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Cub Scout Pinewood Derby

Cub Scout Pinewood Derby

I'll never forget my first Pinewood Derby. My older son was a Tiger. Although I had heard about it, I had never witnessed a Derby before.  I walked into the meeting room and was shocked at all the activity going on around me.

On one side of the room, boys were lined up for weigh-in. The Derby volunteers took their cars, numbered them and put them on display for others to see, but not touch.

first cub scout pinewood derby

Check out all these Pinewood Derby supplies!

About every third boy took his car back from the volunteer and walked to the other side of the room where boys and parents were gathered to make last minute modifications.

Some were adding weights to the bottom, some were trying to remove weights and some simply drilled out holes to make the car lighter.

Fingers were stained black with the graphite that can be used on the axles.

I just couldn't believe the amount of energy flying through the room as the boys worked quickly to make repairs!

And that was just the beginning of the night! This is a much-anticipated event in Cub Scouts. Many of the Pinewood Derby races are scheduled for the first quarter of the year, so Cubs across the country are sawing, sanding and painting their cars starting in December.

pinewood derby design awards

I've written several posts about Pinewood Derby tips and activities. Here's a list of them. Click on over and check them out!

Pinewood Derby Articles

The Pinewood Derby is one of the most anticipated Cub Scout events. Find lots of resources and information to help you have the best one yet!

The official Pinewood Derby website is a great resource. You'll find a nice how-to guide for building your car, sample rules, tips on how to run a Derby and fun facts about the history of the Pinewood Derby. I've also compiled some resources for you too.

Boys' Life magazine has a fun Pinewood Derby page which includes speed secrets, tips on painting your car and pictures of cool Derby cars.

Amazon has a great selection of Derby supplies. They have awesome decals, stickers, and accessories!

If you've never seen the movie Down and Derby, you're in for a treat! It is hilarious! You can read my review of this family-friendly movie.

Yours in Scouting,
Sherry

P.S.  Get more Pinewood Derby tips and tricks here! And if you haven't already, sign up below to get my How to Build the Best Pinewood Derby Car Ever guide.

3 Amazing Lessons from the Pinewood Derby - Cub Scout Ideas

Sunday 19th of December 2021

[…] Pinewood Derbies are a family affair. We all go–even Nana comes to town for the big event.  It's my favorite Cub Scout event, and I wrote about how exciting that first Derby was for me. […]

8+ Articles to Help You With Your Pinewood Derby - Cub Scout Ideas

Sunday 19th of December 2021

[…] out about the history of the Pinewood Derby and how exciting the event really […]

History of the Pinewood Derby - Cub Scout Ideas

Sunday 19th of December 2021

[…] LOVE the Pinewood Derby!  Walking into the room for my very first Pinewood Derby was an unforgettable experience.  Every year, I can't wait to watch it […]

How to Make Pinewood Derby Treats ~ Cub Scout Ideas

Friday 31st of July 2020

[…] shared with you before how much I love the excitement of the Pinewood Derby. One way to add to the excitement is to serve some themed Pinewood Derby […]

Down & Derby Movie Review | Cub Scout Ideas

Saturday 14th of December 2019

[…] shared before that I love the Pinewood Derby!  The excitement of the competition is infectious.  And the look on the boys' faces when their […]