CUB SCOUT FEATURE
Get the Graphite and Weights Ready
It’ s Pinewood Derby Time
Nothing screams Cub Scouts more than the Pinewood Derby. Scouts( and parents) look forward to this annual event with excitement and anticipation.
It is amazing what kids can do with a block of pine, plastic wheels, and metal axles. Win or lose, it’ s amazing to watch the growth in a Cub from this experience.
Service Area Pinewood Derby Info
Each service area has a run-off race to add to the excitement and fun of PWD. These events are just as much fun for spectators as they are for participants. Here are the dates:
�� King Beaver- March 18
�� River Valley- March 18
�� Glacier Ridge- April 9
Check the Council Calendar for times, locations, rules and registration. And bring a camera.
Great resources for your Scouts, Parents & Pack to have a great experience:
Official BSA PWD website www. pinewoodderby. org
20 tips for the best Pinewood Derby http:// tinyurl. com / PWD20tips
How to make fast pinewood derby car http:// tinyurl. com / fastPWD
A Little Lesson in History
The first pinewood derby was held on May 15, 1953 at the Scout House in Manhattan Beach, California by Cub Scout Pack 280C. The concept was created by the Pack ' s Cubmaster Don Murphy.
Murphy ' s son was too young to participate in the popular Soap Box Derby races, so he came up with the idea of racing miniature wood cars. The cars had the same gravity-powered concept as the full-size Soap Box Derby cars, but were much smaller and easier to build. The pinewood derby had a sensational first year.
Don Murphy
Pack Movie Night
Although the movie came out a decade ago, this comedy is timeless. Scouts and parents can really relate to the fictional parts. It’ s exaggerated reality.
The movie pokes fun at the parents who go to any length to compete with one another through their children, a social dynamic seen in everyday activities ranging from little league to beauty pageants to science fairs.
Grab some( Trail’ s End) popcorn, bug juice and a projector and you’ ll have an instant program the boys will love.
90 minutes long. Rent on Amazon for $ 2 or buy for $ 7. Movie tag line:
The biggest race of your life.
Recruit with PWD
How much easier could it be?
Invite a boy and his parents to the movie night, Pack race night or Service Area races and they will be instantly hooked.
The entire family will want to join Scouting when they witness this awesome activity.
Why make them wait a year? Give them a derby car to build when they join. Hold an extra race just for new members. Don’ t forget to give them ribbons and prizes too.
Spring 2017
Moraine Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America
8