The boy scouts of the the Illinois and Iowa Council get together for the annual Pinewood Derby this 23rd. I was not aware of the Pinewood Derby races earlier, but as the time comes nearer the tension builds up as all the scouts prepare for the final race. 🙂

Pinewood Derby

Pinewood Derby is a miniature car race held by the Boy Scouts annually. Children receive a Derby pack consisting a block of wood, wheels, screws, and some stickers. The real challenge is in preparing a design for the car. Each car has to be according to the specifications mentioned in the letter. Typically, the maximum design specifications for a derby car are 5 ounces weight,  2 3/4 inches width, and seven inches length. The car must be free of springs and attachments as it should run freely on the track.

Before the race, the scouts meet in multiple sessions. The den leaders help the scouts to design, build, smooth, color, and attach the wheels for their cars. Additional weights can be added on the final day of the race. The car must pass the inspection before it can participate in the race.

Initially, the children may be clueless about what to do about the block of wood and what has to be done to meet the specifications. But, as the sessions progress, they gain knowledge, experience and confidence.

Apart from the scouts, parents and siblings can participate.  The entire excitement of building their own car and adding designs and competing against each other is a different experience for the scouts and families as well. It is just amazing to watch how serious families get about the race and winning. 🙂