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Cub Scout Derbies: Boy Scouts Of America, Raingutter Regatta, Space And Pinewood Derby

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Published: November 21, 2007

Considered as exciting and fun activities full of life lessons, Cub Scout derbies can create many wonderful experiences for its young members. These optional activities can also instill creativity, cooperation and camaraderie among members and mentors. As a matter of fact, many men who were members of troops during their pre-teen years recall plenty of fond memories and experiences -- from the making of the vehicle to the actual competition.

The history of Scouts goes way back to 1930 when the Boy Scouts of America established a group that was tailored to help young men achieve their potentials as individuals, family members and U.S. citizens. According to the goals formulated, a Scout, through activities and group work, should be able to pursue or instill character development, spiritual growth, good citizenship, sportsmanship and fitness, family understanding, respectful relationships, personal achievement, friendly service, fun and adventure and preparation for the Boy Scouts of America. Today, 819,882 members are actively participating in a membership division.

Special activities such as derbies were designed to help young Scouts achieve their potentials. Derbies can actually help Packs instill these skills and values among themselves: creativity, sportsmanship and fair play. There are different kinds of derbies that can be held, but the most popular derbies are the pinewood derby, raingutter regatta and space derby.

In the pinewood derby, young Scouts race pinewood derby cars, which are miniature models made of pinewood. With the help of family members, young Cub Scouts create these derby cars, giving them a chance to practice their creativity and help build stronger ties with other family members. The pinewood derby is a yearly event held by most Packs. Pinewood Derbies are one of the favorite activities of many Packs because of the excitement these derbies can create among members, mentors and parents. Moreover, these derbies can be held outdoors or indoors, as long as the downward tracks can be mounted properly.

Space derbies are similar to pinewood derbies, except that the model vehicles are actually model  shuttles or rockets. These rockets can also be made of wood, but instead of running them through downward tracks, these rockets used are actually powered by elastic rubber bands and are raced through a suspended monofilament line.

In the raingutter regatta, young Cub Scouts race boats that are either powered by a propeller or wind. Participants in the race through narrow, water-filled channels or gutters. Just like other derbies, the goal here is to award whoever reaches first the finish line.

In these derbies, participants have to create their miniature cubmobiles or racing vehicles. The tracks used in these derbies are smooth, downward slopes because gravity is used to power these vessels. Supplies and kits for these derbies are available through the national supply division of the BSA.


Sources:
"Cub Scout Derbies." Scouting.org. 21 Nov. 2007. http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/activities/speci al/derbies.html.

"What is Cub Scouting?" Boy Scouts of America National Council. 21 Nov. 2007. http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=xx&c=d s&terms=cub+scout.

Kathenes, Brian. "Scouting for Boy Scout Memorabilia." EzineArticles. 31 Oct. 2007. 21 Nov. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Scouting-for-Boy-Scout-M emorabilia&id=811536.
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