Derbies Galore! A Presentation for Scouters with Pack Program Responsibility. Copyright 2007 by Stan Pope

Session Goal Provide organizers with ideas and resources to add excitement to the Pack Program within the context of Cub Scout Objectives.

You Said “Yes!” So, your Pack Committee wants to hold “A Derby”, and they want you to be chairman! What do you do now? What do you need to know?

Competition Scouting: A Game with a Purpose Leverage the natural competitiveness of boys!

Why Competition for competition's sake??? Clearly identify the “Scouting Purpose” Balance the program.

Some Kinds of Derbies Pinewood Derby Space Derby Raingutter Regatta Cubmobile Derby (gravity powered) Fishing Derby Kite Derby

Pinewood Derby

Space Derby Pack 36 St. Marks UMC Northport, AL

Raingutter Regatta a /

Cubmobile Derby (gravity powered)

Fishing Derby 4

Kite Derby

You can make up your own Cubmobiles (push-mobiles) Balloon-powered cars Rubber-band powered cars Pop-bottle rockets (competing for height, distance, flight time, or accuracy)

Pop-bottle Rocket Derby BYOR... Compete for height, distance, flight time, or accuracy

Your #1 Resource! Chapter 6 includes an outline for planning a Derby!

Things to think about 1. When during the year should such a competition be held? Outdoors? Weather/temperature considerations. e.g. Avoid "wet" events during cold weather!

Things to think about 2. How much lead time is needed between announcement and event? Might depend on... ● how complicated is the building activity? ● what materials are allowed? ● rules to be met?

Things to think about 3. What equipment is needed? What are sources? ● Make: cost, storage ● Borrow: ask for sources at Cub Roundtable, check "Resources" section of district website

Things to think about 4. How should the competition be conducted?

Things to think about 4. How should the competition be conducted?

Things to think about 5. What rules are required? "Inherit" rules from a related district event? Should you require Official kits? Or allow Alternative sources? Add-ons?

Things to think about 6. Rules... KISMIF. Clear, concise, precise. And publicize early!!!

Suggested Resources ● The How To Book (Chapter 6) ● The prior chairman! ● Pack parents ● Google and YouTube

From How-To Book Objective Leadership Facility Physical Arrangements Schedule Alternatives Public Relations Rules Judging and Awards Health and Safety Materials and Equipment Finances Registration Check-In Procedure Transportation Countdown

From How-To Book Use the “Back-Dated Planning Calendar”!

Technical Note This presentation was prepared using the “Impress” feature of OpenOffice.org 2.0. OpenOffice is free for individual use through a project supported by Sun Microsystems, Inc. Software is available at