KISMIF.org – Awesome Cub Scouting

Hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s often are willing to help out Cub Scout Packs with getting a basic shape cut out of the Pinewood Derby block.

Whether you have a Pack volunteer cutter or a Home Depot night, having some assistance available for cutting a basic shape out of the wood block (for those parents, like myself, who aren’t great with wood-cutting tools) can be very helpful with increasing participation in your Pack’s Pinewood Derby.

By the way, Home Depot also has a program where they will teach kids some basics about tools, building, gardening, etc. which can make for a fun and informative field trip. Link

Here is something that has been very helpful for our Pack Pinewood Derby. Many parents (including myself) aren’t great with wood-cutting tools. In our Pack we get a volunteer parent to cut a basic shape (usually just a simple wedge) out of the block of wood for those parents who need some assistance. They write their son’s name on the bottom of the block and give it to the volunteer who cuts it and returns it a week or two later. Then the scout and his parent can attach the wheels, paint it, etc. Since we have been doing this, we have had almost all our scouts participating in our Pinewood Derby each year which has been great.