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On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
B.S.A. Fleur De Lis
Pack 17 Cub Scouts
Haygood Pack 17 Cub Scouts in Atlanta, GA

Pinewood Derby

Scouts and Pinewood Derby

The pinewood derby is a pack-level racing event for miniature wooden cars. Scouts build their own cars from pine wood blocks and race them to find out whose is the fastest.

The process starts out with a pine block, 4 nails and 4 wheels.
And becomes whatever your scout can imagine whether it is fast, cool or whatever they desire.
Steps to build a pinewood derby car:Download

For inspiration, your scout can start with a template to come up with a great idea.

A collection of templates can be found here:Download
Help your scout to design their car and have them draw the outline of how they would like it shaped
The template for laying out the cuts is here:Download
An adult scouting volunteer will then cut your block on a band saw. If you wish to do this on your own, you may also do so using a scroll saw or a coping saw

When the car is cut you can file, sand and paint your car then add the wheels.

Be sure to add weight to the car. The limit is 5 oz, and the more weight a car has, the faster it goes. We always have several styles of weights for purchase but if you’d rather do it cheaply (a scout is thrifty) then hot melt glue and pennies work great. Be sure not to put them on the bottom or the car won’t be able to roll down the track.

The short set of our rules are located hereDownload
The full set of our rules are located hereDownload