAMP BENEATH THE CRUST:
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Cub Scouts = Uncovering the Past NOVA Award + at least one rank adventure*
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Scouts BSA = Whoosh! NOVA Award + at least one merit badge
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Venturers = Whoosh! NOVA Award + at least one STEM exploration
CYBER SUMMER CAMP BELOW THE SURFACE:
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Cub Scouts = Down and Dirty NOVA Award + at least one rank adventure*
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Scouts BSA = Splash! NOVA Award + at least one merit badge
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Venturers = Splash! NOVA Award + at least one STEM exploration
CYBER SUMMER CAMP BEYOND THE STARS:
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Cub Scouts = Out of this World NOVA Award + at least one rank adventure*
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Scouts BSA = Shoot! NOVA Award + at least one merit badge
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Venturers = Shoot! NOVA Award + at least one STEM exploration
*NOTE: Lions and Tigers are not eligible to earn the NOVA Award, however there are plenty of activities and advancements that will be completed during Cyber Summer Camp. For those Scouts participating that will be Lions and Tigers as of June 1, you can participate in the live NASA interactions, experiments, and everything during camp, however you can not use completion of NOVA award requirements to earn a NOVA award when becoming a wolf. In addition, all activities during Cyber Summer Camp are for the Cub Scouts new rank (i.e. Cub Scouts exiting the first grade in May of 2023 will be Wolves at Cyber Summer Camp).
Advancements
To fully complete the Nova Award, Scouts are to complete one advancement, below. The following will be worked on during Cyber Summer Camp:
BEHIND THE SCREEN
CUB SCOUT ADVENTURES
Lion Rank –
Build It Up, Knock It Down
Tiger Rank –
Stories in Shapes
Wolf Rank –
Code of the Wolf
Bear Rank –
Forensics
Webelos / Arrow of Light Rank –
Art Explosion
Game Design
SCOUTS BSA MERIT BADGES & VENTURING STEM EXPLORATIONS
Digital Technology | Programming | Animation
If Scouts BSA/Venturing participants have already completed the merit badges/STEM explorations above, you can pick one of the following to complete for the Nova Award or use your completion of the above to fulfill the Nova Award: Robotics
BENEATH THE CRUST
CUB SCOUT ADVENTURES
Lion Rank –
Ready, Set, Grow
Tiger Rank –
My Tiger Jungle
Tiger Bites
Wolf Rank –
Digging in the Past
Germs Alive!
Bear Rank –
Fur, Feathers, and Ferns
Webelos / Arrow of Light Rank –
Earth Rocks!
SCOUTS BSA MERIT BADGES & VENTURING STEM EXPLORATIONS
Geology | Archeology | Mining in Society
If Scouts BSA/Venturing participants have already completed the merit badges/STEM explorations above, you can pick one of the following to complete for the Nova Award or use your completion of the above to fulfill the Nova Award: Archery, Engineering, Rifle Shooting, Aviation, Inventing, Robotics, Composite Materials, Mining in Society, Shotgun Shooting, Drafting, Model Design, and Building Electronics Railroading
BELOW THE SURFACE
CUB SCOUT ADVENTURES
Lion Rank –
Animal Kingdom
Tiger Rank –
Floats & Boats
Wolf Rank –
Digging in the Past
Spirit of the Water
Bear Rank –
Super Science
Salmon Run
Webelos / Arrow of Light Rank –
Earth Rocks!
Into the Wild
SCOUTS BSA MERIT BADGES & VENTURING STEM EXPLORATIONS
Sustainability | Oceanography | Environmental Science
If Scouts BSA/Venturing participants have already completed the merit badges/STEM explorations above, you can pick one of the following to complete for the Nova Award or use your completion of the above to fulfill the Nova Award: Chemistry, Geology, Energy, Nature, Engineering, Public Health, Fish & Wildlife Management, Soil & Water Conservation, Fishing, Fly-Fishing, Weather
BEYOND THE STARS
CUB SCOUT ADVENTURES
Lion Rank –
Gizmos & Gadgets
Fun on the Run
Tiger Rank –
Sky is the Limit
Tiger-iffic!
Tiger Bites
Wolf Rank –
Air of the Wolf
Bear Rank –
Super Science
Webelos / Arrow of Light Rank –
Engineer
SCOUTS BSA MERIT BADGES & VENTURING STEM EXPLORATIONS
Robotics | Astronomy | Space Exploration
If Scouts BSA/Venturing participants have already completed the merit badges/STEM explorations above, you can pick one of the following to complete for the Nova Award or use your completion of the above to fulfill the Nova Award: Archery, Game Design, Rifle Shooting, Sustainability, Athletics, Weather, Aviation, Shotgun Shooting
The Virtual Campground
Cyber Summer Camp features a "virtual campground" with different areas just like an actual campground! This will serve as the hub for your entire on-demand, digitally delivered adventure. Content will be updated daily during Cyber Summer Camp in each area of the virtual campground, and participants will have access to all content in the campground for 90 days after it's published allowing for a flexible schedule to meet your needs.
Campground areas for Cyber Summer Camp Beneath will include:
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Dive Boat = Dive into Cyber Summer Camp! Here you will find all of the Nova requirements to track progress towards earning the Nova Award, as well as each day’s schedule.
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Resource Reef = Coral reefs are the hub for thousands of species in the ocean. Explore Resource Reef or “The Reef” for your hub of resources! Here you will find daily webinars, in-depth related content, and rich information about oceanic wildlife.
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Discovery Bay = Discovery Bay features STEM experiments that are both fun and educational.
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Sustainability Shore = At Sustainability Shore, you’ll find a daily challenge to lower your carbon footprint.
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Dive in Theater = Take a break and visit the dive in theater to watch educational videos about oceanic wildlife.
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Lunar Tide = Join us for optional evening activities like swimming, field trips to local wetlands, and more!
Campground areas for Cyber Summer Camp Below will include:
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Dive Boat = Dive into Cyber Summer Camp! Here you will find all of the Nova requirements to track progress towards earning the Nova Award, as well as each day’s schedule.
-
Resource Reef = Coral reefs are the hub for thousands of species in the ocean. Explore Resource Reef or “The Reef” for your hub of resources! Here you will find daily webinars, in-depth related content, and rich information about oceanic wildlife.
-
Discovery Bay = Discovery Bay features STEM experiments that are both fun and educational.
-
Sustainability Shore = At Sustainability Shore, you’ll find a daily challenge to lower your carbon footprint.
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Dive in Theater = Take a break and visit the dive in theater to watch educational videos about oceanic wildlife.
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Lunar Tide = Join us for optional evening activities like swimming, field trips to local wetlands, and more!
Campground areas for Cyber Summer Camp Beyond will include:
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Launch Pad = Connected at-home activities. Scouts can work on at-home activities that help fulfill the NOVA Award, but are also fun!
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Mission Control = Core NOVA Award Content. Mission Control will be the hub to track progress towards the NOVA Award.
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The Lab = Selected STEM Education. The Lab features pre-selected STEM experiments that's both fun and educational.
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Dining Hall = Lunchtime Programs. Daily, there will be an optional lunchtime program you can tune into!
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Fitness Center = Train like an Astronaut. Learn about staying fit in a small environment and train like an astronaut in space!
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Dark Side of the Moon = Optional Evening Activities. Join us for optional evening activities during Cyber Summer Camp!
Campground areas for Cyber Summer Camp Behind COMING SOON!
Affordable
We keep the cost of Cyber Summer Camp low - with $30 as the base package which gets access to the digital content. The $30 package is perfect for one Scout, youth, or parent. Purchase items al la carte for additional members of your family!
Save when you bundle multiple Cyber Summer Camp programs!
Order any Below, Beyond, or Beneath package and save $5 when you bundle two packages or $10 when you bundle all three!
Bundle TWO Cyber Summer Camp programs and save $5
Use coupon code BUNDLE5 to save $5 off TWO programs
Bundle THREE Cyber Summer Camp programs and save $10
Use coupon code BUNDLE10 to save $10 off THREE programs
Flexible Schedule
There will be a schedule for Cyber Summer Camp for those looking for structure, however families can complete the activities at their own pace on their own time. Content will be updated daily during Cyber Summer Camp in each area of the virtual campground, and participants will have access to all content in the campground for 90 days after it's published allowing for a flexible schedule to meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't I see my order under "My Orders"?
Some individuals are having issues with their order showing up under "My Orders." That's okay! We have received your order. This is most likely due to account creation after purchasing a package. Similar as to if you order a pizza using guest checkout, the next time to go and decide to create an account it doesn’t show previous orders.
Is the Cyber Summer Camp Beyond program the exact same as in 2020?
Yes. Due to high demand, we are re-releasing our Cyber Summer Camp, featuring NASA engineers and space exploration. All digital content is the exact same as last year. The webinars are also the same webinars as last year. Items in the pre-camp package are different though! All Scouts who participated last year are invited back to complete adventures for their new rank, finish merit badges, earn the NOVA Award if you did not last year, and continue exploring Beyond the Stars.
Is the Cyber Summer Camp Below program the exact same as in 2021?
Yes. Due to high demand, we are re-releasing our Cyber Summer Camp, featuring marine experts. All digital content is the exact same as last year. The webinars are also the same webinars as last year. Items in the pre-camp package are different though! All Scouts who participated last year are invited back to complete adventures for their new rank, finish merit badges, earn the NOVA Award if you did not last year, and continue exploring Below the Surface.
Why can't I access the pre-camp mission?
Only registered participants who have created accounts on HomeScouting.org for Cyber Summer Camp can access the pre-camp mission. All registered participants must also create an account on HomeScouting.org by clicking "Create Account / Log In" in the top right-hand corner.
Can I navigate the Virtual Campground on a phone or a tablet?
You can use a tablet, but we do not recommend using a cell phone. The BEST experience is on a computer. We highly recommend using a computer to participate in Cyber Summer Camp.
I am a Cub Scout, should I complete adventures for my old rank or my new rank?
Cub Scouts should complete adventures for their new/future rank, however for this year only, Cub Scouts have until July 31, 2021 to complete adventures for the old rank! So if you want to finish adventures for your old rank you can, or get a head start on your new rank!
How long will the Virtual Campground be accessible after camp concludes?
The virtual campground and everything on homescouting.org will be accessible for Cyber Summer Camp participants for 90 days after it's published, so you can complete adventures at your own pace and explore as much as you want!
Will my Scout be turning in the worksheets and/or tracking tools?
No. All worksheets and tracking tools are for your use to keep track of what's been completed. We recommend keeping them in case your unit leader wants to see what's been accomplished as proof of completion.
How will my unit leader know what my Scout completed?
We will send a “final report” to both parents and unit leaders through gathering information from each Scout on work done on different merit badges and other advancements and email it to your unit leader. See here for an example of the email to unit leaders. We used this for our Spring BreakOut HomeScouting program, and it was positively received from unit leaders.
How do I get connected to a merit badge or Nova Counselor?
We will offer counseling sessions for all Scouts who cannot find a local merit badge or Nova counselor. To aid our preparations, please fill out the form here to let us know you need a counseling session. If you are a counselor and wish to help, fill out this form. We are in need of a number of counselors still.
Can I be my Scout's Nova Counselor?
Yes. A parent can serve as a Nova counselor for their Scout. See below for how to register with your local Scout Council.
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Must be age 21 or older
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Register as a Nova Counselor (position code 58, non-unit position, no registration fee) using the BSA Adult Application
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Must complete BSA’s Youth Protection Training
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Should complete Nova Counselor training available at my.scouting.org. Log in, click “BSA Learn Center”, then “STEM in Scouting.”
What about a digital blue card?
Through the final reporting tool, each Scout that has a merit badge or Nova counseling session through Cyber Summer Camp, will receive an email from the counselor and Buckeye Council verifying completion of the merit badge. This is then to be sent to your unit's Scoutbook coordinator who will enter it into Scoutbook. IF a blue card is needed, Scoutbook can print one and your unit leader can record the completion themselves. Use your tracking tools and worksheets as proof of completion if your unit leader has any questions. Cyber Summer Camp and the Buckeye Council will NOT be issuing any physical blue cards.
What robotics kit should we purchase for the robotics merit badge?
We recommend you purchase a robotics kit from the following lists. This gives you everything you need to fully create a customizable robot. If your Scout Shop has the official Robotics Merit Badge Kit in stock, you can also purchase that, however it is now a discontinued item.
When will we receive our patches?
Patches will be in the mail in early July, as they are still being made.