Pinewood Derby

Each year (usually in January), PACK 477 holds a Pinewood Derby.  The Pinewood Derby is Cub Scout Tradition!

Each cub scout is given a Pinewood Derby car kit, which consists of 4 plastic wheels, 4 nails for axles and a small rectangular block of wood (pine, of course!) Each scout (with help from an adult) can make and decorate a car for racing. Just for fun, we have an "Open Class", where adults can enter their own creations.  

The pack rents an elevated  track (about 50 feet long), and we test out the cars!  Winning cars are eligible to participate in the District race.  Every scout wins, however, when participating in this fun, learning activity. 

To help defray the cost of renting the track (with electronic timers to keep it fair), each car entered is charged a small entry fee.  The 2006 entry fee will be $3.00. This is a fun evening with food available.  Food sales help cover the cost of renting the track.

The rules are simple:

  • Have Fun!

  • Cub scouts should do as much of the work as possible.  Obviously for safety, adults will need to some of the work, particularly if sharp tools are used.

  • Cars cannot exceed 5.0 ounces.  Each cub scout participating will be given a "weight kit" to help get the car close to 5 ounces.

  • The wheels and axles provided with the kit, must be the ones used on the car.

  • Official Rules for the Pinewood Derby will be used as a guideline for the Pack 477 race.

 

 

Here is a website that links to other sites dedicated to the Pinewood Derby.


Note: Some people get a bit carried away over the Pinewood Derby and these websites show some pretty fancy cars. The PACK 477 race is about getting our kids together in a fun activity. 
Remember: Let the cub scout do as much of the work as possible.  We will have an "open class" for adult entries.

Help Your Cub Scout Do His Best