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How to Make Fun Raisin Racers at Your Pinewood Derby

The Cub Scout Pinewood Derby is an exciting event! But sometimes, it can be a bit long for the younger siblings. Have the kids make Raisin Racers, a fun craft combined with a snack.

Cub Scout Raisin Racers for Pinewood Derby

My pack's Pinewood Derby schedule starts with weigh-ins about an hour before the actual race start time. This gave the Scouts time to make any last minute adjustments if their car was too heavy or too light. That schedule works out really well–with one exception.

It is a long event for those younger siblings. And it is a long event for younger Cub Scouts too.

Some of the parents wind up walking around with the little folks to keep them from running up to the Pinewood Derby track. It's tough for them to manage the kids and watch for their Cub Scout's turn to race.

To fix this problem, we include some activities that will keep the kiddos busy while they're waiting.

cub scout raisin racer pinewood derby activity

One of my favorite activities is making Raisin Racers. I first saw the Raisin Racer on the Akela's Council website. (If you don't know about them, check them out! They're a great resource!)

Although it's fixed now, originally their link to the Raisin Racer printable didn't work. It was such a great activity that I decided to have one similar to it created. I used someone on Fiverr to design it for me. I think he did a great job!

cub scout raisin racer

If you ever need some kind of printable created, check out Fiverr. I've used them for several projects for the blog–including the little guys in my logo.

What I like about this activity is that it combines a craft and a snack. It doesn't take too long to do, and it's inexpensive.

I purchased a 6 box pack of raisins for $2 which makes them about 33 cents a box. Depending on how many kids are in your pack, you could let the kiddos make 2 or 3 racers.

Supplies You Need for Raisin Racers

  • Copy of the printable
  • Small 1 oz. box of raisins
  • Crayons or colored pencils
  • Scissors
  • Tape
cub scout raisin racer supplies

Note: Make sure you get the right sized box so that the racer will fit. The boxes I used are 1 oz., and they usually come 6 to a pack. Sun Maid does have some mini boxes that are 1/2 oz. They come in a bag. Make sure you don't get these because they'll be too small.

Preparation for Raisin Racers

Before your Derby, you'll want to print the page. Simply enter your email in the box below to download it.

Get the Raisin Racer!

Enter your email to get your Raisin Racer printable!

If you don't get an email within 10 minutes, check your spam folder. If it isn't there, let me know at [email protected].

By entering your email, you'll also get lots of other Cub Scout tips and tricks in my weekly email.

There are two cars on each page, so remember that when you're estimating how many to print. Purchase your raisins, and gather your supplies.

We usually put our tables for crafts away from the track and viewing area, but where you can still see the track.

Add these fun Pinewood Derby printable activities to your craft table!

You will need someone to monitor the craft because scissors are involved. ? Scouts BSA members (especially those who used to be in your pack) are usually willing to come back and help.

Another source is older siblings. For a few years, we had a couple of teen-aged sisters of Cub Scouts who were willing to help out with activities like this.

cutting out cub scout raisin racer

Instructions for Raisin Racers

The instructions are on the raisin racers printable, but it really is self-explanatory. Here's what they do:

coloring cub scout raisin racer
  • Color the car
  • Cut it out
  • Fold it
  • Tape it around the box of raisins.
Folding cub scout raisin racer car

Some kids may want to eat their raisins before they make their racer!

There's a couple of ways to tape the car so that you can open the box without tearing off the racer. Using double stick tape will make it easy to open one end.

Another option is to fold a piece of tape back on itself and put it under the flap on one end.

After the kids make their raisin racers, you'll probably see them “racing” their cars, so watch out so you won't get run over! ?

Looking for another fun activity that's also a yummy treat? Make fudge in a bag at your Pinewood Derby!

Another activity that was a hit was temporary tattoos like these. The kids loved them!

Yield: 2

Raisin Racer

Cub Scout Raisin Racers for Pinewood Derby
The Cub Scout Pinewood Derby is an exciting event! But sometimes, it can be a bit long for the younger siblings. Have the kids make Raisin Racers, a fun craft combined with a snack.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Active Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost .50

Materials

Tools

Instructions

    1. Color the car.
    2. Cut it out.
    3. Fold it.
    4. Tape it around the box of raisins.

Notes

Before your event, you'll need to print the printable. Download it by entering your email address in the box that's in the post. There are two copies of the car on each page, so take that into account when you're printing.

Leave a comment and tell me what fun activities you've had at your Pinewood Derby.

Yours in Scouting,
Sherry

P.S. Check out all of my Pinewood Derby ideas, suggestions, and tips!

Jan

Wednesday 5th of April 2023

I also didn't receive the raisin PWD car nor the dice for the wolves.

Kimberly Chromicz

Wednesday 19th of April 2023

Hi there! I've emailed you the printables. Enjoy!

Mandy

Saturday 11th of March 2023

Submitted my email and never got the download. Disappointing!

Sherry Smothermon-Short

Sunday 12th of March 2023

Did you use this email address to request it? I don't see that email on my subscriber list or in the queue or log for the downloads.

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