East Providence Boy Scouts Preparing for Pinewood Derby

From the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America:

The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America is gearing up for its second Pinewood Derby competition this weekend.

The Derby will be held Saturday, April 2nd at St. Brendan School in Riverside, RI from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A Cub Scout Pack tradition dating back 60 years on the West Coast, the Pinewood Derby has made its home here on the East Coast. The Narragansett Council, which includes all Cub Packs and Boy Scout Troops in Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts, will be hosting several Derbies over the next couple of months leading up to the championship race on April 19.

“This event is a great opportunity to showcase the construction skills and creativity our Council’s Scouts have learned through the Scouting program,” said Juan Osorio, Director of Field Service for the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Before each race, Scouts and their parent or guardian will build a derby car out of a block of wood, four nails, and four wheels. The pair must decide how to design, construct, and weigh the car so that it is the fastest in the Derby. If done right, a Derby car can reach 20 mph. The fastest cars from each Regional Pinewood Derby Race will compete at the championship.

“While the Derby celebrates competition, Scouts aren’t only creating cars, they are building memories and bonds that will last a lifetime,” added Osorio. “The Derby is an opportunity for Scouts to work on their communication skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship abilities. Most importantly, families get to learn how to work together in a challenging environment.”

To learn more about the Pinewood Derby and how your child can get involved in Scouting, visit: http://www.narragansettbsa.org/

About the Narragansett Council: The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America’s mission is to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The Narragansett Council offers a program for boys and young men ages 6 to 21 and young women ages 14 to 21, serving over 13,000 in Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. For more information, please log on to www.narragansettbsa.org.