How to Plan a Cub Scout Pinewood Derby
The Pinewood Derby is one of the most important events on the Cub Scout calendar. Boys look forward to it all year and dream big about their car's chances of winning. For a Scout Master, it can be a stressful time. You can ensure your derby's success with proper planning well ahead of the actual event. There are many details that need to be finalized to plan a Cub Scout Pinewood Derby.
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Things You'll Need
- Location
- Car kits
- Information sheets
- Trophies and patches
- Derby track
- Derby timer
- Refreshments
Instructions
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1
Decide on the date and location of the derby at the beginning of the school year. Call and reserve the location if necessary to make sure it is available when you need it. Most derbies are held at the end of January so the scouts can work on their cars over Christmas break.
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2
Order the derby car kits from your local Scout shop 12 weeks before the derby. Order a few extra so that you have enough in case new members join the pack.
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3
Arrange for the derby track to be delivered if your pack shares a track with other groups when you order the cars. This way you know it is available and reserved for race day.
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4
Make copies of the Scout derby rules for each pack member, as well as any other paperwork your pack requires for derby day. Hand these and the derby kits out to pack members eight weeks before race date.
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5
Order trophies, ribbons and patches for the derby six weeks prior. Ordering early will make it easier to fix any mistakes that could be made on engraving before the race.
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6
Find volunteers to help with weighing, race organization and refreshments at least four weeks before the race. Divide tasks between everyone and make sure they know what is expected on race day.
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7
Schedule a derby car weigh-in a few days before to the race. This will save time on race day since most cars will already be weighed in.
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8
Show up early on race day and get everything set up and ready so the derby will run smoothly once the scouts arrive. Test the track and timing device several times before the race to make sure it is accurate.
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Tips & Warnings
Sell hot dogs or other inexpensive refreshments to non-scout attendees to offset some cost of the derby.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jenny Harrington
