Pinewood Derbys are for the scouts

Pinewood Derbys are for the Scouts: A Guide for Scout Leaders
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Hello, fellow Scout leaders! Today, we delve into a topic close to many of our hearts - the Pinewood Derby. This event is a staple in Scouting, celebrated not just for the thrill of the race, but for the invaluable lessons it imparts to our young Scouts. However, it's crucial to remember that this beloved tradition is more than a competition; it's a hands-on learning experience, a creative outlet, and a unique opportunity for family bonding.

I. The True Spirit of the Pinewood Derby
The essence of the Derby lies in its simplicity and the joy it brings to Scouts. It offers them a chance to explore creativity, learn basic craftsmanship, and experience the excitement of friendly competition. More importantly, it's about the journey - transforming a block of wood into a racing car and developing a sense of ownership for their work. After all, everything in Scouting should be FUN... with a purpose. The Pinewood Derby is about building character, not unbeatable cars.

II. The Pitfalls of Adult Over-Involvement
In our quest for engineering perfection and fair competition, we sometimes overlook this primary goal. I've seen derby organizers so focused on eliminating the risk of something going wrong that they almost entirely remove the kids from the race. For instance, when adults take over moving cars to and from the track, we inadvertently rob Scouts of valuable learning experiences. This over-involvement can lead to a scenario where the competition becomes more about adult engineering skills rather than Scout creativity and effort.

III. Empowering Scouts Through Simplicity and Involvement
One of the most memorable Derbies I've witnessed flipped the traditional approach on its head. Scouts only received their kits on the day of the race at the venue. There was no time for elaborate power tools and CAD blueprints. These were simple blocks of wood with basic axles, decorated with markers and craft paints. The beauty of this approach was the focus on immediate, hands-on involvement. Scouts were deeply engaged in every step, from hammering in the axles to decorating and racing their cars. It was about their ideas, their work, and their fun. When race time came, the cars all went down the track. There were still winners and losers like any other race, but each scout was invested in their journey.

IV. Tips for a Scout-Centric Pinewood Derby
To keep the Derby Scout-centric and enjoyable:

• Encourage Simplicity and Creativity: Consider handing out basic kits and building and racing the same day. This approach fosters creativity and ensures every Scout is equally involved in the building process.
• Celebrate Effort and Participation: Include awards that recognize creativity, effort, and sportsmanship. Every Scout should feel proud of their work, regardless of where they finish in the race.
• Parents - Hands Off: Beyond safety items, don't let adults perform tasks that a youth should be doing, to maximize their character-building opportunities.
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As leaders, our role is to manufacture opportunity for learning and growth, and the Pinewood Derby is a perfect chance to do this. By focusing on the Scouts' involvement and creativity, we can ensure this event remains fun, educational, and memorable.

I encourage you to reflect on your approach to the Pinewood Derby. Let's make it a fun and enriching experience for every Scout involved. Share your Derby stories and strategies for keeping the event Scout-focused and fun in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and keep this wonderful tradition alive in the spirit it was intended!

Jason Norred
District Commissioner
2024