Race Time

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Race Time is about building and racing your own Pinewood Derby car or Raingutter Regatta boat. You'll learn a little science, follow the rules, and practice good sportsmanship. Win or lose, the fun is in building and cheering.

Why it's worth it

Building a Pinewood Derby car or Raingutter Regatta boat is a mix of art, science, and patience. You'll design it, test how friction slows it down, and learn the rules every racer follows. Win or lose, you'll know your car or boat inside and out, and you'll practice cheering for others, which is what makes race day fun.

Start this week

Get your pack's race rules and read them with your adult before you cut or glue anything.
Sketch three designs on paper and pick your favorite.
Find out the race date and mark a check-in day a week before.

Plan ahead: Race day is set by your pack, so start building at least a few weeks before. Leave time to test and fix your car or boat before check-in.

Stay safe

Use saws, drills, and hot glue only with an adult supervising, and wear safety glasses when cutting or sanding.

Requirements · 5

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

Requirement 1
With an adult, build a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat
Tip: Sketch a design first, then build it with an adult who helps with any tools.
For example: For a derby car, draw your shape on the block, have your adult help cut it out, then sand, paint, and add weight. For a regatta boat, shape the hull, add the mast and sail, and test it in a tub.
Requirement 2
Learn the race rules for the vehicle you chose in requirement 1
Tip: Read your pack's race rules for weight, size, and parts before you start building.
Requirement 3
Explore friction and how it affects your vehicle
Tip: Try rolling or sailing your vehicle with and without smoothing the wheels or hull. Notice what changes.
For example: Roll your car down a ramp twice: once with rough wheels, once after polishing the axles. Time each run. For a boat, sand the bottom smooth and see if it moves faster when you blow on the sail.
Requirement 4
Before the race, talk with your den about how you'll show good sportsmanship during it
Tip: Talk about how to cheer for others, shake hands, and be a good winner or loser.
For example: Good sportsmanship can look like shaking hands after each heat, cheering for every car, and saying "good race" whether you win or lose. Talk with your den about what to do if you feel disappointed.
Requirement 5
Take part in a Pinewood Derby or Raingutter Regatta race
Tip: Race your vehicle and have fun cheering on everyone else.

Talk about it together

What part of building did you do yourself, and what did you need help with?
What did you change to make your car or boat faster?
How did you feel when your race was over?
How did you cheer on the other racers?

Helpful reads

Cub Scouts: a guide for families, How Cub Scout ranks and adventures work from kindergarten through fifth grade, what an adult partner does, and how to keep it fun at meetings and at home., Families · Leaders · 4 min read

For leaders & parents

Host a build night with tools and adult helpers so every scout can finish.
Celebrate creativity and effort with fun awards, not just speed.

People & places that can help

Your pack's race committee — Has the official rules and race day details.
Local hardware store — Supplies for building and painting.
Exploratorium (opens in a new tab) — Hands-on science activities about motion, friction, and forces.

Webelos, Rank · 7 requirements

Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.