BSA Pinewood Derby Leader Resources
BSA Pinewood Derby Leader Resources
Section titled “BSA Pinewood Derby Leader Resources”Source: scouting.org — Pack Meeting Resources: Pinewood Derby
The official BSA leader resource page for the Pinewood Derby. Covers BSA’s recommended two-meeting structure (Build Day + Race Day), Race Time Adventures by rank, safety guidance, car specifications, detailed planning timelines, race day procedures, and downloadable planning tools.
Summary
Section titled “Summary”The Pinewood Derby is the iconic Cub Scout event. BSA structures it as two separate pack meetings: a Build Day where Scouts design and begin building their cars, and a Race Day where the race is conducted and Race Time Adventures are awarded. This page provides complete leader guidance including safety requirements, car specs (max 5 oz.), planning timelines for both meetings, race day staffing roles, and downloadable planning sheets and track plans.
The Pinewood Derby is structured as two separate meetings: a Build Day pack meeting where Scouts design and begin building their cars, and a separate Race Day pack meeting where the race is conducted. The Race Time elective Adventure is awarded at the race.
Race Time Adventures (by Rank)
Section titled “Race Time Adventures (by Rank)”Each Cub Scout rank has a corresponding “Race Time” elective Adventure tied to the Pinewood Derby:
Safety Guidance
Section titled “Safety Guidance”Prior to any activity, use the Scouting America SAFE Checklist to ensure the safety of all involved. All participants should be familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Before starting:
- Review Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities
- Cub Scouts may use common craft tools: paintbrushes, scissors, hammers, screwdrivers
- All adults and youth should know proper tool use before beginning
During the Adventure:
- Provide proper training on all tools to be used
- Provide continuous, qualified adult supervision
- Follow all manufacturer’s literature and age/skill restrictions — if there is a conflict, apply the most restrictive guidelines
Pinewood Derby Track
Section titled “Pinewood Derby Track”The pack will need to either build, purchase, or borrow a Pinewood Derby track.
- Build plans: Pinewood Derby track plans (PDF)
- Digital timer: BSA recommends purchasing a digital finish line timer that shows place or speed for each heat. These typically include software to track heats and project results on a screen.
- Without a digital timer: Race only two cars at a time and use an objective judge at the finish line.
Car Specifications
Section titled “Car Specifications”Every Pinewood Derby car kit includes printed rules for car specifications and restrictions. Key standard rule:
- Maximum weight: 5 oz.
Packs should determine any additional rules, write them down, and communicate them clearly to all parents and Scouts.
Timing and Scheduling
Section titled “Timing and Scheduling”Many packs conduct the Pinewood Derby race in January and distribute car kits in December, giving Scouts and parents time to build over the holiday break. However, packs are encouraged to schedule it whenever it best meets their needs.
Communicate all details in writing to parents and legal guardians — and refer to them often.
Build Day: Planning Timeline
Section titled “Build Day: Planning Timeline”| When | Task |
|---|---|
| 30 days before | Confirm access to meeting location; confirm date, time, and location |
| Before Pack Committee meeting | Make assignments using the Build Day pack meeting planner (DOCX) |
| Before meeting | Purchase supplies, including Adventure loops and pins |
| 7 days before | Send meeting reminder |
| 3 days before | Send second meeting reminder |
| Morning of | Send third meeting reminder; set up meeting location, den breakouts, and activity stations |
At Home Requirements (Inform Families)
Section titled “At Home Requirements (Inform Families)”Parents should be told that Scouts may not be able to completely finish their car at the pack meeting. Before race day, they will need to:
- Decorate and fully assemble the car
- Ensure the car is within the proper weight (no more than 5 oz.)
Build Day: Meeting Structure
Section titled “Build Day: Meeting Structure”Gathering Activity
Section titled “Gathering Activity”Distribute Pinewood Derby car kits as Scouts arrive. Hand out the crossword puzzle activity:
Opening Ceremony
Section titled “Opening Ceremony”Conduct a traditional opening flag ceremony.
Activity Stations (Two Stations)
Section titled “Activity Stations (Two Stations)”Set up 2 stations, each led by an adult. Scouts rotate by den or multi-rank dens.
Station 1 — Pinewood Derby Rules & Good Sportsmanship
- Learn the rules of the Pinewood Derby race (all ranks, Req. 2)
- Discuss how to demonstrate good sportsmanship during the race (all ranks, Req. 3–4)
Station 2 — The Physics of Pinewood Derby
- Identify three ways to make your car faster (Lion, Tiger, Wolf — Req. 3)
- Explore friction and how it impacts your car (Bear, Webelos, AOL — Req. 3)
Cubmaster Minute (Build Day)
Section titled “Cubmaster Minute (Build Day)”“Just like in all sports competitions, there are some winners and some losers. In Cub Scouting, there are no losers as long as everyone follows the Cub Scout motto of ‘Do Your Best.’ Good sportsmanship involves winning humbly and losing gracefully. The most important thing is that every Cub Scout participated, showed good sportsmanship, and most importantly lived up to the Cub Scout motto.”
Race Day: Planning Timeline
Section titled “Race Day: Planning Timeline”| When | Task |
|---|---|
| 30 days before | Confirm access to meeting location; confirm date, time, and location |
| Before Pack Committee meeting | Make assignments using the Race Day pack meeting planner (DOCX) |
| Before race | Purchase supplies, including Adventure loops and pins |
| 7 days before | Send meeting reminder |
| 3 days before | Send second meeting reminder |
| Morning of | Send third meeting reminder; set up location, track, and check-in stations; set up downtime activities |
Race Day: Check-In and Staging
Section titled “Race Day: Check-In and Staging”Check-In Station
Section titled “Check-In Station”As Scouts arrive, each car is:
- Weighed
- Dimensions checked
- Assigned a race number
Once checked in, the car may not be handled by the owner unless a race official allows it. The car is then submitted to the race coordinator for heat/bracket assignment and staged in a restricted area.
Pit Stop Station
Section titled “Pit Stop Station”Near check-in — an area where minor adjustments can be made to cars that don’t meet standards. Common issues: cars too heavy or too light. Scouts can also make final tweaks here before checking in.
Race Day: Conducting the Race
Section titled “Race Day: Conducting the Race”For each heat:
- Race coordinator confirms cars for the heat
- Car runners bring cars to the start official
- Start official confirms correct cars with the coordinator
- Master of ceremonies announces the Scouts whose cars are racing
- Scouts with cars in the heat sit in a special area near the track end
- Start official counts down and releases the cars
- Race official confirms results; master of ceremonies announces them
- Car runners retrieve cars, return them to staging, and prepare for the next heat
Repeat until all heats are complete.
Race Day: Presentations and Closing
Section titled “Race Day: Presentations and Closing”- Present the Race Time Adventures using the Race Time Adventure Presentation
- Conduct a traditional closing flag ceremony
Cubmaster Minute (Race Day)
Section titled “Cubmaster Minute (Race Day)”“Cub Scouts, we had some fast cars and some great-looking cars. When you have followed the Cub Scout Motto to Do Your Best, you can always be proud of yourself. Good sportsmanship involves winning humbly and losing gracefully. The most important thing is that every Cub Scout here participated, showed good sportsmanship, and most importantly lives up to the Cub Scout motto.”
Key Resources and Downloads
Section titled “Key Resources and Downloads”| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Conducting a Pinewood Derby Race (article) | Scouting Magazine |
| Build Day Pack Meeting Planner | DOCX |
| Race Day Pack Meeting Planner | DOCX |
| Pinewood Derby Track Plans | |
| Pinewood Derby Rules Crossword | |
| Rules Crossword Answer Key | |
| Guide to Safe Scouting | scouting.org |
| BSA Pinewood Derby page | scouting.org |
Used In
Section titled “Used In”| Resource Used In | Type |
|---|---|
| Pinewood Derby Coordinator | Role |
| Cubmaster | Role |
| Pinewood Derby | Event |
Source
Section titled “Source”Source: View Resource