Scouting Show and Tell: Virtual Pinewood Derbies

The COVID-19 pandemic forced pack leaders to rethink how to do one of the more popular Cub Scouting events: the Pinewood Derby.

It can be done virtually or in a socially distant setting. Scouters shared how they did it. Some packs livestreamed the event, while others, like Pack 7 of Slatersville, R.I., created a high-quality production, complete with graphics and music.

You can share other ways that you make Scouting shine via our online submission form at go.scoutingmagazine.org/showandtell or by emailing us at scoutingmag@gmail.com.

Driveway Fun

Pack 1015 of Alameda, Calif., used a GoPro action camera to stream its Pinewood Derby from a pack leader’s driveway. Cub Scouts could watch the livestream through a Zoom meeting.

https://gopro.com/v/2Rob8wQ6okMky

Headsets On

The leaders of Pack 876 of Midlothian, Va., donned headsets and grabbed microphones for an exciting production that was broadcast on the pack’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The race featured multiple camera angles, graphics with Scouts’ photos and “signatures,” fun fake commercials, trackside interviews with den leaders, and cardboard cutouts of Scouts in the stands.

A Combined Race

Packs 4044 and 4045 of Round Lake, N.Y., raced their cars during a joint hourlong online event. The production included awards ceremonies for both packs and a grand finale race between both packs.

Just the Highlights

Pack 443 of Frisco, Texas, streamed its Pinewood Derby from the Sci-Tech Discovery Center, a children’s museum. The full stream was nearly four hours long, so pack leaders made a 20-minute highlight reel for viewers to watch a couple days after the event.

https://www.facebook.com/353272861409776/videos/321866885848221 (full)

https://www.facebook.com/353272861409776/videos/128099119093912 (highlights)

Interactive Voting

Pack 168 of Crystal Lake, Ill., incorporated online voting for Cub Scouts to vote by den on their favorite car designs. These awards were handed out at the end of the broadcast along, with race awards for Cub Scouts, siblings and adults.

Live From the Basement

Pack 352 of Kirkwood, Mo., hosted its Pinewood Derby from a pack leader’s basement. Cub Scouts watched the livestream, which lasted nearly five hours. The cars were raced in multiple heats so each racer would have a fair chance in case his or her car hit a bump on the way down.