1st Copmanthorpe Scout Group brought a taste of North American Scouting to St Giles Church on 6 June, as young people, families and volunteers gathered for the Group’s annual Pinewood Derby.
A Pinewood Derby is a simple but brilliant idea. Young people build and decorate small wooden racing cars from a kit, usually with support from an adult, before racing them down a sloped, gravity-powered track. It combines craft, STEM, creativity and good sportsmanship, with plenty of excitement on race night.
This year’s event had a real whole-Group feel, with pizza, hot dogs, drinks, cheering supporters and some very competitive racing. For the first time, five Squirrels entered the races. Two reached the semi-finals, and Julian finished in an impressive sixth place, the best Squirrel result so far at 1st Copmanthorpe.
The fastest car of the evening belonged to newcomer Charlie, who took first place ahead of experienced racer Edward. Elisa finished third to take bronze.
The popular vote for best designed car showed just as much creativity as the racing itself. Thomas won with an inventive snail design, followed by Sam’s Yoshi-inspired racer and Theodore’s Squirrel-themed car.
The evening also gave the Group a chance to celebrate young people’s achievements. During the racing break, Squirrels Ethan, Julian and Toby received their Chief Scout’s Acorn Award, the highest award in the Squirrel section. Noah and Isaac received their Chief Scout’s Silver Award.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who made the event possible, including the volunteers who planned the evening, ran the pizza shack, hot dog stall and bar, spotted cars at the finish line, marshalled the races and helped pack down afterwards. Thanks also go to St Giles Church for allowing the Group to take over the building for such a lively and memorable evening.
The Pinewood Derby has become a great way for 1st Copmanthorpe to bring sections, families and volunteers together around one shared activity. It works because it is simple, hands-on and suitable for all ages. Young people get to design, build, test, race and celebrate each other’s ideas, while adults get just a little bit more competitive than they might admit.
For Groups looking for a fresh activity that brings families together, builds practical skills and creates a real sense of occasion, a Pinewood Derby is well worth considering. It can be run as a section activity, a whole-Group evening or a fundraising event, and it is a great reminder that Scouting is at its best when young people are trying something new, learning by doing and having fun together.
Groups interested in running something similar are welcome to contact 1st Copmanthorpe Scout Group for tips and learning from this year’s event.
