Monday, January 23, 2012

It's Pinewood Derby Time!

It's Pinewood Derby Time!  We will be distributing the car kits at Thursday's Pack Meeting and we'll be off to the races!

The rules we'll be using have been distributed via email and can be found here.  Please read them.  Note that a new rule on modifications to the leading edge of the car has been added; See Rule 5 under "Car Construction Rules". Your input on changes for next year is most welcome but we ask everyone to "Do Your Best" to abide by these rules for this year. 

Remember that the Pinewood Derby is a vehicle (pun intended!) for teaching the Cub Scout Values of honesty, perseverance, resourcefulness and a positive attitude.

We're happy to announce that the popular "Open Division" from last year will be brought back, for siblings and parents that want to make their own car.  We'll weigh them before the race but there won't be any "tune up" facilities.  If you are entering a car in the Open Division, bring that car to the church on race day when your Scout races.

We are also introducing a "Most Creative" award category this year.  The Scouts will vote on the most creative car in their den, and the leaders will vote on an overall Pack winner from those cars.

Schedule of events
  • Saturday, January 28th: Pinewood Derby Workshop at the Milinazzo's home. See below.
  • Friday, March 2: Weigh-In, 6:30 - 8 pm at the Greenwood Union Church.   The Scouts' cars are checked for weight and size according to the rules, assigned a number and kept overnight at the church.   Some tools, graphite and other tune-up items will be available but if you have your own you are encouraged to bring them.
  • Saturday, March 3: Race Day!  Races will be held by dens, according to the following schedule.  Of course, everyone is welcome to come at any time to watch other dens race:
    • Tigers: 9:00 am
    • Wolves: 10:00 am
    • Bears: 10:30 am
    • Webelos 1: 11:00 am
    • Webelos 2: 11:45 pm
    • Open: 12:15 pm
  • Saturday, March 17: District Finals. The winner of each Den's race will represent our Pack at the Flintlock District Finals, which are held at the Concord Scout House in Concord, Mass.  Yes, this is the day of the Ecotarium sleepover but the races are held in the morning, so you won't miss anything. 
Pinewood Derby Workshop and Car Design Tips

If you want some help getting started, need some tools, or just some extra design tips, please come to our Pinewood Derby Workshop on Saturday, January 28th, at the Milinazzo's home, 20 Myrtle Ave in Greenwood, from 1 to 3 pm.   A signup sheet will be available at the Pack meeting, or you can RSVP by responding to this email.

Some other great resources for ideas, tips or tricks are:

Please contact your den leader if you have any questions.  See you at the Races!