Science Fiction Day

January 2 is Science Fiction Day. This day encourages everyone to pick up a science fiction book and immerse themselves in a new reality. Science fiction encourages us to consider that the world can be different than it is now – better or worse – and our actions will make an impact on the future.

So read a book, sing a song or play a game saluting Star Wars or Star Trek. Some books, songs, and games are suggested below.

Work on a Scouting achievement:

• The Sky Is the Limit (Tigers)
• Out of This World Nova Award (Cub Scouts)
• Reading Merit Badge (Scouts BSA)

Here are some more specific ideas to incorporate Science Fiction Day into your Scouting program:

The Noble Captain Kirk Song

Everyone familiar with the Star Trek series knows how much they like to beam people back and forth the transporter. Sing this song as a tribute to the series.

Use the Force Star Wars Game

The idea of this game is for each player to "use the force" to keep a balloon on a pool noodle light saber.

Dock Your Flying Saucer Game

The idea of this game is to put the flying saucer (a Frisbee) in its space dock (a box). This is a good game for indoors or out.

Scouts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Today's youth must be familiar with the STEM areas - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - to be prepared for the world of tomorrow. BSA programs offer many opportunities for Scouts to experience STEM activities. The Nova awards for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts), and Venturers allow for in depth studies of STEM fields. There are also opportunities for STEM learning in the achievements for each program.