About the COSMIC Program

COSMIC was created by the Capitol Area Council STEM Committee to offer current, flexible, hands-on STEM experiences for youth across every Scouting program. The program can add new topics as discoveries, community expertise, local ecosystems, and special events create new learning opportunities.

Where the Name Came From

Scouts selected the name COSMIC from submitted ideas through a poll. The acronym was developed afterward to express the program’s purpose: Challenges Of STEM: Mountaintop experiences In CAC.

Why Capitol Area Council Created COSMIC

Interest in STEM remains strong across the council. The council created COSMIC as a locally supported program that serves all program levels, keeps a familiar award structure, and can respond quickly to new interests and opportunities.

1. A Scout or Scouter proposes a topic that expands an existing adventure or merit badge or addresses a STEM subject not otherwise covered.
2. The CAC STEM Committee reviews the proposal and approves the award for development.
3. A volunteer lead developer and a small working group—including subject-matter experts—research the topic, review technical content and safety considerations, and draft age-appropriate requirements.
4. The CAC STEM Committee reviews, revises, and approves the award for beta-testing.
5. After at least one beta-test event, the committee reviews, revises, and approves the award for general use. The committee updates requirements and resources when the subject, safety guidance, or mission status changes.

Volunteer or Suggest an Award

Scouts, Scouters, educators, STEM professionals, and community partners may suggest a new award, help review requirements, support an event, or join the council STEM Committee. Include the proposed topic, its connection to Scouting, and any available subject-matter expertise.

Suggest a COSMIC award
Volunteer with the STEM Committee

Contact the Capitol Area Council STEM Committee

Questions about requirements, events, reporting, out-of-council participation, counselor support, mentor approval, or award development may be directed to the Capitol Area Council STEM Committee.

Email Jessica Snider

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