The pinewood derby is the wood car racing event of Scouts BSA. Pinewood derbies are ran by the Cub Scout Pack program. With the help of adults, Scouts build their own unpowered, unmanned miniature cars from wood, usually from kits containing a block of pine wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles.
Parents are encouraged to teach new skills and principles as the scouts build their cars. The Scout should do as much as he can by himself, try not to be too critical or expect perfection. Any technical assistance given by an adult should be fully explained to the Scout so that he may use the knowledge on future projects. Above all else, participating in the Pinewood Derby should be safe and fun. Power tools, sharp hand tools, paints, glues, and other potentially dangerous items must only be used under the careful and strict supervision of a knowledgeable adult. Under no circumstances must parents work on a Pinewood Derby racecar when the Scout is not present.
The Pack’s Pinewood Derby Event is a parent/guardian and child event, and is recommended as such by the National Boy Scouts of America. The Pinewood Derby Committee STRONGLY SUGGESTS that each parent emphasize this idea with your son.
Two things the Pinewood Derby requires each participant to learn are
- The craft skills necessary to build a car, and
- The rules that must be followed. Even more important, though, is how we act and behave while participating in the Pinewood Derby or any other group activity.
This is called sportsmanship.