Pinewood Derby 2015!

Post date: Feb 27, 2015 1:58:56 AM

Hi pack -- It's time once again for the kids' favorite event of the year, the Pinewood Derby!

The event will be held in the pack's regular meeting hall at West Portal Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 14, from 10am to 2pm.

We will have a potluck lunch. We'll send out more info about the potluck the week before the event, including what we will ask you to bring.

Please review this email carefully including the schedule and the rules.

Rules:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A2mmCmeHF3f0RuSHWVHS0GD3RN3Z7aFJ4xqg6o4TU2w/

Tips & Tricks:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tTMf0CClyyFLXPM8IbA6ijrjnVVry29p5abHau_rtV4/

Schedule:

Friday, March 6 -- car kits available at pack meeting

Sunday, March 8 -- power tools available for your use. See below.

Friday, March 13 -- church hall open at 7:30pm to test your car

Saturday, March 14 -- race day!

Race Day approximate schedule (we may go quicker):

9:30am -- hall opens

10:00am -- Webelos race (please arrive 30 minutes before to check in)

10:30am -- Bears race (please arrive 30 minutes before to check in)

11:00am -- Wolves race (please arrive 30 minutes before to check in)

11:30am -- Tigers race (please arrive 30 minutes before to check in)

12:00 noon -- potluck lunch and judging

12:30pm -- final race

12:45pm -- awards

1pm -- free racing and hall cleanup

2pm -- event ends

Car cutting:

Bear dad Marc Eis has once again opened his garage for you to use power tools to help your son make his car. They will be available Sunday, March 8, 10am-1pm. RSVPs required so we don't all show up an once! Sign up here:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4ca5a72ea3fc1-pinewood1

FAQ:

Q: How much work should my son do by himself?

A: As much as he can, and probably more than you think he can! An ugly car made by your son is better than a beautiful car that you make. As a rule of thumb, Tigers should do 20% of the work, Wolves 40%, Bears 60%, Webelos 1's 80%, and Webelos 2's 100% of the work.

Q: What if I can't make my den's scheduled race time?

A: You may race in any heat. We simply ask older kids to race earlier because the younger kids get impatient waiting around for their turn.

Q: What if I can't stay for the finals? Or I can't make it at all?

A: You may ask another Cub to run your car for you. Please let the race officials know when you check in your car.

Q: What if I can't make the car cutting event?

A: Volunteers are offering their time, experience, and equipment for you to help your son make his car. If you can't make the scheduled time, perhaps you have friends, family, or a neighbor willing to help. (People love this!). You can also go old-school and use hand tools. Failing that, you don't need to cut the block at all -- just add weights, tap on the wheels, and decorate it.

Q: Help! I have no idea what I'm doing!

A: This is supposed to be a fun, non-stressful activity to complete with your son. Come to the car cutting event, ask a friend or neighbor for help, look online, bring your questions to the pack meeting before the race.